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sudz
08-19-2013, 11:13 AM
Has anyone here done this job yourself?

The most I've done is replace the rear struts on my fiancee's Mazda5 myself, I found that relatively easy.

I've been quoted 1.5 hours labour, just wondering If I can save a buck and do it myself.

It does also explain why I get wheel wobble randomly - The alignment is going out of whack depending on where the control arm "sits" in the socket. (also the clunking noise which I assumed was strut mount...)

It still looks like there's material left in there, but you can see it wiggle around a bit when you put some hand pressure on the tire while its hoisted.
I'm not sure if its blown enough to cause what i'm hearing feeling, but at this point I don't see any play in the CV joints, so I'm at a loss.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/sudz3/20130808_132755_zpsa52b7fe5.jpg (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/sudz3/media/20130808_132755_zpsa52b7fe5.jpg.html)

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/sudz3/20130808_132738_zpsa6593be3.jpg (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/sudz3/media/20130808_132738_zpsa6593be3.jpg.html)
bubba1983
08-19-2013, 11:23 AM
Replacing your lca's is easy
Your pass side one is a lil tricky. Cause you have to undo the top engine mount and jack the engine up to remove the one bolt.

Ull need a pickle fork to remove your ball joint from the knuckle (rent a tool). And pound out your strut assembly from the knucklen to make it a wee bit easier.

I needed a bit of heat to do minel but it went smoothe. Couple hours back on the road
sudz
08-19-2013, 12:10 PM
Well, I only have to do the driver side.

The whole pickle fork thing seems daunting. I saw a video of a guy with a Mazda6 doing it - took him over an hour just to get it in there, and he missed a few times and dinged is rotors.

How much is it to rent? Might just pay the $150 in labour (190 for the part)

I just wanted to do it, so I could A: Save a buck, B: have the chance to replace anything else that looks awry while i'm down there. (This clunk/steering wheel shake has me at wits end)
peterm15
08-19-2013, 12:19 PM
Tool rentals are free at CT and part source. You pay pull price for the tool, and return for a full refund.

I've never had an issue with the fork.
bubba1983
08-19-2013, 12:32 PM
I would suggest just replacing the arm. More than likely your ball joint is tired by now. Or. Let's say you jus rebush the arms. Then ur ball joint shags off on you...bamn you have to buy new arms anyway cause you just can't press in a balljoint on this style
sudz
08-19-2013, 01:23 PM
That's the plan. 190 bucks for the Lower control Arm, comes with bushing?
Johns 08 3 GT
08-19-2013, 03:08 PM
That's the plan. 190 bucks for the Lower control Arm, comes with bushing?

The arm from the dealer is $165. It comes with the bushing.
sky_active
08-19-2013, 03:20 PM
The bushing itself is around $35 each. I got the rear control arm bushings replaced a year ago at dealer. 3 hours labour + parts = $400+
sudz
08-19-2013, 05:14 PM
Just called Budds, 164.9x plus tax, said it has bushing, and ball joint. Wasn't aware that it came with the ball joint too.

Edit: do affiliate dealers offer TM3 discounts on parts like this?

Edit X2: Called Moutain mazda in hamilton - 17% discount. Score!
cwp_sedan
08-19-2013, 06:03 PM
Just called Budds, 164.9x plus tax, said it has bushing, and ball joint. Wasn't aware that it came with the ball joint too.

Edit: do affiliate dealers offer TM3 discounts on parts like this?

Edit X2: Called Moutain mazda in hamilton - 17% discount. Score!


Yeah Budds doesn't give any discounts so definitely hit up an Affiliate.
sudz
08-19-2013, 06:27 PM
Picking it up tomorrow - they have two late nights (to 8PM) - Tuesday and Wednesday. Very nice.
Chaos
10-31-2013, 04:22 PM
Picking it up tomorrow - they have two late nights (to 8PM) - Tuesday and Wednesday. Very nice.

Hey - any update? wondering if it fixed the noise issues you had, what noises exactly were you hearing?

I am assuming mine is the same problem, haven't had it on the lift yet to see.

Thanks,
sudz
10-31-2013, 04:49 PM
Fixed some of the noises, not all. It did however tighen up steering a bit, and got rid of some wheel shake. car tracks a bit better (like, no more wandering lanes)
Chaos
11-01-2013, 10:34 AM
Fixed some of the noises, not all. It did however tighen up steering a bit, and got rid of some wheel shake. car tracks a bit better (like, no more wandering lanes)

Thanks, I don't have any of those problems so perhaps its something else.....
sudz
11-01-2013, 01:43 PM
Probably strut mount. its whats making the remaining noise in my car. Its not serious - Just annoying as ****.
Chaos
11-04-2013, 02:59 PM
Probably strut mount. its whats making the remaining noise in my car. Its not serious - Just annoying as ****.

What does it sound like? mine makes creaking like sounds when I turn the wheel (sometimes) and over bumps (only slow speed).
sudz
11-04-2013, 10:20 PM
Exactly that. I feel it only mildly - its mostly just a sound. It is especially prominent when I back out of my driveway (a good slope),
Chaos
11-05-2013, 10:20 AM
Exactly that. I feel it only mildly - its mostly just a sound. It is especially prominent when I back out of my driveway (a good slope),

OK cool - that's definitely whats wrong with mine then, yes only a sound, and as you say the worst when backing out of the driveway. Thanks for your help, I'll look into getting them replaced.
kimchisoup
11-09-2013, 03:18 AM
What does it sound like? mine makes creaking like sounds when I turn the wheel (sometimes) and over bumps (only slow speed).

If its high pitched creaking then 99% sure its the seat belt holder..


Maybe its same as my other problem.

Mine sounds like low gurgling. Comes and goes (gone couple days)
Low parking speed or city. Irregardless if bumps, reverse, turning or braking.
There are no vibrations, and its not periodic.

Only things I touched is tightening strut mounts and replace front left wheel stud.
Nikhil Pali
11-09-2013, 04:40 AM
If its high pitched creaking then 99% sure its the seat belt holder..



Noise from Seat belt holder... What u smoking man??
kimchisoup
11-17-2013, 01:19 AM
If its high pitched creaking then 99% sure its the seat belt holder..


Maybe its same as my other problem.

Mine sounds like low gurgling. Comes and goes (gone couple days)
Low parking speed or city. Irregardless if bumps, reverse, turning or braking.
There are no vibrations, and its not periodic.

Only things I touched is tightening strut mounts and replace front left wheel stud.

FYI in case it helps anybody else:

1. yes, high pitched creeking from the seat IS the right metal arm seat belt holder screwed to the seat. When it pivots (because you lean forward and pull seat belt) it squeeks.

2. I think I found and fixed my low speed "gurgling" clunking noise. I removed the front-left rotor. There was LOTS of rust.
Used metal brush on drill to scrape rust off. Then chisel and sand paper to get most of it off to get even surface.
Put rotor and wheel back on. 3 days and no noise. ... knock wood


If you are removing or torqueing strut mounts be careful not to over-do it... check factory manual for torque. Probably around 50 ft lb
jackcramerr
09-27-2015, 03:29 PM
bubba1983

Hi

Does one need to only undo the top driver side motor mount under the bonnet (I have RHD vehicle UK spec)? Or does one need to do the lower mount as well? Also I remove the bracket and the mount or just slack the bolts only ? And where should one support the engine from? Can one use a bottle jack or should I stick with trolley jack ? thanks.