Mazda CX-5 - Front End Parts

[RamFan]

After 130k miles, it’s time to replace the outer tie rods and lower control arms. OE is $360 per C/A and $53 per TRE. This is local dealer parts dept. pricing.

My trusted Rock Auto seems to have a bucket of less than stellar brands (Delphi, Mevotech, Suspensia, Moog) that I’d rather not gamble on. Oh how I miss when Moog could be trusted…

Anyway, if I choose not to go OE, who have we been seeing as a strong and trusted aftermarket suspension parts supplier?

 

[Trav]

Search for Sankei 555, good parts. Note they come unfinished meaning they can get surface rust quickly that does not effect their performance. Clean with brake cleaner then tape of the boots and any fittings and give them a quick spray with VHT Chassis, it does not require primer and holds up well even in the salt belt, a 5 min job, use only on exposed parts.

https://www.amazon.com/VHT-ESP671007-Satin-Black-Chassis/dp/B000CPAVI4

 

[RamFan]

Search for Sankei 555, good parts. Note they come unfinished meaning they can get surface rust quickly that does not effect their performance. Clean with brake cleaner then tape of the boots and any fittings and give them a quick spray with VHT Chassis, it does not require primer and holds up well even in the salt belt, a 5 min job, use only on exposed parts.

https://www.amazon.com/VHT-ESP671007-Satin-Black-Chassis/dp/B000CPAVI4

Will look into them, thanks!

 

[Andyd95]

Not sure about the Mazda pricing but check Impex and Amayama. You’ll probably have to wait a few weeks for the stuff to come in but the savings is generally well worth it

 

[CarbonToast]

I have used Delphi and Dorman recently for suspension parts. They seem just fine to me. I have 30k miles on Dorman balljoints and control arm bushings and they are fine.

 

[RamFan]

I have used Delphi and Dorman recently for suspension parts. They seem just fine to me. I have 30k miles on Dorman balljoints and control arm bushings and they are fine.

I’m normally not negative on Dorman, they fit an intended purpose. I’ve used them in the past on easy or non-critical repairs. But for something I want to do one time only, is laborious, and has a safety element - I’ll pass.

 

[dfarr67]

Tough sifting through the junk- if oem gave good service, find the best price and bite the bullet.