Scratcher09

I have been driving this 2008 Rx-8 for a couple months and while under the car doing an oil change, I noticed one of the bolts holding the passenger side control arm has no nut! The corresponding nut on the driver side has a thick washer with tick marks on it which leads me to believe there may be an adjustment controlled by this missing nut. I noticed the tire on this side is worn unevenly and more than the the others. I took it to a shop for an alignment. I explained at the desk that I saw a nut missing from the control arm. They said they would inspect and call me if any repairs were needed before doing the alignment. They called to tell me it was aligned and ready. I asked about missing nut and they said everything was fine so I assumed they just put the missing hardware on it. Got home and discovered it still has no nut! What does this missing nut do and is this shop negligent for sending my car out like this?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

You can't do an alignment without that "nut"

I would go to Mazda and buy the cam washer and the nut and take it back to the alignment shop and have a chat with the owner or manager

Ther is no way they should have let that leave the shop that way

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Wow, sounds like the shop outright lied to you.
I would be furious.

You need to post the name and location of the shop so any other members in your area know to avoid them.

Jazer

Wow that's awful that they missed that!

Oh, and yes that is dangerous. That is going to put uneven amount of additional stress on the other bolts, as it "flops" around in that little area. Im surprised you weren't noticing something was wrong while driving. I had a loose CA nut and it was still on there, just backed off a few threads, and I was noticing significant steering issues (different model vehicle).

NotAPreppie

It sounds like a wall job to me. If you want to really screw with them, take it back and ask them to align it again. When they don't point out the missing nut/washer, walk the service guy out to the car and point at it.

That's the camber adjustment bolt and attachment point for the lower control arm. Do not continue to drive this vehicle until you have that nut and washer replaced.

Here are the parts you need:
PLATE, CAM - SUB FRAME. FRONT SUSPENSION MECHANISMS; REAR LOWER ARMS & SUB for 2005 Mazda RX-8. #F15128473

NUT for 2005 Mazda RX-8. #9YB041406A

There's a fair chance that the bolt is frozen in the control arm bushing. To check this, break out your favorite ratchet/wrench and try to turn the bolt. If it spins independently of the rubber bushing then all you need is the bolt and washer above.

If turning that bolt causes the rubber bushing or the whole control arm to rotate, you'll need to cut the bolt out with a reciprocating saw and purchase a new control arm and bolt (in addition to the nut and cam washer).

ARM RIGHT (R), LOWER. FRONT SUSPENSION MECHANISMS for 2005 Mazda RX-8. #F15134300B

BOLT, ADJUST. FRONT SUSPENSION MECHANISMS; REAR LOWER ARMS & SUB FRAME for 2005 Mazda RX-8. #F1512866Z

On the bright side, if the bolt is frozen in the bushing, there's almost zero chance that it will come out on its own.

4eye4valve

If you look at the surrounding metal, that nut has been missing for a long time.

Scratcher09

I took it back to the shop--Car X on West Ave. in San Antonio. They had just closed but they unlocked the door to let me in. The guy I had originally spoke in regards to the missing washer/nut remembered me and when I told him the nut was still not there his eyes got really big. I told him that they obviously had not inspected all the suspension components like they told me they would and the missing nut leads me to believe they did not even perform the alignment I paid for. I told him that it was gross negligence and that I was pissed. He was apologetic and assured me that if I brought it back he would personally take care of it. I think he is the supervisor/manager. I tend to think that I should give him the opportunity to correct their mistake. When I take it back I am also going to ask him to show me some kind of evidence that the alignment was done at all. All the components show no signs of any recent handling.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Yeah definitely let them fix their mistake. The only scenario I can think of where the components were not touched is if the alignment was already in spec. Hard to believe with a bolt missing, but if the car landed on the rack just right, it could look fine.

DreamInRotary

That is terrible! Definitely have them fix it and don't go back there.

Scratcher09

Update:

I took it back and they ordered the washer and nut (they did not charge me for it) and installed it. I watched them do the alignment this time. They were nice about it, but I will not likely go back there for anything.