Bushings!
 

I have been reading a little here and there about bushings for the FD. My FD has ~65k miles on it and I've noticed that the rear end feels vague and a little sloppy like the bushings and pillow balls are shot, which I'm sure they are.

I'm hoping to replace all the bushings and pillow balls this summer. So first would be have any of ya'll done this removal/install yourself? If so what kind of a job am I looking at, I imagine a week or two working here and there after work? Also, I have all the tools to remove components and what not, but I imagine I'd need to find a press somewhere to push new bushings in?

Second I'd like to hear your opinions on what kind of bushings you have installed on your car. My car is primarily street driven with the occasional auto-x. From what I have read it seems like Super Pro would be the best for my application. So if you have any suggestions about what kind of bushings to install i'd appreciate those as well.

Thanks in advance!

I went with Delrin bushings, still sitting in a box somewhere around here. I have heard that the superpro give a little less vibration, but I don't hear many people complaining about the Delrin.

You don't need a press, but it will make life easier. I got a quote from a local machine shop to push all the bushings in for $75.

PillowBall DIY Thread:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html


JimLab has a nice write up as well. Maybe someone will post it for you.


~M~

Delrin... But I kind of want to try out some Suprpros. Its bit noisier.. and I also heard that Suprpros are bit better..

You definitely need a press if you are going to do it yourself. I bought a Mazda SST that help with pushing out and in the bushing and made things much easier.. If you don't have some of these it might be slightly tougher..

I have done both the pillow balls and diff bushings and I agree that a press makes the job much easier. Neither job is too difficult although I had some issue getting my diff bushings carrier off (hard to get leverage on the 17mm bolts on top). I replaced my diff bushings with the Superpros (a couple of years ago) and I have been very happy. No drive train noise transmitted to the cabin.

I sourced my OEM pillow balls, and dust covers, from Ray at Malloy 888.533.3400. His number should be in your speed dial for all OEM parts.

Good luck.

and his email...

hmkparts@aol.com just put "ATTN: Ray Crowe" in the subject. :icon_tup:

Check out my thread

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_foru...ead.php?t=6823

I did those bushings all with a ball joint tool and didnt need a press.

I hear the delrins can transfer some vibration and definitely cause more road noise, so I prefer the Superpros as they won't, but are still stiffer and more durable than stock. The Mazdaspeed bushings are nice too, but they are pricier than the Superpros.

I've done a full set of bushings also, and they can be done with the ball joint tool also, or with a press.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...50ulx/LIGU.jpg

I have a press and have put in stock sets and the white ones .I sandblast the parts and remove any dents and dings so cracks will not start . I made the parts to press with out of nylon instead of metal so no damage can be done to the new parts . I will do this by the hour so I can not give a price .

So i'm pretty sure that i'm going to go with SuperPro bushings. It seems that they provide the best balance of performance and streetability, which is key as this is a mostly street driven car.

For those of you that installed SuperPro where did you purchase them from? I also noticed there are several kits, I'm thinking I should just go ahead and get everything and do it all at once. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the response!

I have SuperPros. They are nice. I noticed a difference between SuperPro and fresh stock bushings but I'm very sensitive to suspension changes. For a street driven car with mild power mods, I'd stay with the stock bushings.

Before ordering bushings alone add up the cost of the bushings and labor and compare to the cost of the part new. Sometimes it works out where it is cheaper and convenient to just buy the whole suspension arm with the bushings already installed.

I did my suspension overhaul in stages to minimize downtime. I was having some odd noises from the front so I did the front first and then moved to the rear.

Given you car is pretty low mileage, I would suggest getting the front bushings checked for play before spending the time/money on stuff you don't need. My alignment guy was able to see a decent amount of play on the front suspension arm bushings when my car was on the rack. I was at 130k hard miles when this was done.