Complete high performance rubber bushing set for NA and NB
Complete high performance rubber bushing set for NA and NB
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Description
Designed by IL Motorsports in Germany, this bushing set is just like the factory set but with rubber that's about 30-40% stiffer. Mazda Competition makes a set like this but it's very expensive. The magic of the IL Motorsports parts is that they're actually affordable.
Why rubber? Some people prefer it because it's easier to deal with over the long term. There's no need to ever regrease them and there's no chance they'll squeak. It's what Mazda used in the first place. A great choice for a street car - actually, we prefer them for any car that sees street use. They also look stock so you can pass tech inspection in a stock class. Not that you'd do that.
The suspension will keep the same feel as stock, right down to the variable durometers used in different locations and the addition of a "bushing spring" to your spring rate. The stiffer rubber will decrease the amount of deflection in your suspension, giving more precision than stock parts. They are a bit more difficult to install than poly, as they will have to be pressed in.
A complete set for all eight control arms and the rear uprights. Fits 1990-05 models.
Instructions
Shipping
What does it fit?
Fits: 1990-1997, 1999-2005, 2004-2005 MSM
Emissions
Emissions do not apply.
Warranty
1 year
SKU
First off I was very surprised at how quickly the parts arrived here in New Brunswick Canada. I had no problems in swapping the old bushings with the new, I just took my time since my 2000 NB SE is in my garage until the snow is gone and it dries up.
Having watched the video on replacing these bushings, I though I could try that. The process of removing the old bushings from the control arms was actually a lot easier than I expected. The disappointment was that Flyin' Miata does not have a video on the removal of the rear control arms to allow for bushing replacement. It turned out that this is also not a very common video available from other sources. It took a while to find one. Admittedly the process is not that hard. but if you want to be a one stop shop, a Video on this subject would be a good idea.
Installed on a 1990 NA with 210k miles. This is a big job, but it can be accomplished over the course of a few weekends. STRONGLY recommend a ball joint removal tool paired with a slew of bolts/nuts/washers from the hardware store to complete the installation. I had more success using a ratchet over an impact wrench to press the bushings in - use lots of Simple Green.
OK - impressions. This kit is extraordinarily impactful. The new bushings control both small and large bumps with much more grace and fluidity. In addition, the 40% extra stiffness lets the suspension handle bumps quickly in one motion, with a fast recovery. The ride is noticeably smoother, and handling feel is better on every road surface. The car feels like it is younger by 20 years.
Received 4 boxes labeled for each arm. Uppers get one bushing, lowers get two different bushings. New front U/L control arms, used a cordless impact driver and a 3 claw puller to remove the new bushings, was able to put them back in with a C-clamp style ball joint press and a deadblow. Rear control arms were stock 23 year old, needed to burn them a bit to get them out, but went in the same way. New control arms are the way to go and are dirt cheap from 3rd party vendors. Can't wait to install them!
At only 54k miles my 2005 Mazdaspeed's bushings in the front were completely cracked and tearing. My upper rear control arm and rear knuckle bushings had slipped. The only bushings that had not failed were the rear lower inner bushings. I can't understand why anyone would want to purchase the exceptionally expensive OEM Mazdaspeed branded bushings considering they don't seem to last long at all. The I.L. motorsport bushings make my mazdaspeed miata drive like a mazdaspeed again, and for a much more reasonable price than OEM rubber. Obviously will have to wait and see how they hold up. For now the car feels nice and tight again, and still comfortable. Thank you FM.