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Hi All


Looking at either tackling the bushes myself or getting someone to do them in my NA.

Not sure which particular brand to go for though...

Anyone have recommendations on either?


Cheers

I have heard good things about the 949 bush kit..

http://949racing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=107

Too bad our dollar is soo bad atm, they were a bargain 6 months ago..

Looks good..
I will await some more replies til I decide..

It is hard to be really objective on this as most of us would have only used the one brand. Actually as I type this, I am shaking my head thinking that some of the more experienced Motorsport guys could have build more than one car in the past and can share some actual experience of using the different brands.

I, for one, have never used anything else other than the adjustable Super Pro kit. No complaints here - I am very happy with them.

I've got SuperPro in my car, very happy with the bushes. I have used Nolethane in a couple of other cars and I found some of the bushes didn't last all that well, to be fair this was a few years ago and the compounds they use may have changed.

I'll soon be doing another car and will try the kit from 949.

Hi Jaron,

I've just fitted the 949 bushes to scooter.



Obviously haven't tried them out yet, but which ever way you go if you want a hand to fit bushes give me a yell.

Terry

I am also going to replace the bushes on my NA which has done 193K Kms.

Superpros (approx 75 hardness)
Energy suspension bushes (approx 90 hardness)
Nolathane (approx 75 hardness)

After reading through the old posts I have decided to go with the energy suspension bushes. Basically as they come as a complete kit and I am happy to go with the harder bushes (sorry forgot what the actual technical term was) as it is not my daily driver.

I have ordered them through www.energysuspensionparts.com - US$238 (reduced from US$396) for the master kit and US$98 for postage. I was going to go with 949 racing but they do not have any master kits left.

Hope this helps. I am in Carseldine if you want to come and see them once they arrive.

Cheers Stewart

I have no specific experience on these bushes. However it would be surprising that you cannot get perfectly suitable bushes from a local source albeit that they may be sourced off shore. A guy says he is replacing bushes after nearly 200 k so if you replace them in your vehicle it may very well last its life. I can only imagine that harder bushes are more resilient and perhaps harsher. The 75 and 90 refer to duro hardness. The replacement of all bushes seems a very expensive exercise judging from the price that have been posted. If it were me I would be looking to get an inspection and replace those that looked in need and I would be checking Mazda spares and other local suppliers and or fitters.

Mr Morlock wrote:I have no specific experience on these bushes. However it would be surprising that you cannot get perfectly suitable bushes from a local source albeit that they may be sourced off shore. A guy says he is replacing bushes after nearly 200 k so if you replace them in your vehicle it may very well last its life. I can only imagine that harder bushes are more resilient and perhaps harsher. The 75 and 90 refer to duro hardness. The replacement of all bushes seems a very expensive exercise judging from the price that have been posted. If it were me I would be looking to get an inspection and replace those that looked in need and I would be checking Mazda spares and other local suppliers and or fitters.

Hi Mr Morlock

Thanks for the advice, I think the only expensive part would be the labour to pay someone to do it. I am keen to tackle it myself as the car isnt my daily.

I have inspected myself and found most of the bushes on the car are severly worn this also includes the ball joints.

Both the Nolathane and Super Pro bushes are locally available bushes either from Repco or Fulcrum..

that makes sense jcs86. I suggest someone on the forum or a knowledgeable friendly pro will give you some pointers on the best way of removing and refitting. If you check someone like Burson's they might recommend some pullers to assist. I do not think there is any reason that you cannot do this with a bit of patience and right techniques. Not the sort of job you want to do under a tight schedule though doing it progressively should be possible. Good luck and we will be interested to see how you get on.

Hi Jaron,

I'd be surprised if the ball joints are worn, maybe the boots need replacing.

The top ball joints are not replaceable, you need to replace the whole arm. The bottom ball joints are replaceable.

If you want to strip the suspension down I can come and bring my "special Mazda bush replacement tools, re: 3/4 drive sockets, washers and bolts, works a bloody treat.

As stated before if you need a hand give me a yell. Applies to scb as well.

I'm in Narangba.

Terry

tbro wrote:As stated before if you need a hand give me a yell. Applies to scb as well.

Makes me wish my OEM rubbers are wearing down just so I can put you to work

tbro wrote:Hi Jaron,

I'd be surprised if the ball joints are worn, maybe the boots need replacing.

The top ball joints are not replaceable, you need to replace the whole arm. The bottom ball joints are replaceable.

If you want to strip the suspension down I can come and bring my "special Mazda bush replacement tools, re: 3/4 drive sockets, washers and bolts, works a bloody treat.

As stated before if you need a hand give me a yell. Applies to scb as well.

I'm in Narangba.

Terry

Thanks Terry I think yo may be right, it may only be the boots but I thought you then have to replace the entire thing?

Can you recommend anyone to take it to for a quick checkover?

I may end up taking you up on that offer of help too!!


Cheers
Jaron

as far as changing bushes is concerned I couldn't agree more. Having the right aptitude & Tools goes a long way. Having a few mates there who knew what they were doing really made it possible to do it in 1 full day. However Plan for 2 days .....just incase.
Maybe Do the rear first see how you go.

I could not have done it without
2t bench press
plumbers torch
lots of different size sockets so you can push & press into different size sockets.
chisel I think I threw it out afterwards
scissors jack......you may not need that
decent size G clamp

there may have been other tools

but the bench press was its weight worth in Gold. I picked it up for $80 or $90 at supercheap you might be able to lend it to some of your mates here at a later stage. It will also be usefull to do the rear bearing. When ever they decide to go at a later stage.

But the biggest factor was the knowledge of other Forumites present on the day.

Even with the tools, without the forumites ....It would have taken me heaps longer

we did have a dodgy day.... must be almost 2 years ago....

Terry

Thanks for the offer of help. Once the bushes arrive I would appreciate if I could pop in past to find out some tricks for the install. I am sure a few pointers from yourself will save lots of heartache with the install.

Cheers Stewart