Anti roll bar links, replace one or all, aftermarket or genuine

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC1
  2. I’m based near: __Cheltenham

My NC1 has just passed it’s MOT with an advisory about one anti rollbar link ball joint has slight play, I know it will get worse over time so definitely going to get it replaced but because they are pretty cheap, is it worth doing all 4 at the same time and is it worth going for the genuine Mazda ones rather than the aftermarket ones

Aftermarket - Anti Roll Bar Drop Link, Aftermarket Rear, MX5 Mk3/3.5/3.75 – MX5 Parts
Genuine - Anti Roll Bar Drop Link, Genuine Mazda Front, MX5 Mk3

Also I see MX-5 parts also sell the bushes, is it worth doing them at the same time considering it’s a 113k, 17 year old car?

Thanks in advance

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Aftermarket are fine, I’ve always used them in the past. Mine were an advisory (both rears) last year, I ordered replacements for all 4.
Not had to replace any other bushes, I’d tend to leave them if ok and not perished and probably best to replace the whole unit instead of rebushing.

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For the cost I replaced all 4 on my car when I did the anti roll bars, but if I had one failed I’d at least change the pair on that axle. Got mine from mx5 parts but aftermarket type and they seem fine. Also if you replace the bushings it’s probably worth soaking them in wd40 a day or two before and for the small extra cost of a few pounds get 4 new nuts as they’re probably in rough shape at that age and mileage. :+1:

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Also depending on how crusty things are under there expect a fight to remove the droplinks and nuts. I got lucky on my car but many have to cut them off as they’re seized.

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