NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

Recently i replaced the shocks on my 88 gxl. My OEM nuts and bolts were rusted and stripped so i decided to hit up pep boys for new ones. The ones i got weren't bad but they had a little black plastic sleeve thats used to adjust the camber. I got them in the first time but today i destroyed them trying to replace my knuckles.

Basically, what kind of bolts do you guys recommend to use for the front struts? i paid like 30 bucks each set from pep boys for those pieces of trash so i'd rather get something good this time

Also, while removing my knuckles i stripped the tie rod crown nut which i couldnt find ANYWHERE so i'm assuming i need to buy new outter tie rods. Whats good? or will the local pepboys/autozone ones do the job?

Finally, while removing the LCA from the knuckle i popped the bushing. How bad would it be to drive the car home like this? Its currently at my dads house about 10 miles away. Do i need to replace the ENTIRE LCA? or can i just replace that popped bushing? Where should i buy them from?

Sorry for all the noob questions but i really can't find any good sites or brands for rx7 suspension parts unless its for drifting or something i dont want/need

Thanks in advance!

farberio

iTrader: (7)

mazdatrix.com

Start by looking there.

Which bushing did you 'pop' on the LCA and what do you mean by 'pop'

NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

I've already checked out mazdatrix and they dont have anything i need, i called up the dealer and the castle nut is 5 and change and strut mounting nuts are like 6 or so. 30 bucks for essentially everything i need. I was just wondering if there were aftermarket bolts that would allow adjustment or camber like the ones i bought from pep boys..... just a higher quality one.

The 3 main things that hold the knuckle onto the car are
1.strut bolts
2. tie rod
3. LCA? I was assume since it is attached to the lca. Which is on the very bottom (could be mistaken for a ball joint)

While using a tie rod separator to remove the LCA from the knuckle the tool put enough stress on it to pop/tear the grease filled bushing. I wish i had a photo for reference but if you've worked on our cars you should know what i'm talking about.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

ball joint attaches the LCA to the spindle assembly,so that is what you must mean..right?
you may be able to get a generic "grease boot"( honestly,I am stuck on what to call that damn part..lol!).NAPA may carry stuff like that.
If not then a new ball joint.
Mazda does not sell the rubber thingie separately.
Part# FB-01-34-550 lower ball joint.Comes with it's little black rubber bootie..
aftermarket..MOOG should make the ball joints too.

NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

I'm gonna guess so, on mazdatrix's website that looks like what i messed up.
Front Suspension and Steering Parts
86-88 Front Ball Joint

Can i get away with replacing just 1 or should i do both sides for safe measure?

farberio

iTrader: (7)

S4: Ball joints bolt to LCA and are replaceable without replacing the LCA.
S5: Ball joints are molded into the LCA and you have to replace the whole LCA

Sounds like you just need the ball joint.

As far as the camber bolt, I found one for my subaru that some people like but if you have really sticky tires it sounds like it will pull the bolt out of your alignment. I bought them for my subaru but have yet to install them.
http://www.whiteline.com.au/product_..._number=KCA412

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

get proper camber plates if you need more camber, those cam type bolts don't belong on any real performance car.

NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

SO. All new OEM bolts/nuts from mazda tomorrow. No BS camber bolts etcetc. Got it.

how bad is it to drive with a busted ball joint grease bushing? Whats the worst that can happen

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

avoid driving in wet weather otherwise the water will rust it out, ball joint failure is no joke.

NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

Am i better off getting it straight from mazda, or order from mazdatrix, or go aftermarket? and again i ask can i get away with replacing just 1 or do i need to do them both?

Really appreciate your quick responses btw.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

I went with Mazda parts..Ordered them and found out JUST after I ordered them that I could have had MOOG parts cheaper.
The Dealer can get the ball joints.( that part number I gave you)
If you do one,I Myself would just Break down and do the other side for piece of mind.(which is what I did anyways.lol!)
You DO not want to Screw with having a ball joint GO on you..
Remember the last thing to go through a Fly's mind when he hits the windshield is his ***..(not relevant but has a Proverbial ring.....)

NYsNumba1Man

iTrader: (1)

Just ordered my nuts and bolts at mazda.... I'll wait a week and replace both ball joints. Thanks guys