New Control Arms or Restored + Ball Joints MK2.5 NB

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: Mk2.5 (NB)
  2. I’m based near: North London
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Control arms

Hi all. I’m looking to restore my suspension and would appreciate some thoughts/advice on the options and my decisions with control arms and ball joints (which I’d prefer to replace while I have everything out, happy to clean up my own arms).

For the front uppers I’m undecided. The options seem to be:
1 - replace control arm with aftermarket and get new ball joint pre-fitted. Pros - better than replacing the ball joint due to tightness of fitment, will be rust free inside out. Cons - maybe sacrificing quality of steel. Any advice on good UK quality aftermarket arms is welcome!
2 - replace control arm with refurbished OEM arms (possibly with new ball joint, I guess it depends on supplier). Pros - same quality steel OEM arms. Cons - ball joints not fitted as tight + unknown history of arms. Advice on good refurbished suppliers in the UK would be great.
3 - clean up my arms and replace ball joints. Pros - same arms so no additional risk on quality/history. Cons - ball joints not fitted as tight. Advice on whether replacing ball joints alone will actually lead to looser steering/what ball joints are good is appreciated!

For the front lowers I’m going to order new ball joints and probably clean up and treat my own arms, which allows me to choose my own bushes, probs IL motorsport as it’s a DD with some hope of tracking it occasionally (same for rear uppers/lowers unless anyone can share some good aftermarket/refurbished options - I’d to consider good value adjustables for example, but I dont know what else I’d need to replace for these to fit). New tie rod ends are going on, new OEM disc shields, and I’ve got some aftermarket coilovers. Please don’t hold back on these decisions :slight_smile:

Also, are there any other parts I should consider replacing or taking off to clean up while I have most of it off? Cheers

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Why are you wanting to replace the ball joints? in the upper bones? clean everything up, prep and finish who you wish, if the ball joint is still good as alot are , just clean/re-grease and replace the dust boot after refurb is finished.
Lower ball joints will be more than likely the same and only require the boots replacing, as for bushes, rubber everyday, if she was just a track dog , go with poly, but rubber all the way, if the TRE are still good and OE, again just fit new boots.
The ball joints on these roasters are hard wearing and give a long life before needing replacing.
M-m

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Reason for considering replacing the ball joints was because the boots are torn and I figured future proofing could be worth it.

Also I wasnt sure I could properly clean and treat the upper wishbone with the ball joint still in situ, but sounds like you think there’s no issue there?

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No issues, if the ball joints are floppy and play yes, but that does not happen often…

https://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=1369

M-m

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How easy or hard is it to replace the boots and are they easily sourced??

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I have linked a guide further up bud, as long as the one on the roadster are OE items , then the dust boots can be changed for new.
Yes the can be sourced easily, I get all mine from Autolinkmx5, but other outlets sell them also.
M-m

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