Hey there fellas, from what I've read, a lot of people talk about clunking from the back. Sadly, I have clunking from the front, both sides I think. It only happens when I hit the brake to slow down. I know that I have to jack it up and look up in there but any suggestions on what I need to look at? I called Ray at Malloy to try and order pillow *****, but he said that it might not be the problem. If you guys can hook me up with any suggestions on what to look at I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

 

Dale Clark did an excellent write up on the installation. You can see it here

http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=32&mnu=5

 

Thanks BackyardSog, but if I read Dale's write up right, he's talking about "clunking from the back", I have clunking from the front.

 

I'm in a similar situation here. I think its either the ball joints or the bushings on the Lower Control Arms. The ball joints are not fixable by themselves so one needs to replace the entire control arm to fix that.

 

So you think the control arms are the culprit gracer7-rx7? Have you priced how much they cost???

 

Ball joints are easy to check. Tie rod ends can make noise under braking as well.

New control arms aren't cheap - I was quoted a little over $1500 for all four from Malloy. Try to find used ones in good shape if you end up needing to replace any.

 

I would look at the tie rod ends, wheel bearings and brake caliper mount for any play.

 

-------------->https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/brake-question-604801/
Check my post (last one) in this thread. Read through it and see if it sounds like what you have. If this is your problem, the 'fix' described has worked for me for the last 3+ years with no issues. The author says that he only used two washers, one on each side. I used four, one at each of the upper 'A' arms bushings on both sides. They act as spacers to stop the movement. Easy, cheap and effective.

 

I wish I knew this trick before. A few years ago, I ended up buying a second-hand replacement A-arm for about 150 bucks from Mazda Recycling.

 

Thanks for all the inputs. I'll try to work on it this weekend if I have the time. Thanks again.

 

One other thought IF this ends up being the source of your clunking....
At the risk of stating the obvious, make sure that you put the washers on the same side of the 'A' arm bushings on both sides. IIRC, I put them on the front on both sides. I'm not sure it makes any difference, front or back side, since the goal is just as a spacer to prevent movement. Just be sure it's the same on both sides. Otherswise it could upset your alignment.

 

there isn't anyway to replace just the balljoint on these CA's? no aftermarket fixes? are there aftermarket CA's that are even worth looking into?

kinda sucks to have to drop ~1500 bucks when the balljoints go out.