Just want to confirm something. I hear ugly noises in the passenger front. From other forum posts a likely cause is the sway bar bushings. I got the front end up and on the passenger side I'm able to move the sway bar back and forth slightly, can't do this on the driver side. I'm thinking I shouldn't be able to move the sway bar back and forth, so the bushings likely need replacing. Does this sound correct, bushing replacement needed?
2006 5 front sway bar bushing replacement?
- Thread starter gman1240
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You can move the sway bar? Sounds like you need a bushing bracket.
I recommend staying away from Moog's OE replacement. I installed PN K200624 from Rock Auto and they lasted all of 3 months before they wore out. My suspension is lowered but I don't think they should have worn out that quickly. The clunk noise is worse now than before I replaced them and I am able to move the bar inside the bushing. I am going to replace them with thermoplastic bushings and hope I don't have to mess with them again.
:Edit: I have to correct my statement. I got a chance to dig deeper tonight and found that it was not the bushings but an end link that is causing the noise. So disregard what I said above. I wanted to correct the information instead of just deleting for anyone that may have read it. I am still going to install the thermoplastic bushings that I already have on order though. Now off to find good replacement links.
:Edit: I have to correct my statement. I got a chance to dig deeper tonight and found that it was not the bushings but an end link that is causing the noise. So disregard what I said above. I wanted to correct the information instead of just deleting for anyone that may have read it. I am still going to install the thermoplastic bushings that I already have on order though. Now off to find good replacement links.
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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
This is interesting. My front end knocking is becoming more and more excessive and I can't put it off anymore. In my case, it only occurs when at high speeds in excess of 75ish MPH. But it does not happen when the atmosphere is moist, which leads me to believe it is the bushings. How did you narrow it down to the end links? Did you get new end links in your case, if so OE or aftermarket and cost? What thermoplastic bushings are you going with? Are these drop-in OE replacements where I can reuse the OE bracket or does it come as a kit? Part number? Thx!
Haven't received the bushings yet to see if I can reuse the factory brackets or will have to use the ones supplied with them. They are moog thermoplastic. I measured the bar at 23mm. I considered using aftermarket adjustable end links but ended up getting OEM for just under $50 each. I was able to hold the bar with one hand and move the end link on the ball joint portion by grabbing the end link rod and shaking it back and forth with the other hand. I can confirm the noise is gone since replacing the link. The ball joint boot had separated probably long ago allowing water to rust the ball resulting in looseness. I will update once I replace the bushings.
I just wanted to update this. Pictured below is the bushing installed using the factory bracket, the ones supplied with the bushings would have to be modified to fit. The factory brackets seem sturdier to me anyway. The thermoplastic bushing is much wider than the stock bushing though. It fits fine. The thermoplastic is much more rigid than the bushings they replaced. I have not had any problems with them since installation.
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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
Thanks for the follow-up. Can you post a pic of the brackets that came with the moogs?
The pic makes it seem like there’s lots of space around the bracket to work with
. I’m still so undecided on what path to take.
The pic makes it seem like there’s lots of space around the bracket to work with
. I’m still so undecided on what path to take.
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Sorry about the late reply. Because the centerline of the bushing, the supplied bracket wouldn't line up with the holes. The sway bar collars would have to be removed or at least moved. Plus IIRC the factory holes are spread out and the supplied bracket holes would have to be elongated. Wasn't worth it to me.ThanksThanks for the follow-up. Can you post a pic of the brackets that came with the moogs?
The pic makes it seem like theres lots of space around the bracket to work with
for the
Yeah I shoved my phone up in there to get the pic. It's the rack side that is extremely tight.
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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
Thanks for the pic of the bracket! It moog brackets look quite weak/flimsy compared to the stock bracket. So it sounds like the only drop in replacement is OEM, which IIRC was revised.
