Anyone replace suspension instead of bushings?
#1
93 Touring
Thread Starter
Anyone replace suspension instead of bushings?
Still needing to redo the bushings except for pillowballs.
Prices from Ray make me wonder if it wouldn't be better to just buy all new parts (control arms etc.) because they come "loaded" with their bushings.
Seems like by the time you buy bushing sets, pay for their install (not able to do them myself) -- that it might not be much more to have all new parts?
I know bushings often fix problems, but with 150k on the chasis, some parts have to be really worn.
Anyone gone this route? Was it crazy expensive in the end or worthwhile?
Thanks for any input.
Prices from Ray make me wonder if it wouldn't be better to just buy all new parts (control arms etc.) because they come "loaded" with their bushings.
Seems like by the time you buy bushing sets, pay for their install (not able to do them myself) -- that it might not be much more to have all new parts?
I know bushings often fix problems, but with 150k on the chasis, some parts have to be really worn.
Anyone gone this route? Was it crazy expensive in the end or worthwhile?
Thanks for any input.
#5
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (14)
The rear control arms are $1500 per corner and the fronts are $1000 - so you are talking $5k for new arms. A complete set of Mazdaspeed rubber bushings ($1500) and OEM pillowballs ($500) plus labour (~$1000) will total $3k. OEM or poly bushings will take $500 or more from that.
New OEM bushings for the front arms will be $500 plus labour (~$500) vs. $2k for new arms, so you could at a stretch justify $1k for the benefit of new ball joints (which are not replaceable separately) - but you would have to be feeling flush.
New OEM bushings for the front arms will be $500 plus labour (~$500) vs. $2k for new arms, so you could at a stretch justify $1k for the benefit of new ball joints (which are not replaceable separately) - but you would have to be feeling flush.
#7
needs more track time
iTrader: (16)
I did that for the front upper control arms but I am part of the Mazda Motorsports / Mazdaspeed program so they were only about $250 or so each at the time. I got low mileage lower arms from a reputable vendor and pressed in new bushings into those.
http://mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstore...ershipinfo.htm
The decision really depends on whether you are doing it yourself or paying a mechanic to do it. If you DIY its cheaper to do the rears than buy them. A case can be made to buy the front uppers and lowers since you replace the ball joint at the same time - which I needed. At 150k, you could probably benefit from new ball joints on the front arms.
http://mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstore...ershipinfo.htm
The decision really depends on whether you are doing it yourself or paying a mechanic to do it. If you DIY its cheaper to do the rears than buy them. A case can be made to buy the front uppers and lowers since you replace the ball joint at the same time - which I needed. At 150k, you could probably benefit from new ball joints on the front arms.
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#9
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Find Japan2LA here on the forums I bought a low mileage rear suspension set from him, it had toe links, lower and upper control arms, trailing arms and diff mount. If I recall correctly he sold the set for under $600.
Also if you look at my build thread I have some links on some of the aftermarket components that are made. General consensus was that oem will last longer and aftermarket is stronger/stiffer. Ive never had personal experience with the aftermarket bushings but if you have to replace those more often you may not save much in the long run.
Also if you look at my build thread I have some links on some of the aftermarket components that are made. General consensus was that oem will last longer and aftermarket is stronger/stiffer. Ive never had personal experience with the aftermarket bushings but if you have to replace those more often you may not save much in the long run.
#10
93 Touring
Thread Starter
Thanks for the feedback.
Thoughts on buying low mileage everything vs buying new bushings?
I can find several 30-40k miles sets.
My worry though is "age". Even though the arms will all be low mileage, the
rubber is still going to be 18 years old.
Not sure how much damage time does vs miles on all those rubber bushings.
thoughts?
Thoughts on buying low mileage everything vs buying new bushings?
I can find several 30-40k miles sets.
My worry though is "age". Even though the arms will all be low mileage, the
rubber is still going to be 18 years old.
Not sure how much damage time does vs miles on all those rubber bushings.
thoughts?
#12
Lives on the Forum
iTrader: (9)
Well, remember too, the front arms have non-replaceable outer ball joints. If your originals are high mileage, you may want to go the new arms route so you can get new ball joints. No point in paying $$ to put fresh bushings on old arms with old ball joints.
In the rear, everything is replaceable and/or upgradeable.
In the rear, everything is replaceable and/or upgradeable.
#13
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
iTrader: (256)
What wears these parts out is mileage.. As stated in the thread I offer complete low mileage rear sets for $565.00 shipped
This FS thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-parts-99/full-sets-low-mile-rear-suspension-arms-diff-mount-f-s-969953/
Sold many sets and never had a disappointed buyer
I also have front sets
Killer deal, and you will be very happy with the condition/quality...
This FS thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-parts-99/full-sets-low-mile-rear-suspension-arms-diff-mount-f-s-969953/
Sold many sets and never had a disappointed buyer
I also have front sets
Killer deal, and you will be very happy with the condition/quality...
#14
Mission Impossible
iTrader: (3)
I replaced the pillowballs with oem ones from Ray and if I was to replace the bushings I'd also get oem ones as aftermarket ones squeak, unless you lubricate them once in a while, and same for swaybar mounts. Just one more thing to worry about. My suggestion is just replace the bushings and pillowballs with oem parts and don't look back.
#15
Moderator
iTrader: (7)
I just checked - those with a Mazdaspeed Motorsports account can still get them, and the samples I added to my shopping cart are in stock.
Of course, Mazdaspeed Motorsports is quite strict about reselling parts bought on a racer's account so do not chase your friend who is a member to buy them for you. Run a 2-day autocross and enlist yourself.
Of course, Mazdaspeed Motorsports is quite strict about reselling parts bought on a racer's account so do not chase your friend who is a member to buy them for you. Run a 2-day autocross and enlist yourself.
#16
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (14)
I have a complete set on my car (including motor mount, shock mount, differential, trailing arm, and anti-roll bushings) and would strongly recommend them for someone doing a suspension refresh. They are about 40% more expensive than OEM bushings.
#20
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
I replaced the pillowballs with oem ones from Ray and if I was to replace the bushings I'd also get oem ones as aftermarket ones squeak, unless you lubricate them once in a while, and same for swaybar mounts. Just one more thing to worry about. My suggestion is just replace the bushings and pillowballs with oem parts and don't look back.
#21
Full Member
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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I bought a harbor freight 20 t press and all the stock front bushings from Ray last OCT. Best money I have spent. The car is tighter and no more clunks upon braking. The pressing was easy but I did have to put one of the lowers in the freezer. Now I still have the press to do the rears.
#22
Mission Impossible
iTrader: (3)
Although the Delrin ones may make noise, this is not true for ALL aftermarket bushings--- I've had my Superpro bushings for many years now without one squeak or any other noise for that matter. You do lubricate them upon install as part of the process, but after that they're good to go..... and silent
#24
SideWayZ The Only Way
iTrader: (11)
Although the Delrin ones may make noise, this is not true for ALL aftermarket bushings--- I've had my Superpro bushings for many years now without one squeak or any other noise for that matter. You do lubricate them upon install as part of the process, but after that they're good to go..... and silent