The plastic bushings in the linkage that opens/closes the headlight doors in my 1983 rx7 are failing. The dealer says they only sell new linkage assemblies that include new bushings. Now the same thing is happening to my windshield wiper linkages. Is there a way to repair the bushings without having to buy the whole linkage mechanism?

xyz

 

I've never found them loose, only with the rods, I just bit the bullet and bought them, I'll get another 20 years out of them.

 

yep, you can only get new rods, unless you fab'ed something up yourself, and if so, you better share.....Otherwise, don't buy directly from mazda, they'll get you for 30 bucks a piece.

 

The plastic chunks are kind of molded/pressed into the rods at the factory. Replacement is the only option if they're gone.

However, if you still have the inner and outer chunk, I have used some of that plastic steel A/B putty epoxy (JB Weld is too thin in consistency to apply properly) to hold the pieces in place after pressing them back together as best as possible, for the NLA wiper linkage. Still working.

For the headlight rods, this can be done as well as they are the same type of plastic bushing. However, the rods are still available and will probably last longer (and get 'em while you can!). A more permanent solution would involve a rod-end linkage, which should not be too much trouble to fabricate.

 

I fabbed something up out of a plastic bottle lid... I can't remember the type of bottle, but I'm sure youll be able to fab something.

 

rx7.com has them odd thing to break but thats were i got mine.. new in mazda baggy

 

Very highly common thing to fail in 1st-gens.

 

I found the problem is they harden up and fall off... never to be found again.

 

Everytime they see you coming at the Mazda dealership they get the vaseline ready for you Chunky,lol. Hell i only paid $11.00 a side for mine at the dealership. rx7doctor

 

screw the vasoline, lol....They try to hit it dry, lol....I didn't buy mine from them after all, I went online as well.

 

I modded mine up out of Silicone calk. It will stretch just enough. Seabeeescan do !

 

Mines were broken and a friend of mine here in Guatemala made them for me... for about $2.00 each one... and they are working very good...