Cant seem to find the smaller ball joints...

Post by **Custommx3** » May 14th, 2006, 12:59 pm

Im replacing the balljoints on my GS, but noone seems to have the size I need.

The shaft is too large to fit into the hub, 1-2mm larger than the one I replaced.

I went through every ball joint for every year for my car and they were all too large.

Anyone have pics of the 2 styles?

Also, those early 92 owners such as myself, where did you manage to pick up a set?

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » May 14th, 2006, 2:17 pm

I ended up changing the hubs to fit the ball joint. Not a easy choice, but I figured why fight it.

Did you look at Rockauto.com they have a good selection of ball joints.

im2bad4ya · Post by **im2bad4ya** » May 14th, 2006, 5:27 pm

I picked mine up not too long ago from rockauto.com I didn't install them myself, but they are fine, no complaints.

Nd4SpdSe · Post by **Nd4SpdSe** » May 14th, 2006, 11:30 pm

hmm. Canadian Tire...never had an issue.

Steeb · Post by **Steeb** » May 15th, 2006, 5:26 am

do you guys have any part numbers to share? i need to change the ball joints on my gs too.

there are several part numbers listed in the link below. can ball joints not interchanable between the different

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_ ... a/mx3.html

1992blazeredgs · Post by **1992blazeredgs** » May 15th, 2006, 7:14 am

Does anybody know the break off when they switched to a bigger ball joint for a 92 gs? I need to do mine and i dont want to order the wrong parts. Thanks

Nate

ccreech · Post by **ccreech** » May 15th, 2006, 9:40 am

I thought that they switched over to the larger size in the middle of 1993 year model. Not sure the exact date...I thought that ordering a 1992 would get you what you need guess not. Stupid manufacturers.

Post by **Custommx3** » May 15th, 2006, 10:26 am

I ended up finding a set @ Advance auto parts.

They are odd though, these have the greese fittings and a dust boot which you have to put it together and fill it with grease.

It managed to resolve my vibration issue I was having when turning left or hitting bumps under acceleration.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » May 15th, 2006, 10:57 am

Sept 93' is supposed to be the mid-year change. However, be careful I've seen pre-Sept. 93' cars that were acutally post mid year change. My car is a Aug. 93' and if a pre change car.... Go figure. It must have depended on which factory your car came from, but I cannot imagine Mazda using more than one facotry to build the MX-3... <shrugs>

As for the part number it would be hard to reference a Mazda part number for a aftermarket part. I've tried that, and the manufacturer cannot tell which part theirs matches based on the Mazda part number. Usually they will tell you based on the year and if necessary, such as in the 93' split, the month your car was made which part you need.

Post by **Custommx3** » May 15th, 2006, 11:16 am

My friend Daniel said the smaller ones are the pre-93 model. My Gs has the smaller ones..
mfg date 11/91.

Steeb · Post by **Steeb** » May 15th, 2006, 12:38 pm

this thread moved quick. good responses with useful info.

thanks for answering my questions.

im2bad4ya · Post by **im2bad4ya** » May 15th, 2006, 10:49 pm

VIN #000001-227696=Smaller Ball Joints
VIN #227697 and up=Larger Ball Joints

According to many auto parts websites.

Steeb · Post by **Steeb** » May 22nd, 2006, 4:14 am

pepboys usually has most of the parts i need in stock so i went there.

the parts they have listed for the the mx3 1.8v6 are the larger diameter ball joints

the parts for the escort 1.8 92-96/97? are the smaller diameter ball joints

Post by **Custommx3** » May 22nd, 2006, 10:14 am

Sorry guys, I managed to find them @ Advance autoparts.

These are a TRW part and have zerk grease fittings as well as a dust cap.

Odd thing is you have to put all of these together.

customescortgt · Post by **customescortgt** » May 22nd, 2006, 6:10 pm

You can also use the 90-94 Protege ball joints they are the smaller ones I got from Napa.