Pettit FD Toe Links Install

cewrx7r1 · 03-02-2011, 11:49 AM

We know that some Mazda production parts are not made to strict tolerances.
But they all will fit without any or much problems. Thus any aftermarket parts should take this into consideration.

Having installed the Pettit toe links yesterday, I had these observations and problems.

(1) Pettit uses machined aluminum bushing adapters that fit into both sides of the spherical bearings. All four have the same length. These are needed due to their bearings being narrower that stock. The stock inner bearing is larger the the outter one.

(2) The inner brackets have more space and require washers to take it out.
Pettit gives you 4 of them.

(3) My left inner bracket required the use of a third and thicker washer. The right inner could have used a third thin washer, but worked with their two.

(4) The left outer bracket was a perfect fit, but the right was too tight. I had to hand sand down both Pettit adapters to get them to fit.

(5) I assume Pettit did it this way to save costs. If so, they should have made the adapters shorter and supplied more washers.

Trout2 · 03-02-2011, 11:09 PM

I've dealt with the M2 and rx7.com trailing arms and they did not require any spacers.
Not sure about spacers on the Rotary Extreme ones but they are the nicest ones since they have dust seals on the bearings.

Jack

03-02-2011, 11:49 AM	#1
cewrx7r1 The Judge Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 196 Rep Power: 17	Pettit FD Toe Links Install We know that some Mazda production parts are not made to strict tolerances. But they all will fit without any or much problems. Thus any aftermarket parts should take this into consideration. Having installed the Pettit toe links yesterday, I had these observations and problems. (1) Pettit uses machined aluminum bushing adapters that fit into both sides of the spherical bearings. All four have the same length. These are needed due to their bearings being narrower that stock. The stock inner bearing is larger the the outter one. (2) The inner brackets have more space and require washers to take it out. Pettit gives you 4 of them. (3) My left inner bracket required the use of a third and thicker washer. The right inner could have used a third thin washer, but worked with their two. (4) The left outer bracket was a perfect fit, but the right was too tight. I had to hand sand down both Pettit adapters to get them to fit. (5) I assume Pettit did it this way to save costs. If so, they should have made the adapters shorter and supplied more washers.

03-02-2011, 11:09 PM	#2
Trout2 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0) Posts: 104 Rep Power: 17	I've dealt with the M2 and rx7.com trailing arms and they did not require any spacers. Not sure about spacers on the Rotary Extreme ones but they are the nicest ones since they have dust seals on the bearings. Jack