MS3 Tie rods on MZ3

[js593]

Hey all,

So, yet another thing starts to go on the mazda. It looks like im replacing all my tie rods, inners and outers. I ordered in some MOOG ones, but they are reboxed from a company called 555. (three-5) they are JUNK.

I'm looking for a good set, ones worth putting on the car that will hold up come autocross day. Will the Mazdaspeed3 Inners and outers fit on the MZ3 rack/knuckle? If not, does anyone have a suggestion of brand name to go with that will do better?

Thanks!

[ryan2.3]

Hey all,

So, yet another thing starts to go on the mazda. It looks like im replacing all my tie rods, inners and outers. I ordered in some MOOG ones, but they are reboxed from a company called 555. (three-5) they are JUNK.

I'm looking for a good set, ones worth putting on the car that will hold up come autocross day. Will the Mazdaspeed3 Inners and outers fit on the MZ3 rack/knuckle? If not, does anyone have a suggestion of brand name to go with that will do better?

Thanks!

did you use them and find they are junk or are you saying that because they're not Moog? doing some searching around line, there appears to be some good things said, at least from some mudding forums. one of the threads i found also mentioned they ordered Moog and saw the 555 cast on them, they're apparently made in japan.

if they're working on an offroading truck without issue i'm sure our little hatchbacks aren't going to have an issue on roads

[js593]

did you use them and find they are junk or are you saying that because they're not Moog? doing some searching around line, there appears to be some good things said, at least from some mudding forums. one of the threads i found also mentioned they ordered Moog and saw the 555 cast on them, they're apparently made in japan.

if they're working on an offroading truck without issue i'm sure our little hatchbacks aren't going to have an issue on roads


I used the 555 brand before on my old accord. Barely lasted a year because the boots cracked. I do see that they are made in Japan, that would normally steer me into buying those before buying something made in China/Taiwan. From previous experience I did see that they also rusted nearly right away. I would have them painted before installing them.

That being said, this car is supposed to see Autocross this year, also will be lowered a fair bit on ISC N1 coilovers.

Thanks for the quick reply

[js593]

Well.. here goes nothing.

I had a friend pop in today and we went to town trying to diagnose where the sound was coming from. We looked at the tie rods, and there's no play in them at all. We investigated the ball joints, and then moved back up to the rack. Appears that my rack is toast (or on its way out) There's a definite noise coming from it when you jiggle the steering wheel, we pinpointed the issue to the steering gear where the intermediate shaft meets the pinion and bearing assembly inside the rack itself.

So... my next question... Any of you toronto folks by chance have one kicking around collecting dust? All i really need is the rack itself. I dont need the inner tie rods, or the outers. I'll be trying to source a short rack from places tomorrow, thought i would scour the mazda folks here first.

2nd, to any dealers possibly able to answer this. Would you happen to know what the warranty is on the factory racks inside the car? From what i can see its 36m//80k, but i cant tell for sure.

Thanks a bunch everyone. Bear with me, this is going to be a terrible ride.

[ryan2.3]

i have a 2011 2.0L steering rack with about 75k km on it

i don't know if its different from a 2.5

[js593]

i have a 2011 2.0L steering rack with about 75k km on it

i don't know if its different from a 2.5

Well, i did some digging today, and it appears the MS3 rack will fit fine. I managed to find one super cheap, and i'll be swapping that in. According to my research the gearing inside the MS3 rack is tighter, and should be a thousand times better. Ive gone through a couple back doors to get it, but it looks like i should have it by end of next week. Now i just have to find a half decent write up on how to replace it. Every where i look, it seems that i need to drop the subframe. Not a terrible thing, but not something i'm used to doing.

Any advice on this?

[ryan2.3]

i dont' really have any tips to make it easier because when i pulled mine out, the engine and transmission were already out, so i literally had to drop the 4 bolts and the whole thing just came down. i guess make sure you disconnect what you need to and then be sure to properly support the engine since you'll be disconnecting the rear motor mount

http://forums.mazdaworld.org/100-millenia/92441-how-change-steering-rack.html
there's apost here that basically sums up whats involved, not too bad

[js593]

Thanks a bunch Ryan.

Looks like everything is settled.

I have a Speed3 rack coming in that I will be swapping out, and this one will be returned in core. kinda sucks to have to swap it so soon, but mazda basically told me off and they refuse to even look at it without paying a diagnosis fee. I'm pretty sure with that happening, I don't foresee myself ever going back to buying a mazda from either of these dealers.

From now on, all my service will be done by a local shop.

[js593]

Just as a future note for anyone...
Ive been battling with Mazda Canada, and my local dealership now with this rack.

Sector shaft play, and both inner tie rods were done. No chance in hell this is due to an Eibach pro-kit, so im taking it to the next level of management. Im trying to arrange a meet with my salesman, dealer manager, and division rep so they can see the rack. On top of that, i went to the other dealer over the weekend (cause they are slightly closer to me) to grab some crush washers and some fluid while i did the rack install.. He straight up told me they had issues with the racks in the mazda 3's not only that, they replaced 2 that week. Like what the hell... They know its an issue, and Mazda Canada still wont do anything about it? I guess this is going to steer me away from the next generation Speed3 they were going to introduce. Which is a real shame, cause i was really looking forward to buying it!

EDIT:

Mazdaspeed3 Rack does in fact work fine in a Mazda3. Ive been using it for a week and have had ZERO issues now that everything is fixed.