MX5 Diff Washer

[Johno]

Hi all,
This may be a dumb question but there is a large rubber stop washer under each side of the diff mounts on the donor car. I have checked through peoples builds and don't see any brackets on the chassis for refitting these. The question is
"are they to be left off and what are they for on the donor car"?

I guess Mazda put them there for a reason and I myself have fitted brackets in case I have to fit them but cannot find any new replacements as the original ones are a bit shabby to say the least.
Any ideas?

[ozzy1]

I would assume as they are large rubber washers under the diff they may be there to absorb vibration.
Is it the rubbers in either end of the mount as in this pic?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Differential-Diff-Mazda-MX5-Mk1-and-Eunos-Roadster-used-/220864633713?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item336c8edb71
if so is it these(bloody expensive)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polyeurethane-differential-bush-set-Mazda-MX5-diff-/400222687816?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5d2f219248
Im sure AshG did an upgrade in CKC mag on the mev he is building but i could be wrong :eek:

[skov]

I think he means these rather than the rubber inserts in the diff itself:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EAQedP19g_c/TxA2VyURGLI/AAAAAAAAIEM/BuymG6eoomg/s1024/diff_washers.JPG

They bolt under the diff mounts and act as bump stops, and I guess stop the diff falling off if the diff rubbers fail!

I plan to fit them to mine, but just via the hole in the middle, and won't bother bolting the two extra holes to the chassis.

I've seen them bolted on upside down on a Westfield build which makes them press against the diff giving it an almost solid mounting:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vt0sCfoCBcQ/StR0bY-WknI/AAAAAAAABKo/ElSqFEuK_iE/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG

[Johno]

Hi Ozzy1 and Skov,
Their the ones John, I meant to post a photo of them but you beat me to it. I've welded a bracket to my diif mounting plates to pick up the holes for the metal plate on the washer. I've tried to source new ones but had no luck as mine look a bit tired to say the least.
Well John how's your build going not seen too many photos lately.:confused:

Had a bit of an issue with Lukes rear suspension geometry Saturday as he mocked up his rear wishbones and wheel and found there was no adjustment left on the lower wishbones with the half lock nut in place. The camber adjusters were fully wound in and the wheel was still pointing outwards at the bottom...:confused:
Guess we are going to move the hole on the top wishbone and cut off the 30mm threaded bar pretruding on the back of the lower wishbone as well....hmmmm

How's yours looking ?


http://s1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa472/JohnoSS1/MX5%20Build/

Bye Johno

[skov]

I haven't tried fitting the wheels yet, so can't really comment on that problem.
You've got me worried though! Might be worth asking Spud.

There hasn't been too many photos from me lately as I haven't got much done lately :(
Progress wise I'm about the same point you are in the build - fitting the ali panels, so I suspect you're just about to overtake me, if you haven't already!

Have you tried asking a Mazda dealer for the rubber washer things?

[Davidbolam]

Mine uses Saturn rear wishbones and the wheels are vertical and there is plenty of adjustment each way available. Hope yours is the same skov.

[Johno]

Hi all,
Bugger I guess we done something wrong then. I believe you both purchased wishbones from Andy but we made ours...:o
No biggie though, had a quick look today and will probably just move the hole out slightly on the top wishbone which will help out big time....
No John haven't spoke to Mazda yet but just been looking on the internet with no luck...:confused:
John you are miles in front I haven't even took one single part off my donor yet so hurry up so I can see how you do stuff.....LOL

Bye for now Johno

[skov]

I'll try my best, lol
To be fair stipping the donor's the easy bit!

[Davidbolam]

give AK automotive a ring. They will have some off one of the cars they are breaking. I can't see many people wanting to buy them so guess you will get them for next to nothing. 01207 544 071

http://www.akautomotive-mx5.co.uk/?page_id=23

[Oliver]

Hi all,
first time on the forum so here we go...
I am currently making my wishbones and following the Saturn Plans (after a fashion), I have made all of them except the top rear wishbone where I am struggling to get the length. I see I am no the only one with this problem. if any of you had the length between the bushes that would be great.
cheers

[skov]

Found these mx5 diff poly-bushes, which are a bit cheaper than the autolink version posted by ozzy:

http://www.strongflex.vot.pl/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=992&category_id=434&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&lang=en

You still need to use the big washers, but you have to strip the rubber off them, which means you can tart them up with a bit of paint ;)