Recently, I jacked up the car to have a better look at the exhaust. As I was about to let her down, I noticed that the drivers side anti-rollbar endlink no longer is one piece, but in 2 parts. So, this would explain the light clunking I heard whilst transitioning from a RH to a LH turn. It appears that the link simply rusted, and would have to be welded or replaced. I prefer the latter.

Should I get a replacement from Mazda, or simply get an aftermarket link, OR a front + rear anti-rollbar set. Any input is welcomed.

In addition, I noticed as well that the steering device that bolts to the unibody rail on the passenger side (not sure of the name) has massive play in it. Not the kind of play that will cause it to seperate, but still far from optimal. Is it worth fixing (what is the name?), or better to install a VW rack...?

 

Most likely you should go with an aftermarket endlink. They use polyurethane vs rubber and will give you a stiffer front end and last longer. Alot of people on this forum are using the stock sway bar, and alot have simply pulled off the sway bar, hence you wouldn't have to buy rear endlinks. Do some searching on that topic and you can choose that.

The steering device your talking about is the idle arm. Two bushing located on the top and bottom of the housing are a common replacement item. You can get them through mazdatrix VB or most mazda dealers actually carry them on hand. They're cheap, almost like a maintenace as you would your oil plugs etc.

 

Thanks for the info Gavin. Where is a good place to snag the poly busings? I will pretty much need the whole rod assembly.

 

www.mazdatrix.com www.victoriabritish.com (need to get a catalog first), http://www.suspension.com/mazda.htm
www.p-s-t.com

 

I did the same thing. Made it into an excuse to get the RB Front Sway bar, lol. I just went down to the local parts store and got Energy Suspension end links, I think you just have to measure the length of the center section to get the right one. It's all on the back of the box, if I remember right.

 

Not to hyjack, but I just pulled the broken one out of my car on the weekend.

Should the linkages be replaced in pairs?

The Left front is broken, should I replace rigth front as welll?

 

Are you guys talking about the front links, or the rear links?

In any case, when you replace the stabilizer bar bushings or end-links, they should be replaced in pairs on each side. If you only replace one side, you've just made the other side the weak link, and they will quickly be destroyed with the additional force applied to the old parts. To be safe, if you upgrade both sides at the same time, you won't have to worry about this.

As for poly bushings, I'm a big fan of these and have added the following;

Radius Arm bushings
Front Stabilizer bar bushings
Rear Stabilizer bar bushings
Front end-link bushings
Rear end-link bushings (Koni adjustable rear bar)
Lower control arms (w/new rubber bushings for ride comfort)

Makes a huge difference in ride quality when you put the extra effort into doing the job right. HTH,

 

Front link Longduck. Good info guys

 

Thanks Longduck

Ya it's the front one I snaped