PLEASE help! Ball Joint Search Nighmare

[gnashings]

Please help! I need to replace the ball joints on my 1992 MX-3 GS (V6) vin ends with 130xxx if that helps...The problem:
NAPA gave me a ball joint with the pin that fits into the hub assembly which is too thick and too short. I went back furious (not the first time I got the wrong parts...but that's a different story all together...) The guy showed me every ball joint he had in stock that even could fit (323, 626, Protege, Probe...you name it) They all had the wrong size pin. Finally, we called a Mazda dealership and the guy at the parts counter assured me that he had the correct bj's. NOT!
The pin was the right length, BUT about 2mm too thick - there is no way to cram them into the opening...

Is this something that happens frequently? Has anyone encountered this problem? Can anyone help, maybe with a part number or a magic word or something?! I gave all the retailers all the info I provided above - it should be enough, but onviously, no one knows what part I need and I'm at my wits end, I wasted the whole one day off I had on which I could fix this (its a daily driver, work, time constrictions, etc...)and I think only a fellow enthusiast can help me now - I've lost faith in the dealership or the aftermarket. Maybe at least a hint about a knowledgeable parts guy in the Oshawa area? East end of Toronto? Anything would be HUGELY appreciated. I thank anyone who responds in advance...please help!

[mykel78]

I notice you're not in the US, but I got mine at my local O'Reilly's Auto Parts, part # K8773. My car is a 94 RS, so I don't know if they are the same part, but I think they could be. Have you tried spreading the hub assembly's pinch point? I had to, but just a little bit to slide in the ball joint post. Hope this helps and best of luck!!

[gnashings]

Thanks for your help, I don't know if there are O'Riley stores in Canada - but maybe that part number will help - perhaps it cross-refferences with something? Worth a try.
The part I got from Mazda was a lot closer than the others, but there was no way to spread the clamp-portin enough to accept the post - as it is the clamp was so out of shape the bolt would not line up - I decided I better give up before I crack something or just permanently mess it up another way...
As far as I know, the car has had minimum maintenance done to it other than the necessary basics - it only had 150K kms when I picked it up a couple of years ago, so I doubt that I have some atypical knuckles - I wonder why none of the parts fit. I would also like to know what other requirements there for being a parts man ata Mazda dealership - so far I believe the only one I could spot is the presence of a heartbeat...
Sorry, just venting my frustration. Thanks again for chiming in, and any others with hints would be very appreciated!

[Gro Harlem]

They are the same balljoint as you find on the 90-94 Protege, 91-present Escort/Tracer/ZX2.

They should be easy to find, and cheap. I paid $28.99 for one for my car.

[gnashings]

Thank you!!! I can't tell you guys how much that helps!

One thing though - you would think a Mazda dealer would be able to tell me this - not shrug their shoulders...

Tues. morning I will go out ang get those. Thanks again to all who helped out, I'm very grateful! Thanks!

[mykel78]

Yeah, it would seem our Mazda dealerships would have all the information we need. Truth is, I've stumped several with my questions, which I thought they'd be able to answer with ease. I got the shrug and "here's the manual", well nice manual, jacka@@! But we also have to face that we're dealing with an old car that hasn't been made in going on 10 years. I say cheers to all of us, for keeping the spirit alive!!!
Best of luck tuesday, may you find what you need.

[ma24691]

I had this problem a while back. Every parts place I tried, even AutoZone, where I used to work, could only get one of the 2 types of ball joints. There is a VIN break somewhere in early 1992. I believe it's the later style that everybody has. So I went to the dealer, they asked for my VIN, and ordered the parts. When I got them, they were still the wrong size. I finally ordered the ones that weren't for my VIN, and they were the right ones. I figure who ever owned the car before me must have been in an accident and had to replace the spindles from a different year MX-3, and that's why the "correct" ball joints wouldn't fit.

[gnashings]

Thanks again for your responses - all the help is very much appreciated!

Yes, I was told of the VIN break - my car is early (that is why I posted what I remembered of the last 6 figures of my vin ).

I guess I just know that in my work, whatever it has been, I try to know these types of things, and if not, I feel it is my responsibiity to find out and rectifythe stuation caused by my own ignorance. Not shrug it off. Besides, I know that the guy at NAPA/UAP has to know a little about everything and Mazdas may not be his thing (luckily, this one owns a Miata, but I digress), so I forgive him for giving up when his parts books and lists run out. But Mazda dealerships should try to project more of a "we stand behind our product" image. GM has commercials on the air about theirdealers knowin their cars best - and while I know its PR bull$h!t - Mazda could learn something from the general approach - hell, Ford, Mazda's current automotive pimp, has done similar tigs in their ads. Ok, I am whining again.

As it is, I told the parts mangaer this morning that I need the Protege parts...and he said its the same as the part I am currently holding in my hand, the wrong one. I told him it cannot be, and he said he will get me a ball joint that fits tomorrow (wed) by the morning...I have no faith, but no choice other than to go there and see what he conjures up...If not, I will go to NAPA, armed with my new knowledge, and try the ZX2/Escort angle - last resort, a Fraud dealer. I mean Ford.

Thanks again - both for helping and for listenig to me let off steam! I just want my Mazda back - healthy and ready what it does best - take me through twisty roads while putting a smile on my face!

Oh, and BTW, I am keeping the faith indeed - my first car was a 1983 GLC - and I still insist it was the greatest car in the world, ever! And I don't want to hear otherwise, since I am obviously blinded by sentiment and deluded by memories of youth - sop it will do no good!

And then many a Mazda followed, trying to fill its shoes...this MX the lastin a long line...

Thanks again, guys!

[jordan69]

i know man, i had the exact same problem as you, NAPA unfortunately carries the wrong ball joints for our car, i went to zelmore automotive and they had the right one for our car.

[gnashings]

OK - I got the parts, by eyeball they seem to be the right ones...But the weather has conspired to keep me from putting the m in - its been pi$$ing down rain here for days (of course it clears up once I finally decide that its going to rain all day and postpone the work...).

I figure once I have them in, I will note the Mazda part number,and we could make a sticky in the approporiate FAQ for future victims of this ball joint mystery...With the cars being as old as they are, I think a ball joint replacement will haunt many of our fellow mx3-ers - forunately, its very, very simle once the right part is obtained!!!

BTW - Kokanee, love the sig! Especially the last part - LMFAO!

[mykel78]

Thanks again - both for helping and for listenig to me let off steam! I just want my Mazda back - healthy and ready what it does best - take me through twisty roads while putting a smile on my face!

I know what you mean Mine has put many a smile on my face in the twisties, and lots of her miles come from just that enjoyment. Let us know when you get it all back together! Best of luck, bro!

[David Witherow]

tell them you want a ball joint for a '93 and you will get the right one....

[gnashings]

OK, here is the conclusion of my ball joint saga...
I got the correct part (I had to buy a pinch bolt - the one that came off my left ball joint had massacred threads, and unlike the cheap NAPA part, the Mazda ball joint does not come wiht new hardware...go figure, it only costs twice as much...).
From that point on, the install was simple and hassle free.
To my understanding, my MX3 is an early 92 and the Mazda part that fit is:

E016-34-550

Thanks again for all your help, and I hope that my little escapade will save some other MX3 owner the head ache I had to deal with!