I recently removed the left rear knuckle from the swing arm to replace the wheel bearing. The two bolts that go through the bushings on the swing arm came out fine but I had quite a time with the lower bolt that goes through the one bushing that is actually on the knuckle. That bolt threads into a tapping on the swing arm. The bolt was seized to the sleeve in the bushing and the sleeve spun during removal destroying the bushing. I figured I would just order a new bushing and be done with it. The problem is that I can't identify the bushing in any of the parts catalogs that I have. I went to my closest Mazda dealer in Concord, NH and he told me that it was not a replaceable part and I would have to buy a complete left rear knuckle ($456.00) if one was available. I asked Bottoroff25 about it in the suspension forum and he suggested that I come here in hopes that one of the members or moderators help me out. Can this bushing be replaced ? What is it called ? Where can I get one ?
Thanks,
Dick

 

The part IS replaceable, and Mazda dealers can still get it without ordering the entire hub. Whatever idiot told you that just doesn't know how to read the shop manual. It's called a "washer, sleeve - rear brake" PN 26-132. Prefix may be FB01- or FC01 depending on where the dealer looks for it (local warehouse or not). The rubber washers are called "rubber seat-bearing housing" PN 26-4108. You can find this info in the chassis section of www.iluvmyrx7.com if you want to look at the diagrams. I printed it out and showed the dealer who told me he had never heard of rear steering on a Mazda. He believed me when I took him for a ride in my car though - my bushings were TOAST!

But don't do it - there's a better way. Look at the "toe eliminator bushings" on www.mazdatrix.com and you will see they replace the old bushing with a better idea. I had the same problem as you, and when I put it back together with the stock bushings the car would get squirelly under torque (my car makes a lot so it was pretty bad). I swapped to the toe eliminators and now it launches hard and straight. And at $40 plus shipping, it's a dirt cheap solution. It will take a couple hours because you need to press out the old bushing cups, but you CAN do this without having to get a shop to do it for you. I used an impact socket and a dead-blow hammer, with a buddy holding the hubs still.

 

Thank you very much for the much needed info. Dick

 

Glad I could help.