My FD is in the local Mazda dealer for some quick fixes, or so I thought... door handles and a bushing or 2... well it seems that there was more to my clunking than I thought.... kinda sucks being I just got the car and the owner swore up and down that it was in "Pristine condition"

I got a call from the mazda place today stating that I needed both rear upper and lower control arms, 2 tie rod ends and at least 2 more part I am forgetting. When I asked why they needed to replace the whole control arms, they replied that the bushings were not available and they needed to get the whole assembly in order to repair.

Can you guys give me some ideas on where I might find the necessary bushings and or maybe a better price on the arms if necessary? They quoted me something ridiculous like $5,500 USD for the repairs... some of this included the door handle and a new radiator fan. Still I think that is unreasonable... When I went to a local suspension shop I originally was quoted something in the neighborhood of about $450 USD for replacement bushings for the pass side lower control arms....


Would appreciate any help/advice you guys could give.

...and yes I want to chokeslam the guy I bought the car from. : )

 

Dude, get your car out of there IMMEDIATELY!

Worn suspension bushings aren't an urgent fix -- important, but not urgent. Get your car back, put it in the garage, and learn more about the car. Read through the FAQ/newbie sticky. Get a factory service manual (FSM).

EDIT -- Regarding the suspension bushings -- the bushings in the control arms are most certainly available separately, however, the cost of the bushings and labor to replace them might be very close to the price of a new arm which comes with all new bushings already pressed in. The trailing arm bushings are NOT available separately and you do need to either get a new set of trailing arms or get the Mazdaspeed stiffer bushings, which are available separately, and have them pressed in.

 

Thanks, I will do.

I'll go through the sticky now.

Do you guys replace the arms or just bushings? and what does it normally cost?

 

I agree with rynberg, get your car out of there, or buy a big jar of vaseline. I'm most familiar with the rear suspension bushings. Seeems like the pillow-ball bushings are the most common culprits when it comes to clunking. After that, it's usually one or both of the toe-link bushings. I think all are generally between $45 and $55 each.
In addition to the stickies, go to this link and download a copy of the Factory Service Manual (FSM) and parts list (free) to familiarize yourself with the suspension and associated bushings.
http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/
If you want to do them yourself, or have a local shop press the old out and new in, I recommend talking to Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda 1-888-533-3400
He knows the car, has good prices and free shipping anywhere in the lower 48.
You might also try the regional section of this forum for a recommendation of a reliable and knowledgable shop in your area. But I didn't think that suspension shop estimate ($450) sounded too bad if it included labor.

 

Thx Jim,

Yes it did include labor but was for 1 arm, not both so I'll give Malloy Mazda a call, got some good info from some guys here in my area and will be calling them as well for pricing.


Sorry I'm a newb, I really appreciate you guys help.