I've got a set of poly bushings for the control arms in my 2004 NB. I have been reviewing threads on what others have done. Some had concerns on the clearances of the metal sleeves and worked them over to keep them from binding. Others installed grease zerks. There was no real follow up on if these.

Are there any best practices tips on "how to install the energy suspension poly bushings" ?

 

Step 1 - Google it
Let me google that for you

Step 2 - Go buy this
3 Piece Three-Jaw Puller Set

Step 3 - Follow this
Suspension How-To: Control Arm bushings - Miata Forumz - Mazda Miata Chat Forums

I don't recommend using fire, it's messy as all hell. I've done both puller and fire methods. Puller is WAY easier.

 

Thank you Mike, for your quick response. What I really was hoping to follow up on are the finer points; making sure that there are no binding issues. Past forum discussions about re-working the bushing sleeves on a lathe or installing zerts seemed not to be fully followed up on. Do you feel that this is necessary; or just "put-'em-in"?

While I'm in there, is there any way to optimize the adjustability? In particular, I am having a bit of trouble getting enough negative camber up front... I have to really pry as I tighten the inboard lower control arms. Is it possible/recommended to slightly shorten the upper control arms or slightly lengthen the lower inboard mounts by weld/re-drill? I'm not sure what this might do to bump steer, but I guess it could be measured and shimmed. Or, have others used a different solution?

 

Do the zerks. Not hard and you will wish you had if you don't. I had to do some very minor sanding on a couple that were a fraction of a mm too long, but no biggie.

 

What's with the fascination of doing it with the A-arms still attached to the car?

--Ian

 

 

I took my arms out. I need to zerk mine since I'm doing this to my '99 now. Just lazy I guess and didn't do the rears. Still have to do the fronts. I have the time just not the energy. Also I can't find the super grease that comes with the bushings in a grease gun cartrige. I hate mixing lubricants. No reason, just odd I guess. I have a tub of the white uber grease from energy that should last me a lifetime. Any suggestions on a grease gun cartridge that is similar.

 

Fill grease gun with grease from the tub?