Suspension possibly damaged: HALP
 

I was bleeding my brakes and came across this interesting find (see pictures). This is on the front passenger (U.S.) side.

Is this an issue or something that I can ignore?

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/attachm...4&d=1206206145

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/attachm...5&d=1206206151

Oh, and the crack didn't seem to go too deep. Maybe a few mm's that I could see. It may have gone farther that I'm unable to see.

You might want to get new shocks very soon. What you have is rust created from the stress cracks. Yea it might be fine for normal driving, but some track days or hard runs on the dragon may not be a good idea till you get them replaced. If you can try to see if they go all the way thru the shock mount. If it is just surface rust then it shouldnt be to much of a big deal, but should get put high on the priority list for replacement.

Change it ASAP.
If it was just the paint cracking, then it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
It looks like it's rusting, and that's BAD. :(


-Ted

Damn damn damn damn. Looks like I'll be driving very gingerly through the dragon this year considering there's no way I can afford to replace it. :(

In related news, how hard is that to replace with a stock one from a parts car? Is it something I can do without any special tools?

Replacing the shock + spring combo is straight-forward.
No special tools needed.

It's when you remove the spring that requires spring compressors to do safely...


-Ted

Would I have to replace both at the same time (kinda like tires)?

Also, are the struts between models/years the same/interchangeable?

Ok, I'm confused due to my complete ignorance when it comes to suspension. http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?N=...0rx-7%20struts
Which ones would I need?

Oh, and thanks for all the help thus far. I'm completely clueless when it comes to suspension (among other things).

:D :icon_tup:

If it matters, I was also told (and it seems to fit) that it's a Sport model.

No you should be able to change them in the driveway with no special tools other than a spring compressor. Which is for safety and makes it a little easier to swap. The only other major thing is the bolts, they may need some "help" getting loose. With the rust that I see on the shock, I would look at at getting new hardware(bolts, washers, etc) and bushings. That way when you do this you can replace the other stuff all at once and not have to worry about stuff. The only other advice I could give you is after you do the suspension stuff take the car and get it aligned. Yes you may get all the pieces back just like they were before, but you could knock something out just a hair that could eat your tires faster than before.

Bushings... hmm.... sounds like a pain. :)

Bro you have no idea! I am glad I am near a base with a hobby shop that for 3 or 4 bucks and hour has a frame lift and about any tool you could ever need to work on cars. I helped a bubby with a rustang redo his suspension bushings and well about 5 hours later and a few cut off wheels we got them out and replaced. All I know is he has to help me do mine this summer when I get back.

Oh for fucks sake I'm confused. This is why I avoid suspension work like the plague. :)

GAH!!!!!! I feel like a retard tonight.

Ok... what bushings would I need?

Edit: Christ, I just read JL's last post... this requires special tools? I GIVE UP! :seeya:

If this is what I need I'm going to burn the car to the ground. :D
http://www.mazdatrix.com/r-sus-2b.htm
http://www.mazdatrix.com/pictures/h-susp/Energykit.JPG