I am in the process of revamping my suspension with all new parts. My '93 has 96k on the chassis and while taking off one of the front lower arm bolts that mount the arm to the chassis, the head twisted off. Quite easily as a matter of fact. That got me worried about reusing the same bolts. Most of the nuts looked quite corroded. The head that twisted off was not a nut but the actual bolt head.

Have you guys that have done similar suspension work just re-used the old bolts? My car will be used for track a lot so the suspension will get quite a work out. I would like to replace the bolts with new but knowing Mazda they will be like $30 a bolt.

Thoughts?

 

I've had various suspension pieces off and always re-used. I've never had one even close to twisting. I don't know why you'd have to go back to MAZDA for replacements though.

 

Are these the alignment bolts on the lower control arms?

I'd replace them with some new OEM bolts or contact someone parting out a car to see if they have good ones. The alignment bolts you do want to replace with new OEM eventually as they stretch somewhat over time iirc.

 

The head that twisted off was not a nut but the actual bolt head

Both bolts for the front lower control arm are eccentric bolts. The head of the bolt is only used for adjusting. You are suppose to loosen the nut, and not the head. The head of the bolt will not turn, unless the nut is loosened first. Even then, i cant imagine that you can break the head of the eccentric by hand.

I have taken my suspension off a few times and always reuse all the nuts and bolts. I have never had a problem.