alignment
#1
05-18-2007 | 09:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 67
From:
alignment
Hello All, Does anyone know where I can download a look at the front end suspension and steering system? 1997 2.5 The reason I ask is I have lost that tight on center steering feeling and when I first step on the brakes above 40 MPH I get a very subtle pull to the right. I am hoping it is just a tie rod end or something simple, not the rack & pinion.
Many Thanks,
Richard.
Many Thanks,
Richard.
#2
05-19-2007 | 10:32 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 983
From:
RE: alignment
i have never heard of a rack going out. i have changed tie rod ends, ball joints, upper and leading links, sway bar end links, and axles. one easy way to check tie rod ends is to jack up the front, crank the wheel full left or right, then have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth just a tad, and look at the end. if you can see it moving and the knuckle is still, change it. you will be able to feel it in the wheel at full lock, too. if you pull off the wheel, you can easily inspect the links. the upper leading link-ball joint points down-is attached to the top of the knuckle, and then to the body. grab it and try to twist it. if it moves, it needs to be changed. below that is another link- ball joint points up- and the other end is attached to the xmember. again, try to twist it. now, this link will feel a lot looser than the upper one. it is normal for it to be. also, the end that attaches to the xmember has an offset adjustment. if you change this link, you WILL have to get it aligned. i have changed out at least 2 of these center links, and the new one is just as loose as the old one. not cheap, either.
#4
05-22-2007 | 08:21 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
RE: alignment
ORIGINAL: keninn
below that is another link- ball joint points up- and the other end is attached to the xmember. again, try to twist it. now, this link will feel a lot looser than the upper one. it is normal for it to be. also, the end that attaches to the xmember has an offset adjustment. if you change this link, you WILL have to get it aligned.
Hello Keninn> I was surfing around trying to find info on the Millenia lateral link bushing (34-153....the bushing that is secured in place with the adjustment bolt that adjusts camber). Saw your response. Good info. I'm getting ready to change a worn bushing. Symptom was a pull to the right (it's the passenger front wheel at fault) and the tire wearing on the outside edge. I can clearly see play in the bushing. Do you have any advice/hints for changing out this part? Oh, and on the subject of the parts cost........Bought it from my local dealer for more $$$ then I thought it was worth but.......needed the part ASAP... you know how that goes. Did a bit of surfing and found at least one place (Quirk Mazda) that offers the part for considerable less $$$. Thanks in advance for any info.
Richard> Forgot to mention that my local dealer was happy to print out an exploded view (complete with part numbers) of the front suspen. Hmmm, maybe that's what I made the extra $$$ for.......[&:]
below that is another link- ball joint points up- and the other end is attached to the xmember. again, try to twist it. now, this link will feel a lot looser than the upper one. it is normal for it to be. also, the end that attaches to the xmember has an offset adjustment. if you change this link, you WILL have to get it aligned.
Hello Keninn> I was surfing around trying to find info on the Millenia lateral link bushing (34-153....the bushing that is secured in place with the adjustment bolt that adjusts camber). Saw your response. Good info. I'm getting ready to change a worn bushing. Symptom was a pull to the right (it's the passenger front wheel at fault) and the tire wearing on the outside edge. I can clearly see play in the bushing. Do you have any advice/hints for changing out this part? Oh, and on the subject of the parts cost........Bought it from my local dealer for more $$$ then I thought it was worth but.......needed the part ASAP... you know how that goes. Did a bit of surfing and found at least one place (Quirk Mazda) that offers the part for considerable less $$$. Thanks in advance for any info.
Richard> Forgot to mention that my local dealer was happy to print out an exploded view (complete with part numbers) of the front suspen. Hmmm, maybe that's what I made the extra $$$ for.......[&:]
#5
05-22-2007 | 10:23 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 983
From:
RE: alignment
iirc, to get the bolt back in the camber bushing, i think you have to drop the subframe. if so, just loosen the bolts as much as you can, then the bolt will clear. you dont have to get the subframe off, just down a tad.
#6
08-21-2011 | 02:16 PM
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Upper leading link
I have been searching for an upper leading link (without which I can not get reliable alignment I've been told). Most parts places can't figure out what I need or say they don't have it, go to the dealer. NAPA sold me a stabilizer bar link, which is about four inches long, while the upper leading link is closer to a foot long. The Mazda terminology seems to be different than what most parts places use (I've been told this is also called a control arm in some systems). Anyone know where I can get the right part other than through the dealer? (And while the dealer asks me to specify driver or passenger side, MAZMART doesn't require that info, which makes me wonder...). Thanks in advance for any help.
#7
08-21-2011 | 08:32 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 983
From:
I have been searching for an upper leading link (without which I can not get reliable alignment I've been told). Most parts places can't figure out what I need or say they don't have it, go to the dealer. NAPA sold me a stabilizer bar link, which is about four inches long, while the upper leading link is closer to a foot long. The Mazda terminology seems to be different than what most parts places use (I've been told this is also called a control arm in some systems). Anyone know where I can get the right part other than through the dealer? (And while the dealer asks me to specify driver or passenger side, MAZMART doesn't require that info, which makes me wonder...). Thanks in advance for any help.
3400 - FRONT SUSPENSION MECHANISMS. Fits: 1999 Mazda Millenia | Jim Ellis Mazda
T00134D00B
and they are the same, left and right. and tascaparts.com is the best price.
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