Replacing the Lower Control Arm and Balljoint on the Race Mazda MX-5 with real life problems!

[@nathanhathcock7049]

Thank you for explaining about the camber bolts in the lower control arm 👍

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

No problem! Had a conversation in the paddock the other day about whether to use the genuine Mazda ones or the locking Skidnation ones. The disadvantage of the locking ones is that you are limited to a set number of positions rather than the, in theory, infinite adjustment of the Mazda ones although to be honest I doubt if anyone is really getting so accurate with the alignment that it makes a practical difference.

[@palerider1078]

Copper slip , moly grease etc , Your choice will make a difference when torque applied for tightening. They all have different co-eff factors which would alter torque applied regardless of what wrench is set at. So your choice of medium needs to reflect on your wrench setting. Great video , I'm an NC owner but still enjoyed your work 👍

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

That's a very good point - I suspect the Mazda torque settings are dry for these (but not sure!)

[@gretaleonard7118]

thanks bro. crashed my car the other night and bent my control arm. i’m about to do this and your video was very informative, thankyou. i’m just worried about trying to get those bolts out… wish me luck!

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

Good luck! I had a 50% success rate. The other side came out fine. I found an impact hammer (I think that's the right name - concrete breaker I think they're also called) with a bit of heat got it loose. Would have saved a bit of time knowing that before I started!

[@benwilkinson1060]

Well shot informative video, thanks mate.

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

thanks!

[@RalphColmar]

Got funny noise when I turn right and can see the rear bush on the ns control arm has disintegrated, top video for showing me what is required for the repair, will get two new control arms new OEM bushes and ball joints plus all new nuts and bolts for a belt and braces repair going to let my garage do the work as I do not have a ramp and crawling around no longer has the appeal it did 40 years ago. Thanks for posting.

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

It's only a few bolts but it's a pain when they just won't budge! Rolling around on the floor is never fun when that happens. The alignment (both camber/caster and toe) will need doing - hopefully the garage will know that but perhaps not if they don't work on many mx5s.

[@shaunchisholm_]

Question for you - How come the shock absorber didn't drop down after you released it from the wishbone? I thought it would have uncompressed when it was free. Great and insightful video especially with the reality of older car mechanics with seized bolts and greasing. Proper job!

[@RadicalUnderdogs]

It's still bolted in at the top mount (it has a solid top mount). It'll be a little different (easier) than stock springs cause with the coilovers you can remove all the pre-tension on the springs (which because race car are the "short short" variant of the Gaz coilover springs) so it's already at full extension