Can this car be saved...needs lateral link and more replaced

[93MAZDA323]

Hello - I'm new to this forum and I really need some sage advice. I have a '93 323 that has a severely rusted lateral link on the driver side (see attached pic with holes circled).

Car has only 55K on it and needs a complete brake job incl. new rotors, pads, rear shoes and a wheel cylinder. The garage that I took it to for brakes found the rotted link and was not eager to get into changing the link citing the domino effect of brakes lines and dropping gas tank, etc.

Is this lateral link job the job from hell that no shop wants to touch? Is it a $$$ job to do? Will the adusting links need to be replaced? Given everything this car needs, is it just time to junk it? I don't want to give up on it if it is reasonable to repair, but I also don't want to throw away money that could be used to buy another car. This has been a great car! thanks!

 

[azarashi]

I dont know much but it looks like it might be a job that requires a lot of time/work. meaning probably costs a hefty sum of money if you get a mechanic to repair it.

I would weight the costs of the repair to the costs of getting a new car, but of course I still don't know and wait to see what others have to say, get a several opinions etc.

 

[93MAZDA323]

Thanks for the reply Azarishi - I hope someone who had dealt with this first hand would also respond.

BTW, saw your post on your recently received '89 - it looks like a neat car. You can't beat how cars like that run and ride. They also have excellent visibility when backing up or driving on the highway. Hope you have a great time with it!

 

[azarashi]

Trying to its starting to possible act weird or I could just be paranoid. But yah it runs great.

 

[CorkSport]

I dont think you will find a shop who will want to work on it.

If we still worked on cars I would tell you to go find a complete rear subframe and replace everything back there. Trying to take that apart will result in broken bolts and parts.

-Derrick

 

[93MAZDA323]

We're pretty much resigned to the fact that it's over. Being from the land of pure road salt, finding a good used replacement subframe is probably nil. Thanks for your response, it was a help.

 

[CorkSport]

Check out west. The part really isnt that big if you want to try and fix the car.

-Derrick

 

[93MAZDA323]

I'll look into it - thanks for the suggestion!