I have a 91 NA and i'm getting ready to change the lower control arm on the driver side cause the ball joint is litterally coming apart, (the rings inside the balljoint are starting to come out) and the car doesn't even feel safe to drive up to the end of the block and back. is there anything I should be aware of before i start on this?

 

The S5 balljoint is not replaceable, so I hope you have a whole new LCA or one from an S4 (which has replaceable balljoints).

 

Mazda really got cheap w/ the S5... Fuel rails, ball joints, RPM sensitive P/S....its a good thing they're pretty lol

 

yea i got the whole control arm... got it about half way done after work, (taken apart) and most of the bolts off just need to get the far bolt on the bracket off then i need to put it back together ran out of daylight today..


<a href="http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/XtorT_/?action=view&current=balljoint1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/XtorT_/balljoint1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

where can i find good lower control arms for an '89 ?
are there any aftermarket available for the s5 ?
or do i need to make a trip to my local mazda dealer?

 

Dude..get a Set of S4 Lower control arms.the ball joints are replaceable on the S4 LCA's.
On an S5 they are Part of the LCA.(lower control arm)
Going to The dealer will cost you Big Bucks for the S5 LCA's.(remember,that Ball joint is part of the lower control arm.)
Post up a WTB on the Sec Gen Parts For Sale Section Here on Forum..Post Up a Wanting to Buy a SET of S4 Lower Control arms.You can always get a New Set of S4 Lower ball joints.it will save you Big time.
the BIG Plus is: if your Ball joint goes again,.it is Replaceable.

 

Yea when my wife called the dealership about a LCA for an S5 it was over 600, i ended up getting one on ebay for 34 that was in good condition so i'm content, I probably should have gotten one from an S4, but ohwell.. done is done