End link problem... help

H3br3w_Ham3r

Member
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2008 Mazdaspeed3
I ordered AWR adjustable rear end links and they arrived the other day and I tried to test fit them on the progress RSB I have waiting to go on as well but the bolt doesn't seem to fill the hole on the bar like it should. I emailed AWR and he said there is an o-ring somewhere? Anyone know what he is talking about? He said the endlinks he sent me were 10mm just like stock. Is there o-rings that will come off with the stock bar?
 
When I installed my Progress RSB, I didn't notice an o-ring from the stock endlinks or the stock RSB.
 
I had alot of problems with AWR with the rear endlinks. I bought the V1 rear endlinks & got them modified by AWR to be the same thickness as the stock endlink cause it was smaller than the stock endlink. Its still smaller and still thunks & gets loose all the time. I have to crawl under the car & tighten it about once a week to keep it from getting so loose it'll make the annoying thunking. Debating about trying to see what they'll do as far as warranty or get new heim joints online that will allow me to use a stock size bolt in the endlink. I even tried o-rings before to stop the thunking before, it did absolutely nothing.
 
I was looking into these before I read the reviews on su. Doesn't seem worth it to modify an existing part. Good luck
 
I already spent a lil more than its worth on mt rear endlinks but if I can make it perfect for everyone else, it'll be worth it. They are better after they got modded though, they get loose less often. Would be better if it was a perfect fit though. Kinda slacking on emailing some companies about the exact heim joint, spacer, & washers to replace but found some companies that should work perfect & don't cost too much but have a quality enough product to do the job no problem. Wanna replace my front endlinks too, I feel like that skinny lil rod is struggling with my BC's & all my cornering. Haven't heard anything bad about the front but if I find out what size I need to fix the rear endlinks, should be the same size for the front. Just gotta make sure the thread pitch into the front endlink rod is the same. If I get annoyed & head this up or if people on here want me to, I can pursue this harder. I've already gotta quite good at messing with my rear endlinks.
 
My uninstalled used set have the o rings. I hope to have them on with some other bits soon. If i have issue may i pm you Hanzo? I need to learn how to set them up and adjust.
 
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On the AWR links coming loose often, I think there is a flaw that causes the issue. Look at the end links on the car and think about my explanation.

The rod end bolt has a custom washer and o-ring on both sides of the rod end bearing. When attached and tight the RSB and the attaching bolt and nut squeeze the o-Rings and washers against the bearing inside the rod end. IF you don’t get this tight enough the bearing does not turn with the up / down movement of the bar. This movement in one direction is counterclockwise, i.e. in the direction to loosen the nut.

I have not asked AWR, but expect the Washer/O-Ring was to provide some protection the bearing, i.e. dirt, and maybe with the correct parts would be just fine. The washer is bearing against on about 1/16” of the lower bearing, making it difficult for the bolt tightness to compress the O-ring and washer against the lower bearing body.

What do you think?
 
well myself i am going to have to look. I think i will attempt an install next weekend. It was 26 degrees this morning! We are supposed to have agreat weather weekend for the holiday.
I understand what you are saying and i promise to report back after a crwal underneath!
Would a loctite 242/262 be an answer to the problem or jam nut?
edit: interesting the top side has a lock nut. The fellow who sold me these had some loctite on the top (vertical) which makes sense. And the lowest attachment point has some too. as if they had been backing off. Hmmm. Maybe i will try them tomorrow. I am really interested now. thanks!
 
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My uninstalled used set have the o rings. I hope to have them on with some other bits soon. If i have issue may i pm you Hanzo? I need to learn how to set them up and adjust.

You can PM me if you want, I'll help you as much as I can.

For everyone else, I understand what you're saying about the washers & stuff but I think the main issue I have with them is the rod that goes into the RSB is way too small & it moves around within the RSB causing it to move up & down and then loosen the nut. I got them modded by AWR but the rod that goes in to RSB is still a lil smaller than the stock endlink ones which work perfect for me. I've used a nylock nut which seems to work alot better now. If it loosens again, I'm gonna try using red locktite instead of blue and maybe even two nuts.
 

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