My suspension is apart for bushing replacement. What should I do while I have it apart? How do I check the ball joints and pillow bushings for wear? Should I polish my control arms while they're off the car? Any suggestions?

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pedalpusher

 

Get the number from http://www.suspension.com in Modesto and order the complete Energy Suspension polyeurathane bushing kit from them. Arrives in 1 day. It is just over $100 I think for front and rear suspension.

Then go to K2RD.com and order rear toe eliminator bushings. You need to have these pressed in.

This should really freshen up your suspension along with springs/shocks/struts. Maybe a larger front sway bar if it is in your budget.

I took off my front control arms and hit them with a wire wheel on the end of a drum (made them look very nice) and then sprayed them with a clear coat (rattle can). Afer 1 year they still look good.

I'm running K2RD.com coilovers with AGX shocks/struts and the above mentioned bushings.

-GNX7

 

Hey, thanks for the link! That's the cheapest price I've ever seen for the Energy Suspension bushings. I'll remember that in a couple of months when I'm ready to buy.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I originally posted in the 3rd gen section, but the thread was moved. So, I should reiterate that I have an FD.

I'm at the tail end of a complete suspension overhaul. I have JIC coilovers, k2rd's toe links and trailing arms, and Unobtainium bushings. I'm a little concerned about the old ball joints and pillow bushings -- I don't want to have to take everything apart and press out the bushings again if I have to buy new control arms. I really don't know how to tell if they're on their way out or not. I also want to avoid having to take the suspension apart again because I decide to do something that necessitates it in the near future.

Is someone working on tubular arms with replaceable ball joints for the FD? Anyone?

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pedalpusher

 

Grease fittings for the Unobtanium bushings would be a good idea.

The pillow ***** should be "tight". They shouldn't be too easy to move with your fingers. If you have any doubts, you might as well replace them since they are probably worn.

Polishing is a nice idea, too, but skip it if it is going to break the bank.

-Max

 

Since you'll have access, it seems like a good time to clean and inspect all the mounting points for damage.

 

change rear bearings

 

Ok, I've ordered all new pillow ball bushings. So, I think the only bushing I won't be replacing is the inboard one on the lower rear arm. It's gonna feel like a new car when I'm done. Thanks for the help.

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pedalpusher

 

Just got the new pillow ball bushings, and man am I glad that I did. When I compared the new ones to the old ones it really dawned on me how shot the old suspension was on my car. So, put this on your list when you've got your suspension apart! $285.69 from Mazdaformance for all six pillow ball bushings.

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pedalpusher

 

Hey Rob,

Come by so I can take some snaps when you're done. I'm putting together the website finally.

thanks, rishie

 

Hey Rishie,

Once I get it back together, I need to get the fenders rolled then take it to get it aligned and corner weighted. I'm trying to decide whether to polish all this aluminum while it's out. Do you know anyone who does polishing? Preferably a place where they can get it done cheaply and quickly In the end, I may just clean it up with a liberal dose of denatured alcohol and put it back together this weekend.

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pedalpusher

 

Dude, we do polishing. lol. See Miles next door. The price will vary on the quality you want. He can bead blast the stuff and you can clearcoat it if you want. That has a real nice look to it as well.

Rishie

 

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=148548

 

That was the thread that got me worrying about the ball joints on my car in the first place. Mine have 126k on them. They seem to be okay, maybe a bit too easy to move, but they move smoothly. Has anyone thought of trying to modify the stock arms to accept new ball joints?

Rishie -- I talked to the guys next door to you. For polishing all the control arms they quoted me around $450(!). Bead blasting would come out to $150-200. That's too much for something I may need to replace in a few thousand miles. So I grabbed some sandpaper and a polishing kit from Home Depot to take a crack at it myself. In the worst case, they'll just be cleaner than when I took them off

One more question -- what kind of grease should I pack into the pillow *****?

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pedalpusher