Suspensions Bushes

[Django91]

Hello all,

Now that series 1 rx8's are getting to 15-18 years old, does anyone have experience with replacing all the suspension bushes?
Are the bushings on rx8's traditionally high quality and in good nick at this age, or does it warrant replacing as the bushes can have negative effects on driving whilst close to the limit? Since bushes are a checkpoint on MOT's, if a car passes its MOT does it means the bushes are good/great? Since the OEM bushes are rubber I imagine these might be past their use-by date?

[warpc0il]

The oem bushes are synthetic rubber in conjuction with other materials.

Some examples may be suffering from having been strained by incorrect re-assembly following replacement of spring or associated components - this being the most common cause of premature failure.

Some may have been damaged by steam cleaning or inappropriate "anti-corrosion" treatment.

Beyond that, some might be approaching eol due to very high mileages.

The problem is that most of the bushes aren't available as oem replacements, as they can only be purchased as complete arms with bushes prefitted. Replacing all of which would cost more than the book value of those cars that could benefit.

"Polybush" replacements are available but these are a significant compromise in ride and even handling, being much less sophisticated than the oem design, and requiring ongoing maintenance.

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[Django91]

I have of heard this issue with poly bushes. Apparently the Superpro bushes are the best on the market and these have similar structure to the OEM bushes and sort of a middle ground comfort wise?

[Django91]

No polybushes have a similar structure to the oem bushes Mazda specified for the 8.

There is lots of very detailed analysis and discussion in previous threads.
search.php?keywords=polybush

[SmuttyHutty]

Is the advice to replace the entire component as each bush fails, rather than pre-emptive or preventative measures?

[deekhubert]

I was very lucky and found a set or rear arms (less the lateral links) from a seller in USA, Texas. I took a punt and to be fair they were absolutely immaculate (may be the lack of humidity) but the seller did say that they came from a low milage car.
The cost was not prohibitive but postage and import taxes nearly doubled the cost but still dammed cheaper than buying all outright in UK.

I keep searching on eBay.com for any good buys and take the hit from taxes.

[warpc0il]

The vast majority of US cars were fitted with Mazda Standard Suspension, while our cars all came with Mazda Sports Suspension.

Some of the suspension components are the same but many are different, in ways that aren't obvious (like length and mounting points) so be very careful when ordering from the US, or JDM.

[kopite72]

Surely there wouldn't be any problems locating arms with bushes intact from breakers? I'm sure bigpete has plenty in stock?

[Bigblueknight3k]

I have replaced a few on my rx8 been old and worn and so far had no problem but i do have them on most my cars as i like the feed back on them

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[dac69er]

Whilst poly bushes my be a "downgrade" compared to new original bushes, if you have knackered original bushes, I'm sure poly ones would be a vast improvement.

I would also question whether the majority of people would even notice the difference between poly and original bushes?

[BigPete]

Surely there wouldn't be any problems locating arms with bushes intact from breakers? I'm sure bigpete has plenty in stock?

I don't have many and defiantly no full sets