Energy Suspension Bushings Review

[flat_black]

Hmm... Come to think of it, I don't know what type of fitting, or rather what the fitting is called, for the Energy Suspension bushings. My suggestion is to go to an Autozone or Pep Boys or whatnot. I know Autozone usually carries energy suspension bushings, and the little fitting can be matched by sight, surely. I'll see if I can find out this evening what type of fitting it is that I bought. =)

Paul, the only company I usually deal with for bushings and stuff of the sort is Energy Suspension. From them, if you have an MP3, you'll need the 20mm bushings, which you have two options: You can get the slightly (.5mm) oversized 20.5mm bushings, or the 19mm, and have them drilled out to 20mm, or just try and fit them without drilling, if you're daring. =) I'd say boring it out is the best bet. The part numbers for these two different bushings are:

19mm = 9.5156
20.5mm = 9.5157

I don't know how extensive any modifications would have to be to fit the bushings on, but they worked on my SVX, and several other cars I've used them on, most just by a slight amount of bending. If anyone tries this, let me know, and how well it works for you. Also, does anyone know the size of the rear sway bar for the MazdaSpeed Protege? I only know the front is 27mm. Thanks, in advance. I may put up a how-to for the rear sway bar on an actual site if I replace my stock bar with the 19mm, soon, so I can get pictures.

- Eddie

 

[flat_black]

And sure, right as I post, Dan answers the question for me, making me look like an ass. Hehee...

- Eddie

 

[PaulMP3]

are there any direct fit bushing for the mp3, or do i have do i have to modify the energy ones. what wouls i used to bore out the 19. i dont wont the 20.5 probally will still clunk.

 

[mazdadan]

And sure, right as I post, Dan answers the question for me, making me look like an ass. Hehee...

- Eddie

It's all good....you gave more info about the bushings than I did

 

[flat_black]

Well, there IS a 20mm bushing, but it's non-greasable, so, while eliminating the clunk, you'd have a squeeky bushing. =) If that doesn't bother you, however, the part number for the 20mm non greasable bushing is 9.5124. As long as you grease it durring installation, and perhaps once every few months, it should be okay, but it's more of a pain, as you have to repeatedly remove and install it to be able to grease it.

If you wanted to bore out the 19, I'd say bring it to a friend with a milling machine and a 20mm bit, or a machine shop should do it cheaply... Not sure about that much, though. The more likely problem you'll have is the bracket, as that is universal, I'm not sure how/how well it will fit. But it's certainly worth a try!

 

[mazdadan]

The more likely problem you'll have is the bracket, as that is universal, I'm not sure how/how well it will fit. But it's certainly worth a try!

I had to bend my brackets in a vise because the Greasable bushings have larger brackets. I just used the stock brackets as a guide. After that they lined up great. Then again, I have an ES, so it may be a direct fit on an MP3 or MSP.

 

[flat_black]

Cool! That's good to hear, Dan. =) The vice method is the one I most commonly use for angled installations of this sort. I guess I'll order up the 19mm sway bar next week, and install it, so I can take some pics and notes for you all. I may contact 1st MP3 in NH to meet him for lunch some day, like I mentioned to him, and ask if I can take a look at his MP3 to see how the setup is for the bushings.

 

[DooMer_MP3]

Well, there IS a 20mm bushing, but it's non-greasable, so, while eliminating the clunk, you'd have a squeeky bushing. =) If that doesn't bother you, however, the part number for the 20mm non greasable bushing is 9.5124. As long as you grease it durring installation, and perhaps once every few months, it should be okay, but it's more of a pain, as you have to repeatedly remove and install it to be able to grease it.

If you wanted to bore out the 19, I'd say bring it to a friend with a milling machine and a 20mm bit, or a machine shop should do it cheaply... Not sure about that much, though. The more likely problem you'll have is the bracket, as that is universal, I'm not sure how/how well it will fit. But it's certainly worth a try!

Doh! I'd much rather have a 20mm greasable bushing produced and ready for sale. I'll have to email them and tell them about the 1500 MP3ers who will gladly buy them .

Chris