- My model of MX-5 is: __ NA 1.8 1996 UK
- I’m based near: __ Morecambe
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __ Front Control Arm replacement.
Hi everyone. I’m new here and this is my first post. Hope i get it right!,
So, I have had my mk1 since Jan this year. I noticed front right (drivers side) wheel has a bit of play when the car is lifted if i rock the wheel holding it at the top and bottom. I thought this was the wheel bearing so i just changed both sides, but it’s rocking is still there. Looking at it in more detail i see there’s some play at the top control arm. See picture.
Looks like i can get the replacement part here which i presume comes with all the rubber pre installed so i won’t need special clamps and stuff? https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/front-upper-suspension-mk1.
Question time:
Can i just replace this one part?
Do i need to replace both sides (driver and passenger)
Should i be doing a full replace, upper and lower and knuckle? Would doing all that give me that sweet new car feel!?
I have breaker bar, torque wrench, standard socket set etc. Will i need any specialist tools to do the job?
Sorry for long post, really appreciate any advice i can get on this.
Firstly, welcome!
In regards to your questions:
Yes that MX5 Parts arm comes with all bushings already installed so would be a straight swap.
If there is no play in any other suspension components it is perfectly fine for you to just replace that part and only the one side as required. Sure it might be nice and give a better feel to do both sides at the same time especially if the bushes are old/deteriorating/perished but it isn’t necessary. Depends if you have the money and just want to get it done now while you are already working on the car.
Only other tool you may need is a ball joint splitter if the ball joint is stuck in the top of the knuckle. Universal fork shaped ones should work fine with a hammer or mallet. Oh and maybe service lube to help free the ball joint out of the wheel knuckle or any corroded bolts. Something such as WD40 will work. 
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Thank you so so much Alexa_Jayne i really appreciate it!
I’ll see if i can get a ball joint splitter just in case and I might just do the one side for now to get back on the road. Seems like I’ve spent more time under it than in it lately hehe.
Hey @Alexa_Jayne
I just wanted to come back and say thanks for your help. Spurred on by your reassurance i got the part and I fitted the control arm on my own last week. It was actually not too difficult and has made a real noticeable difference. I was feeling really defeated for a while finding thing after thing that needed fixing and getting a bit overwhelmed but the confidence is back now. Thank you!
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