NA vs NB upper mounts - longevity of life

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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twr7cx
Fast Driver
Posts: 221
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2016 9:55 am
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

NA vs NB upper mounts - longevity of life

Postby twr7cx » Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:14 am

I've been reading/researching in regards to my upcoming suspension refresher (89 NA6 with standard suspension, torn strut boots and collapsed upper mounts) yet I've been unable to find an answer to this specific question:

Are the NB upper suspension mounts more reliable (i.e. longer service life) than the NA units? There is much discussion on the NA mounts failing (collapsing), does this also occur to the NB and if so generally later in their life or similar service life length?

It's a factor in considering whether to covert to NB style suspension when doing the refresh (either I can use a conversion kit to run NA strut/spring on NB upper mounts or completely convert to NB gear).

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hks_kansei
Speed Racer
Posts: 6154
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:43 am
Vehicle: NB8A
Location: Victoria

Re: NA vs NB upper mounts - longevity of life

Postby hks_kansei » Fri Dec 08, 2017 12:41 pm

Torn strut boots are easily replaceable, and aren't really necessary anyway.

The top hats (metal component) do not really wear, I've never seen any that have had anything more than paint chips.

The bump stops are also replaceable.


Really the NA/NB difference is about wanting to use the later NB bump stops rather than the NA ones.
However, I'm pretty sure you can buy NB style stops to fit NA hats these days (I think that's what the fat cat ones are)
1999 Mazda MX5 - 1989 Honda CT110 (for sale) - 1994 Mazda 626 wagon (GF's)


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