Is that the lower ball joint?

http://mazdatrix.com/pictures/h-susp/balljnt2.jpg

I hope not... it's like $70.

And if so, will this work: http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...tBall&cat=1230
?

All that is is a grease boot. It keeps grease in the ball joint to keep it lubricated, and also keeps dirt and grime out. It is ok to drive it with it busted, but the boot or the whole ball joint needs to be replace eventually.

Are you hearing the poping noise with the new strut mounts installed?

Yes.

Hmmm, if that's not the problem, I'm not sure what's making a rubbing noise/feeling when I turn left.

Hi speed? Or just cruising?

As for the spring popping, I have a theory. I assume the bearing in the upper strut mount lets the strut piston(?) rotate when the wheels turn. If there is no bearing, then the strut piston(?) can't rotate, thus something has to give, and it happens to be the spring. Am I totally off or is that a possibility?

I still don't know why 2 identical part numbers were different. :squint:

Any speed.

Yeah, The upper seat is supposed to rotate with the strut when you turn the wheel and keep the spring seated. I have no idea why theres no bearing in the other.

odd. And there's no way that center piece can rotate in the new upper mount? Because it needs to.........amazing how simple stuff always turns into rocket surgery lol

Hmmm, still not sure on the rubbing though. I didn't see anything shiny like it was getting rubbed. Since apparently the ball joint thingy is not the problem, my only guess can be the mount somehow causing it. :dunno:

Any ideas?

Nope, no way. I didn't even think about it when I put it in. I just kind of smiled and nodded. Advance Auto is getting a word or two. Hopefully I can get home on Thursday (an hour away) and work on it and get it ready for DGRR. We'll see...

Probably the mount causing the noise. I'm going t ocall carquest and see if I can get a P/N for you.

EDIT:

P/N 142645 @ carquest.........upper strut mount is listed with bearing. Give a local place a call and see if they can get one in and open the box for you. That one should have a bearing.

That'd be good. I can get someone to get the boxes they came in (threw away at parents but they're easy to get) and check the part number. The only different was one had a 6 at the end, and one had a 7. But that was in the area where it would what number made they were. So it appears they were made right after each other. So odd... Fucking Monroe.

Edit: That number seems familiar. I'm taking the old one off the car and taking it back. If they don't like it, too damn bad. :squint:

yeah. i'd bring in the OEM one with you and show them how much it ISN'T going to work. They should take it back.

Heh, I think I chucked those too, time to go trash can diving. I just put in a new trash bag and nothing else will be in it. All good. :icon_tup: Fun stuff.

I just realized I took a picture of the fucked up one.

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/attachm...1&d=1207534862

Just ordered a new lower ball joint (~$17) and 2 new upper strut mounts. I figure I have a better chance of getting the right one if I order two of them. I'll just take the one that works and return the other one they just ordered for me. :D

Quick update. The ball joint came in and looks fine. The 2 strut mounts also came in. 1 had a bearing and 1 didn't. I promptly returned the useless one and I'm glad I ordered two in case this happened.