Working on FD, need some pointers!
 

Hey guys... I have a month off in the next couple of weeks and am planning to get some things done to my FD. Now i'm planning on replacing my diff bushes, fixing my pilot bearing and also fixing my clutch as I think i've done a slave cynlinda. I was just wondering if you guys could lead me in the right direction of doing these. How to replace these, how to take the clutch out and have a look and also any tips on getting the transmission out! Greatly appreciated!

Something I had forgotten while seperating the tranny from the engine was to push the pilot bearing (think thats what it's called) forward to the clutch by pushing on the release fork. then when the ring is flush, put a screwdriver between the ring and bearing and twist the screwdriver... should seperate the bearing (a pop will be had and the bearing will slide back like an inch or so). Took me 2 hours of thinking my housing was binding to realise I had forgotten to pop that stupid thing.

Check out the video on releasing the t/o bearing that's in the FAQ.

Dave

Start lining up a machine shop for the diff bushings. I got mine pushed out and new ones in for $25.00.

I'm about to order my new pilot bearing because i'm getting rattling from the gearbox when taking off etc... do I need anything else or just the bearing? How does such a bearing make such a noise lol? How do I take the bearing out? Thanks guys.

Order the pilot bearing seal with the bearing. It's only $3 USD.

As far as how to get it out, there is a Mazda specialty tool which is typically recommended. There are other tricks on the forum for getting around the tool. You may be able to find a local autoshop in your area which has a bearing puller which can work.

Are these the right diff bushings?
 

Hey guys, are these the correct diff bushings?

Doing the same exact thing. Perfect time to change the clutch, diff bushings, fuel filter, motor mounts, renew diff/tranny fluids. As you'll basically be dropping everything off the bottom of the car.

Drop the PPF, cat, Tranny, Diff (trust me, it's MUCH easier to just pull the diff than trying to reach the stupid top bolts). I had my diff bushings put in by Canadian Tire (for free). Also, I installed aftermarket (nylon) bushings as mine were totally shot.

Where to put stands?
 

Hey guys, about to jack my car up but not exactly sure where to put my stands... my stands have a U shape head not the flat peice... and I don't want to damage anything! pictures would be great! Thanks!

Use the frame pinch underneath each side of the vehicle. Make sure you use the factory recommended jacking points though, otherwise your doors might not open correctly ever again! Underneath the vents in the fender should be a fine spot to put stands.

Oh and don't worry about the head of the jack-stand having a U shape, I wouldn't ever trust a jackstand that has a flat head anyways.

Happen to have pictures? The U shaped stand of mine looks far to big for the recommended jacking points... i'm scared the stand is going to go right through the bottom of the car!

Damn my FD needs a bath. Use the area circled in yellow.

Would anyone happen to have pictures of the exact location of the diff bushings?

bump!

The FSM has the locations of all these items and step-by step instructions for R&R.

Whats the FSM lol... not to familar with obreviations... also, where can I find the Mazda 3rd generation RX-7 Shop Manual?

FAQ sticky above. 5th one down. Can't believe you missed it and didn't bother searching for it....

Ok, so I received my bushes today, jacked the car up etc... but i'm having trouble taking the bolt of that attaches to the subframe, where the bushes are! I've used WD-40... maybe i'm just too weak haha. Any ideas?

I think they are also loctited. I took off the rear drive shafts. That way you can access the 2 - 17mm bolts on the side of the diff carrier. Lots of space, you can use a breaker bar or impact gun.

Once they are out (make sure the diff is supported before hand!) you can just lower the diff (make sure you disconnect the e-brake lines on top of it).

After that the top 4 - 17mm bolts are VERY easy to pull off. Change the bushings and you're good to go.

(People have changed the diff carrier with it ON the car, but that's just a bit too much torture for me...).

Whats the best way to get loctited off? Heat it up?

Torque! My impact got it off. Also, I'm not 100% sure they are loctite'd.

Man, learn the way of the double-wrencher.

Bolts! Ahhh
 

Ok... so i've got the bolts off that are connected to the diff bushings... now i'm on the bolts on the diff mount above the diff but they just don't want to come loose!! What to do!?!?!?!

Bump!