Regarding modification of Strut Mounts for ZX-2 struts.

tehbrookzorz · Post by **tehbrookzorz** » July 11th, 2007, 9:24 pm

This is going to be a question mostly for those who have put the ZX-2 struts in their car, but everybody, please feel free to answer.

Is there any harm in spinning the strut rod? I'm just trying to recall the install process and the strut top nut didn't want to torque very easily as it was spinning the rod ever so slightly. My concern now is that I may be continuing to spin the rod when I turn the wheels on my car.

I'm replacing the strut top bearings soon here as they're resisting too much and putting strain on the springs(yeah, fault of the installer). I had to dremel some of the upper spring pearch and strut mount when I did the initial install. Now I just want to confirm I'm doing this right when I put it back together, otherwise I'll get new strut mounts and start over.

solo_ryder · Post by **solo_ryder** » July 11th, 2007, 9:35 pm

I would think there is abit of harm that can be caused by turning it to much. I remember when I was putting on the top nut it would turn, but I would stop it when I felt it was goin to far. Then I installed the strut in the car and all that and tightned up some more, that seemed to work..

tehbrookzorz · Post by **tehbrookzorz** » July 11th, 2007, 9:37 pm

Well I think I might have asked a bit much of my bearings, I kind of forced them into the hole cause I didn't want anything to be loose and jiggling around, but I guess I might have been a bit too forceful and caused them to warp/go on me.

solo_ryder · Post by **solo_ryder** » July 11th, 2007, 10:16 pm

Yea, that could have been the case. You know, if you go to lordco it is only 18$ a side or less for the upper perch from a zx2..

tehbrookzorz · Post by **tehbrookzorz** » July 11th, 2007, 10:22 pm

Really? I had called Lordco and asked them about the bearings themselves. They didn't have a listing except for the whole Strut Mount.

Never thought about the pearches. Do you have a part number?

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » July 12th, 2007, 9:21 am

I was going to suggest ZX2 bearings too. They should be metal and more durable than our plastic ones.

tehbrookzorz · Post by **tehbrookzorz** » July 19th, 2007, 9:25 pm

Okay so I ripped one side apart yesterday.

I think the upper spring perch was modified fine. My problem lies with the strut mount itself. I may not have had to even modify it, can't remember, but I did and ground of the edge of the D shaped hole making it a O. Now the strut shaft turns with the wheels and the nut loosens/tightens itself at will. Kind of a dangerous way to go should I ever lose the nut and release too much pressure from the spring.

So, does the stock MX-3 strut mount fit the zx-2 strut, or will I have to get a ZX-2 strut mount, and if so, will that fit the car?

solo_ryder · Post by **solo_ryder** » July 20th, 2007, 12:39 am

The mx3 and zx2 strut mount are 100% identical. The only difference here is the strut perch is O shaped on the zx2 and the MX3 is D shaped. I bought some zx2 mounts for my car and they came with plastic bearings (w.e) and it works fine.

mx3autozam · Post by **mx3autozam** » July 26th, 2007, 3:21 pm

I bought zx2 strut mounts which i know are the same, but the bearing was different and bigger so it would fit on the strut shaft. i grinded the upper perch out a bit but the bearings still fit tight. They are plastic and are waering out really bad. where can i get these "steel" ones everyone mentions...

solo_ryder · Post by **solo_ryder** » July 26th, 2007, 7:51 pm

I think you need to get them from the dealer..

Vanished · Post by **Vanished** » July 26th, 2007, 9:28 pm

ZX2 Front Upper Strut Bearing (2) Item # AD-980 $60

I know..I'm so resourceful. Get them from the dealer.

Jay72 · Post by **Jay72** » August 9th, 2007, 9:06 pm

Ok. Now, when installing the ZX2 set up, if you refer to the pic , did anyone have to replace numbers 1-5? What I've gathered so far is that everything other than the ZX2 thrust bearings can be reused or if needed, be an OEM Mazda part, right? Other than the upper perch mod, I wouldn't have to worry about fitment issues with anything else?

Thanks
Jay