HOW TO: Remove/Replace Suspension Bushings
#127
Super Snuggles
Thread Starter
#129
Super Snuggles
Thread Starter
Ray Crowe
Parts Manager
Malloy Mazda
(888) 533-3400
#133
Super Snuggles
Thread Starter
The bottom of page R-38 shows removal and replacement of the "bushing". Although they don't specify it as the trailing link, you can tell by the shape of the arm in the pictures.
Are those arms symmetrical?
#134
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sterling, VA
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also, I installed mine with the "lip" towards the center of the car. Is that the correct orientation? The FSM doesn't specify which direction it should face, but the drawing sorta looks like the lip goes towards the outside of the car, not the center. I wonder what difference it makes, if any, because the bushing appears to be symmetrical otherwise.
#135
Super Snuggles
Thread Starter
Jim, what's the difference between the "hard" and "normal" trailing arms? From talking to Ray Crowe, I know Mazda does not offer the trailing arm bushings separately - you have to buy the whole arm to get a new OEM bushing. Is the bushing the only difference between the two parts?
Also, I installed mine with the "lip" towards the center of the car. Is that the correct orientation? The FSM doesn't specify which direction it should face, but the drawing sorta looks like the lip goes towards the outside of the car, not the center. I wonder what difference it makes, if any...
#136
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Jim, what's the difference between the "hard" and "normal" trailing arms? From talking to Ray Crowe, I know Mazda does not offer the trailing arm bushings separately - you have to buy the whole arm to get a new OEM bushing. Is the bushing the only difference between the two parts?
When I took my trailing arms out - lip were facing outside of the car. I will put it back that way also it doesn't seem to make any difference.
#138
Super Snuggles
Thread Starter
#140
Lives on the Forum
Mazda Motorsports members can buy slightly firmer than stock trailing arm bushings. The part number is available, I know I've listed it here on this site several times.
#146
FD MR2 ST
iTrader: (1)
Alternative way to press out upper control arm bushings
Here's a close-up from the other side. As you can see, I'm using the 1/2" drive Pittsburgh 32mm socket for these bushings.
By holding the control arm with one hand (which isn't going anywhere until pressure is released) and working the bottle jack with the other, you eliminate the damage that could be caused to the suspension component when the bushing pops free.
These bushings are a very tight fit and will suddenly come loose with a loud pop after seemingly going nowhere. Take it slow and easy and apply steady pressure to them until they pop. The bar being pushed on stays right on top of the socket and nothing came flying off the press in all four I did last week, but use proper safety precautions and wear a bulletproof vest anyway if you try this at home.
By holding the control arm with one hand (which isn't going anywhere until pressure is released) and working the bottle jack with the other, you eliminate the damage that could be caused to the suspension component when the bushing pops free.
These bushings are a very tight fit and will suddenly come loose with a loud pop after seemingly going nowhere. Take it slow and easy and apply steady pressure to them until they pop. The bar being pushed on stays right on top of the socket and nothing came flying off the press in all four I did last week, but use proper safety precautions and wear a bulletproof vest anyway if you try this at home.
This thread has been incredibly helpful, so I just wanted to do my part to add to it. Thanks!
The following users liked this post:
scotty305 (07-13-23)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post