3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Pillow Ball Bushings: What qualtiies indicate that they're bad?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-13-14, 03:21 PM
  #1  
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
ahmadhasib's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Pillow Ball Bushings: What qualtiies indicate that they're bad?

When going up and down the driveway, or driving on bumpy roads at slow speeds, I get a lot of kinkade kank in the rear end. I also get clanks when the gear shifter goes into first gear. The car has 87,000 miles on the body. I wanted to replace the 6 common pillow ball bushings and the rear toe links.

I've already removed the toe links and gotten as far has removing the dust covers for the pillow ball bushings. Need to go pick up those special pliers to take out the locking rings. I am able to wiggle the pillow ***** with my fingers pretty easily. If i turn the pillow ball away from center, is it supposed to center back automatically? Or is it normal for the pillow ball to stay in place?

Thanks for all your help
Old 07-13-14, 03:50 PM
  #2  
just dont care.

iTrader: (6)
 
jacobcartmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 9,387
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
if you can easily move the pillow ***** with your hands they're probably bad. and really, if they're original with 80k+ miles on the car from the early 90s they're probably bad.

i'd also change the diff bushings.

just about every bushing on these cars is bad if they're still original, from what i've seen.
Old 07-13-14, 04:11 PM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
j9fd3s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,835
Received 2,604 Likes on 1,847 Posts
usually its the noise, if you use a prybar before taking it apart, they will have play (source of the noise...), and then if you can easily wiggle them by hand its not a good sign either.

oh and some cars were klunky right off the showroom floor, so 80k is pretty good.
Old 07-13-14, 10:22 PM
  #4  
FD Daily

iTrader: (26)
 
K-Tune's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 13 Posts
With my lower control arm to hub pillows I noticed a big clunk every time I cam to a stop. I was able to locate the bad bushing by putting the emergency brake on and pushing/rocking the car back and forth while putting my hand on each component of the rear suspension. When I removed the control arm I wasn't able to visibly see any slack in the bushing, but it was relatively easy to move the bushing around by hand.

Be sure you install new seals on any new pillow bushing you replace.
Old 07-14-14, 03:14 AM
  #5  
Im a tall midget.
iTrader: (28)
 
Juan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: So Cal, USA
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
New pillow ***** are very hard to move around with just your hand. Worn pillow ***** can be moved around with your pinky finger very easy. You can also test the pillow ball by holding it with your thumb on one end and index finger on the other and move it back and forth. You'll be able to hear and feel a clunk caused by the worn liner inside. It sounds like your pillow ***** are worn based on your description of how easy you can wiggle them around. Pillow ***** are not self centering.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
meximan
2nd Generation Non-Technical and pictures
2
09-22-15 05:21 PM
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
7
09-18-15 07:13 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
09-15-15 04:45 PM



Quick Reply: Pillow Ball Bushings: What qualtiies indicate that they're bad?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:28 AM.