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Thread: Clunking front suspension

  1. #26
    Uncle Ben
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    You CAN get the front sway bar bushings replaced without even dropping the sub frame, BUT it's not easy. Been there done that in my driveway on jacks.
    1991 Nissan Pathfinder - trade in, 2005 Mazda 3 GX ty grey - Write off, 2010 Mazda 3 GT E sedan CWP- trade in, 2010 Speed 3 w/tech CWP - Up for sale (soon), 2007 Mazda 3 GS silver- motor swapped in to 2009 MS3 CWP that had blown engine, 2002 BMW 330ci silver- new winter ride, 2005 BMW M3- new toy

  2. #27
    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Quote Originally Posted by McGuyver_3 View Post
    You CAN get the front sway bar bushings replaced without even dropping the sub frame, BUT it's not easy. Been there done that in my driveway on jacks.
    Any tips and tricks for this one? I'm ok with difficult.

    And is there any answer on whether there's something better to be used so it doesn't need to be done again in a couple years?

  3. #28
    Uncle Ben
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Unfortunately I do not have any pointers. It's one of those things you just have to get a feel for. You can however follow this persons tutorial click hope this helps. I have to admit though, they made this a little easier on the gen 2's, not much but a little lol

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    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Ok. Picking up the parts tomorrow. Not sure I'll have a chance to attempt it this weekend, but we'll see.

    His first instruction says to take off the end links. Has anyone got any pointers on doing that properly? I've done it at least twice in the past for strut changes, and both times I cursed at them a lot, used vice grips in the process, and swore that there had to be a better way.

  5. #30
    Uncle Ben
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    I found that as long as you disconect both sway bar bushings at the same time, there is no need to remove the endlinks. I left mine connected. You do have some play room.

  6. #31
    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Yeah... I found different instructions involving removing a chassis brace and skid plate underneath and then reaching the bushings from there.

    I'm crafty. If it can be done, I'll figure it out.

  7. #32
    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Well... the first attempt was a fail. Did you go in through the side with the wheel off or from underneath with the skid plate thing off? I tried from underneath but couldn't get any sort of wrench or socket on it with enough leverage to loosen the bolts.

    Got cold and gave up.

  8. #33
    Uncle Ben
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    YGPM

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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    any progress made in the no subframe drop attempt?

  10. #35
    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Quote Originally Posted by brucewayne View Post
    any progress made in the no subframe drop attempt?
    Not by me, but McGuyver's offered to give me a hand with it, so once we find the time I'll be back to give an update.

  11. #36
    Sr Member Wild Weasel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Clunking front suspension

    Well... my issue is resolved.

    Car is gone.

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