Does anyone know what the name of the metal inserts in all of the metal-on-metal suspension joints is? I'm talking about those little things that have to be moved every time you take the suspension apart.

I usually end up using some bolts and washers to do it, but I wonder if there's a faster way. Bolt, nut, and a hammer, maybe?

I'm curious if there's a technical name for them.

 

The pillow *****?


Those things? Use a ball joint puller like this:




You can rent one from any auto parts place and it'll press em out much easier than using bolts and washers.

Matt

 

No, the little inserts inserts inside the suspension arm itself where the coilovers, stabilizer links, etc. bolt on. They sort of get clamped onto whatever part is there and when you have to spread them apart every time you remove a part so that part will fit back in.


I definitely want one of those for when I have to do my pillowballs, but we don't have proper auto parts stores in Japan, so I'll have to find that tool online or from a specialty tool store (about an hour away).

 

Oh, the sleeves or split sleeves for like the front lower shock mount in the lower arm in the FD.

I do the same thing- bolt with washer and nut on other end to move them so the shock can slide in easier.

Mazda calls them "sleeve" like FD01-34-701 which is the aforementioned front lower shock mount steel insert into the aluminum lower arm.

Usually when an insert of a harder/more wear resistant metal is put into a softer metal it is called "sleeve". Engine, suspension, brakes/hydraulic, etc.

 

Right..... That makes sense. They're certainly something of pain... I wonder if the FSM even mentions how to deal with them.

 

FWIW I have a blunt brass punch that works well. A few taps and job done. Doesn't take much.

 

Just checked and the factory manual does not even mention the sleeve for the front lower shock mount.

"Installation is opposite of removal."

 

The sleeves are there to prevent the shock bolt from wearing out the bolt hole in the cast aluminum control arm and to prevent the arm from cracking as the bolt is tightened. Hit them firmly with a punch or old shock bolt and they should move. An easy trick I use is put an old shock bolt halfway through the control arm and the nut on backwards, then hit the bolt head to move the sleeve.

 

By the way, what size adapters do you actually need to do all of the pillowballs on the FD?

 

Personally I found the balljoint press a little too fiddly. I'd buy an inexpensive hydraulic press from HF or just take the individual suspension arms to a trusted shop to have the bushings replaced. And some bushings, like the outer trailing arm on the rear, have a really soft sleeve that absolutely must start straight or you'll be buying another bushing. My .02.