Rich,

I assume you have upgraded your engine mounts and diff bushings, correct? At what mileage did you do so?

I bet the stock pillowballs and rear bushings would last twice to three times as long with stronger diff mounts and engine mounts. They dramatically tighten the rear suspension, and I am sure that prolongs the life of all the other bushings. I can't imagine how little time it would take to wear out a little pillowball if the big diff mounts or engine mounts are shot. That is probably why most peole end up doing them all at the same time...

Coincidentally right after I got my car the odometer went out (add that to the list) and so I got a new one from Mazda...my car reads only the mileage I have put on the car (2,xxx some odd...) So I will know exactly how long my pillowballs last with a new PPF and urethane diff and engine mounts since I replaced them all in the first 800 or so miles.

 

silly question- how can you tell if they're bad?
Does the car not roll as smoothly? Or do you hear some kind of noise when you go over a bump?

 

Just about 80k on my car (with track miles too but no drag racing). While there are no real clunks or squeaks, I do know the pillow ***** are ready to be replaced. I checked their play and its time. I've had a set of new ones in the garage waiting to go on for about year.

 

Yup, although many are fairly recent, mileage-wise----new Gotham poly motor mounts about 10k miles ago, new rx7.com diff bushings about 500 miles ago, and a KG diff brace about 12k miles ago. I have basically zero drivetrain movement.

 

Between my years spent in the Field Artilery with the M109A6 and my new full 4 inch turboback exhaust, you might be right Adam

 

I've had my FD less than two months, mileage is estimated at ~100K (speedo didn't work when I got it) and mine are shot. I called Ray Crowe Tuesday and ordered six bushings & 12 seals, $360 shipped.

 

102k and nothin clunkin yet

 

145 K MILES and I hear a clunk when the car is backed up after sitting for a day or two .I have new pillerballs in the drawer and I plan on making the bushings on the lathe ,when the time comes .

 

When I replaced all 6 of mine, there were still 3 that were solid and in good shape. I replaced them with the new ones anyway cause I had already bought them. I still have them if anyone has a couple they need to replace...and wants to go a cheap route...I would give them away for free provided someone pays me shipping.

 

shameless plug ;o)

 

Is this Ray Crowe's email addy?

 

yup.

 

Yes. But if he doesn't have your payment info on file then you'll still need to call for that.

 

112k on mine and the **** sounds like its gonna fall apart

 

With all the time I spend on race tires I go through a set of pillowballs every 2-3 years. The pillowballs have to handle all of the reaction from the rear brakes as well as absorb the cornering loads. In my case lots of time at higher g and sticky rubber undoubtedly stresses them much more highly and shortens their lifespan.

 

I first started to get clunks at about 37k miles from one pillowball. Then they all started getting noisy at around 60k; at around 100k it was falling apart.

Replacing the pillowballs really tightened the car up and is highly recommended for handling, not to mention noise. Pillowballs should be considered for routine 60k maintenace replacement.

 

Clunk, clunk, clunk. Mine have been bad since 10k ago at 126k.

 

I have 50k on mine and it clunks.

 

no clunks on my car at 70 odd k, but when i replaced them i did notice a difference - albeit only when drifting. Replacing them made the car feel mroe direct, and in second gear rolling burnouts the rear stopped trying to overtake the front so much.

 

When I bought my car with 44k miles there was a little clunking. Now 6k miles later, it is significant. New pillowballs are sitting in my garage waiting to go in.

 

At 105K still running on the originals and no clunks. I've only done about ten two-day HPDE's, and the monthly SCCA autox.

:-) neil

 

Mine started to clunk at 58k miles.

 

71k on stockers and no problems.

 

112K, No creaks or other noises -- unless I overload the car -- which is not hard to do. Two 'slightly more than average sized' Americans, a full tank, and some stuff in the hatch can easilly top the car limit. When that happens, I hear the creaking at low speed (in gas stations and such). I image the noise is still there at speed, but all the other noises probably mask it.

 

What suspension does everyone have? Touring, R1, after market?