most dealers don't realize that if they don't replace the bushings, the bar will become loose. This can cause preassure on the linkages, and cause them to wear faster as well. On top of that ( This is being really picky), when the bushings are rubbing back and forth on the sway bar, it can wear away the paint, so when new bushings go on, they don't fit as well as the bar is "thinner", hence the clunking begins as soon as you out new ones on.
Keep an eye on your bars guys. If it starts moving around, DEMAND the bushings to be replaced.
It's either that or they can replace the links, bar, and bushings later. Been there done that.
I can understand Mazda not wanting to replace bushings until the new fix is in place, and I dont' think it's that far off. Is this just the dealer, or is the dealer claiming that that MAzda is telling them this?
I really have to get over this flu/fever thing and get back on top of this. I'll try getting up to the dealer soon.