atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

So first off i don't know jack shiz about suspensions and was wondering what this is? (starts putting on flame suit...)
I hit a curb today being a dumbass and now my wheel is crooked. All i know is i bent the heck outta the thing circled in red. I've tried searching google images, but i might not be typing in the correct phrase. Anyways, thanks in advance.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

i BELIEVE that is the control arm. im not 100 percent sure lol

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Kinda what i was thinking as well. I've been searching the web for the last little while and i'm thinking it's the front lower control arm. Still not 100% though lol.

btw, your avatar is awesome!

Speed_8

i too would have to agree its the control arm

bryan4140

iTrader: (2)

First thing that came to mind was control arm. But im not exactly sure as im not a suspension master... or master of any thing for that matter . Anyways im sure if you sent that picture to one of the two or so guys parting out their wrecked 8s in the for sale section you could probably get it for a good price.



heres a link to one of them: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/2005-mazda-rx8-part-out-219722/

and this second one im not sure if his parts would be any less bent than yours but here it is anyways: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/wrecked-rx8-sale-anything-everything-you-may-need-224798/

and the third times the charm: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/rx8-2005-part-out-224803/

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reply
I'll try to order one from mazmart.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

It is a Rear Toe Control Link. (The control arm is the other larger link in that picture.) If it's in your budget, look into getting a couple of high performance parts, from a manufacturer such as Megan. And yes, you're going to need an alignment with that link replacement.

As I always say... When something breaks, fix it better.

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Ahh i see! I was looking around the web and there was a few things i thought it was. But that sums it up

I'll have to look into the Megans. Any idea where i could get on OEM one though? Can't seem to find one at any local auto stores or even rockauto.

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Nevermind, just found one on Mazdatrix

I'll do some research one the Megans though before i pull the trigger.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

I'm not specifically recommending Megan... It's just a performance suspension name that jumped into my head, when looking for an example.

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Well i ordered the OEM one. Money is a bit of an issue so i went the cheap way out.
I've never swapped one of these out. It looks pretty straight forward, but can anyone give me some advice?

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

It's very straightforward. About the only issue that you might run into, is the outer end (where the joint fits into the wheel hub)... Sometimes those will be very stubborn to remove.

And, as I said before, you'll need a 4-wheel alignment. That is a major component to your rear suspension geometry.

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Thats what i was thinking.
And just one more question Is there anything special i have to do when i put the new one back in?

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

The offset bolt/plate on the inside mounting point of the arm, is where the alignment shop will adjust the rear toe. When you install the new arm, put that in the same position as you removed it. (So that your wheel will be mostly pointed in the right direction. )

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Well i replaced it this morning and everythings good for the most part

But i need to get that alignment done asap! I didn't have time before work so i'll get it done tomorrow. Hopefully that'll fix it since my wheel is just a tiny bit crooked still. And my "loosing traction" light is illuminated at all times.

I guess i'll find out once i get it done. Thanks everyone! And much thanks to Wingznut.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

Let us know how it is after the alignment. Hopefully, that'll be all you need, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that more was damaged than that link.

atwood_101

iTrader: (1)

Ugh.. I really hope it wasn't more than that link. But i did hit that curb extremely hard..