What could cause all these failures?

[the.jack]

This has become a comedy of errors. Although it would be more fair to call it a tragedy.

I have near simultaneous (within ~100 mi of driving) failures of both rear trailing arm bushings and both front LCA bushings. This is almost immediately after new rotors, pads, knuckles and sway bars.

Is it possible that the over-stiff anti-sway bars would have done this? I am confused at the timing. It would be one thing to blame the fronts LCA bushings (somehow) on the mechanic who put the knuckles on - although I tend to trust his work and he's never failed me before - but that doesn't explain the rear failures. The only thing I'm left with is either these were - almost literally - 50,000 mile bushings or the anti-sway bars put too much stress on what was already a weak point and turned barely 60,000 or 70,000 mile bushings into 50,000 mile bushings. In either of those cases I find it difficult to believe I am the only victim.

Any ideas would be appreciated for my mental well-being. Thanks,
Lost, frustrated and worst of all poor.

 

[TexAgA4]

I'm also a victim. I can't explain what happened but my Mazda 5 has only 35000 miles on it and I have a drivers side rear trailing arm busing (the original from the factory) that bent 45 degrees while turning into a parking lot. We just heard a loud snap. Due to that part failure, I had a lateral link that ended up stretched a bit and the bushings displaced due to added pressure in the wrong direction. I believe the trailing arm link bushing can not handle the stresses of the weight of this vehicle. I just ordered a new trailing arm from Mazda for $245 (includes factory bushing). I've seen them used on other sites for anywhere from $70 to $100. The problem is that the bushing is the weak link in the trailing arm and I did not trust a used part to not be moments from failing after installation. Now, why did it snap and will it do it again? I don't know, and I think so. I'm thinking about investing in a bushing press since bushing maintenance will always have to be done on all cars and bushings are inexpensive.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Man, this sounds horrible.

Given this experience, why would you buy OEM replacement? I'd recommend looking into aftermarket replacements. Maybe we can get Font to carry Top Speed stuff too. See Phunky's review of TS adjustable camber arms.
http://www.mazda3 forums.com/index.php?topic=136924.0

 

[phunky.buddha]

Interesting- those aren't listed on Topspeed's site as far as I can tell. Maybe I can pick up a set when I get back in country.

 

[the.jack]

Man, this sounds horrible.

Given this experience, why would you buy OEM replacement?

I don't know who makes the OEM units, but Moog is a generally trusted name and their rear trailing arm bushings are fairly inexpensive (RockAuto was <$15, with S/H still much cheaper than OEM).

It does seem they should have hardened the underpinnings better when adding the weight (plus adding overhang in the rear).

I was considering a CX-5 for my next but I'm soured

I still want my 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 back someday in the [likely distinct] future, though

 

[njaremka]

http://www.good-win-racing.com/ sells replacement poly bushings for the mazda3/speed3. since the 5 shares suspension designs, they would drop right in. i'm adding them to my short list for future modifications.