Ball joint and bushing
#1
RX7GARAGE
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Ball joint and bushing
I have a 79' that needs the front lower control arm bushing and ball joint replaced on both sides. I called Mazdatrix and they said to change the ball joint I'd have to buy the complete arm. I called Mazda to get the part numbers for both sides and the right one is 8871-49-310 and the left is 8871-49-320. When I looked on eBay, it said that the part number FA54-49-320 (left one) fits my 79'. Anyone know the correct part number? Or would they both work?
Thanks!
Allen
Thanks!
Allen
#2
Not sure on the part numbers for the arms but the ball joints are, in fact, replaceable. Had mine pressed out/in at a local NAPA a couple years ago and have had no issues. Used Moog joints. Some people suggest putting a tack weld on them to ensure they don't come lose. Mine don't, no issues.
If you want to replace them you might look into adjustable ones if you think you might need the adjustability. Adjustable ones would be comparable in price to new OEM ones.
If you want to replace them you might look into adjustable ones if you think you might need the adjustability. Adjustable ones would be comparable in price to new OEM ones.
#5
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Mazda sells both, the 8871 is the early part number, and they are slightly cheaper.
beware of the aftermarket arms, they are substandard
beware of the aftermarket arms, they are substandard
#7
84SE-EGI helpy-helperton
A poster here had pics of the damage done when his pressed in joints gave out. I'd buy the complete arm for the nominal increase in cost, as pressing out the old one fatigues the metal to install the new one. Not something I want to deal with on the side of the road.
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#8
RX7GARAGE
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So as j9fd3s mentioned above, stick with factory arms?
#9
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I bought new arms for this reason, i'd rather buy the arms and have the peace of mind that these aren't going to rip out at highway speeds or on a mountain road. I think when safety is concerned it's worth spending a little bit more money.
#10
There are multiple factors when a failure occurs. I would be interested in seeing pictures and knowing the circumstances of this failure. As far as money is concerned, if you feel better buying new arms then, by all means, do so. No one will argue with that logic. My point is $300 for factory arms versus $60 for ball joints and $20 in machine shop fees is quite a difference.
Again, I have been running my pressed in ball joints for almost 3 years now without issues. I did so because of reading I had done on this and other websites indicating it is perfectly fine. If I have a problem with my joints down the line I will document the event for others benefit.
#11
Out In the Barn
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People have had the replacement ball joints come out. This is why they suggest putting a spot weld or two on them after pressing in.
I guess one test would be to see if Mazda ever made a replacement. If they didn't, they did not intend for them to be replaced.
For me, I'll buy new or go the T3 route.
I guess one test would be to see if Mazda ever made a replacement. If they didn't, they did not intend for them to be replaced.
For me, I'll buy new or go the T3 route.
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Mazda never offered the ball joints separate from the arms.
#13
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we've told Mazda for years that if they want to sell more stuff they should put it in a catalog, but they don't see why that is a problem.
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