Fatman0203

I know not to trust any dealer with the motor, but I want to replace all my wheel bearings ( they seem to be shot) so I was wondering, other than motor. Can a Mazda dealer be trusted for everything else?

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Shouldn't be a problem, or you could take the time to learn and do it yourself.

Fatman0203

Well I went over the shop manual and saw a 500lb bench press I dont have one. Honestly I rather do motor work than suspension and drivetrain.

ObliqueFD

iTrader: (32)

I think they can be trusted. All shops are different though. I was weary at first, but they did really well when they replaced my oil pan gasket, driveshaft, and rear main seal.

Fatman0203

Alright Sounds good, I guesse I'll ask on the SE forums for a good one in the area.

vchacon

I would recommend that you ask around about the dealer and maybe check out the BBB to see if they have any serious complaints. If things check out then it should be alright.

adam c

iTrader: (2)

The work done on your car is only as good as the mechanic doing the work. Ask who will be working on your car. Is he certified? Don't take your car anywhere that will have a "rookie" working on it.

Fatman0203

Whats the BBB?

BLKTOPTRVL

I did my (right front) bearing and it took all of 15 minutes...
(1) Get the car in the air,
(2) Remove the tires
(3) Remove the calipers
(4) Remove the disk
(5) Remove the two screws holding the disk and the bearing cartridge together.
(6) Swap in the new bearing,
(7) Reverse...

You will need an impact driver to remove the screws (I took mine to sears and they removed them for free). No press is needed for the front bearings.

Be sure to buy a new brass (?) nut from the dealer first.

ObliqueFD

iTrader: (32)

Better Business Bureau

x X CLoud X x

u rather bring the car to a blind guy then the dealer

rotary-tt

Been bringing my Mazda's to the dealer ever since 1986. No issue with them. They even did my aluminum flywheel...

White94RX

It really depends on the dealer, and wether or not they have worked on many RX-7's. A lot of dealerships have only 1 or 2 mechanics trained and certified to work on RX-7's, so they wouldn't give your car to a newbie. You just have to find a dealer/mechanic that knows what he's doing, and one you can trust not to fukk anything up, or go joyriding.

Or just bring it down here to Atlanta (actually Marietta, just north of Atl) and have Mazcare work on it. Yeah, they are a little pricey, but in my opinion, they are hands-down, no question, the best shop when it comes to RX's. First time I've ever seen more than two FD's at the same place. You know they HAVE to be good when there's like 5 FD's, and 3 FC's in the parking lot.

FormerPorscheGuy

Why do you want to take it to a dealer and have them charge you three times as much as a regular mechanic will for the same work? There is nothing special about wheel bearings, any good mechanic should be able to do them.

This is what I would do in your situation. First, find a decent mechanic that is willing to do the bearings. Most are willing to do non-engine related repairs. Order the parts needed from Ray Crowe and then have that mechanic install them.

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

Not to make you more paranoid about taking your car somewhere.. But I have heard about mechanics test driving FD's and getting into wrecks.. If i was you, I would bring a nice long book or office work and wait for your car to be done.. Unless you trust the mechanic or the service rep..

elmo908

it is really easy to replace bearings, you can get a wheel bearing grease packer too to keep it a little cleaner. It cost me 30 to do it my self so tell me how much it costs from the dealer if you do it that way.

Fatman0203

Actually I have a personal mechanic that I use for ALL my vehicles (he even did the A/C on the 7) so I guesse he should be able to handle it. Very good input guys.