FD3 Rear suspension joints
 

Hi Folks,

I have recently replaced some of the joints on the rear suspension of my FD3. I have been dealing with my local Mazda dealer. I have still to replace two joints in the lower wishbone arms and both chassis mount joints on the lower trailing arms. It is also possible that I have to replace the inner joints on the upper wishbone as well. However Mazda tell me that I cannot get the joints for the upper wishbone on the lower arm and that I have to buy the complete arm in both cases. This runs to a very very expensive situation. I am located here in Ireland. If anyone can direct me to a supplier for these joints I dont mind paying a few quid on carraige.
Cheers
B.

The general answer is that in order to replace the ball joint you need to buy an entire new wishbone. You can replace any of the BUSHINGS or PILLOW BALLS seperately.

HOWEVER, I did notice that Mazda does list some part numbers on the Mazda Competition website for a seperate ball joint and ball joint kit. I don't know much about it since I have not replaced my seperately. The part numbers are:

FD01-32-240 Ball Joint
8AB2-32-280 Ball Joint Kit

Maybe have your dealer check those part numbers and see what they think.

The only suspension bushings not available from mazda seperately from the arm into which it goes is the trailing arm fwd bushing. Happily this bushing is available from Mazdaspeed (a 40% stiffer than stock bushing). Sadly Mazdaspeed only sells to members of Mazdaspeed. Happily, Cork Sport will sell them to anyone.

Unless of course you are talking about the ball joints on the front suspension upper and lower control arms, which are not replaceable (you have to buy the entire arm, which will come with new inboard bushings installed)

Sounds like you need to call Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda. 1-888-533-3400

Hey John, what is the price on those? i wonder if that is just the dust boot?

I have access to full polyurethane suspension bushings as well, the first for the FD. PM me for details.

-Rob

I googled those numbers, came up with :

http://www.wrex-racing.com/docs/fd/r...%20_repair.pdf

FD01-32-240, is the steering inner tie rod

8AB2-32-280 is the steering ball joint that mounts on the end of inner tie rod.

Oh ok... well I guess the description on the Mazda Comp website was wrong.

Worth a try...

Those are the tie rod ends, not the balljoints that support the knuckle.

edit: Oops, someone beat me to it.

Maybe this will be more useful:

http://www.davidgeesaman.com/rx7/Suspension.xls

Dave