Rear Right Suspension Problem

[JDM-P5]

I went to the track yesterday to **** off and was doing a quick inspec when I noticed my right rear wheel was "shakey"...I checked all the bolts and everything was bueno. The car drives fine, but now I have started to drive like grandma, so I took it to my trusty mechanic. We jacked up the car and he was checking it out. He walked away and came back with a black rubber bushing and said I needed to get one.
Of course, there's no miata parts here...so anyone have any suggestions or think it maybe something else?
I don't wanna be driving around and the ******* wheel flies off....that's so not cool.

Fadi, Muff, Kev....ideas thoughts?
Think it could be wheel bearing?

 

[MiaTurbo]

A wheel bearing will make a whirling noise as you drive, and get louder as you turn. it could be a bushing, but when they go bad, you can see visable tears in the rubber.

When you jack the wheel up, plant your hands firmly on top and bottom of the wheel and chake it. then do the same side to side. it's easier if you have someone to help look at it. but a bad bearing will feel very hard thunks as moves. Considering the age, I'm willing to bet it's the bushings which will be a very soft feeling movemement. It's hard to explain, but you'll be able to tell the difference. I haven't seen very many rear bearings go out.

 

[JDM-P5]

My mechanic who works only on BMW and MBs and my car of course...says bushing.
Oh..I shook the ******...

 

[aMaff]

did the bushing look ****** up? If the bushing's totally shot, I could see it causing some wobble. I'm replacing all of mine this winter with a set of THESE. I believe kevin also ordered a set last night.

 

[aMaff]

..I shook the ******...

ok...and survey says? lol

 

[JDM-P5]

It wobbled like Paris Hilton after a Mexican gangbang.

 

[aMaff]

yeah, you said it wobbled. Was it a 'soft' stop (bushing) or hard knock / stop (bearing) like fadi described?

 

[JDM-P5]

Well...I'd have to check tomorrow since it's dark out & I no longer have the luxury of a garage.
IIRC, when I/we moved it...it didn't make any noises until it came to a stop on each side. I'm going to guess its bushings as the mech pointed out.

 

[aMaff]

yeah, you'd notice a solid knock / thud if it was the wheel bearing.

 

[JDM-P5]

So which do I need to replace?
Rear Lower Outer Wishbone Bushing
or
Rear Upper Inner Wishbone Bushing
?

This would be much easier if I had a Haynes manual.

According to the above diagram...I need what's listed as number 10 I think.

 

[aMaff]

10 is upper wishbone... you posted a pic of a lower with the outer circled... I'm assuming 1 of the 7s. You gonna do stock or aftermarket? I'd seriously consider just replacing the lot of them.

 

[JDM-P5]

See...why I need a manual!!!
Not sure...probably stock if I can find it.
If not & I have to spend big money...then AM.

 

[MiaTurbo]

yes, #7 is the part you have circled in the OP.

If you could move it that much, you should be able to see visable signs of wear.

 

[JDM-P5]

I'm going to replace all the control arms...upper & lower.
I had a problem with a bolt a while back (remember that kev?) It kept turning and turning...lol.

 

[kcbhiw]

I'm going to replace all the control arms...upper & lower.
I had a problem with a bolt a while back (remember that kev?) It kept turning and turning...lol.

There's no need to replace all of the control arms. For simplicity sake, replace the rear lower arm that has the stripped shock receiver. It'll be a lot less expensive, and more effective, to order the bushing kit that Muff pointed out than replacing the entire arm set.