AWR Endlinks

[dbzeag]

I picked up a set of KSport Kontrol Koilovers from AODMan and to get them to work properly, I picked up a set of AWR endlinks. I was wondering how to assemble the endlinks themselves getting ready to install them on the car. Here is what I have so far:

http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/DSCF0518sm.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/DSCF0518sm.JPG/view/)
http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/DSCF0519sm.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/DSCF0519sm.JPG/view/)
http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/DSCF0520sm.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/DSCF0520sm.JPG/view/)

Now the question I have is that for the fronts I have two types of bushings I think, 4 of each. Here is a pic to show the difference:

http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/DSCF0521sm.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/DSCF0521sm.JPG/view/)

How and where should these go?

Thanks for your help guys, this site has been awesome.

[mitchman]

Great photos!

Maybe they sent you extras? I used the same AWR endlinks on our 2003 Protege DX when I installed Mazdaspeed shocks.

The "shoulder washers" you are asking about should go one on each side of each rod end. If I remember correctly, you use the thicker ones on top and the thinner ones on the bottom. But I don't think it really matters much. You could call AWR if you're really concerned. (760) 598-9782

I think the o-rings that AWR supplies are too think and cause the links to bind. You can build the links without the o-rings without fear of anything bad happening. The only reason AWR supplies their links with o-rings is to prevent the rod ends from clicking. The rod ends can rotate and tap against the shoulder washers making a slight clicking noise....usually only when going over extreme bumps (like entering/exiting a driveway).

I ended up only using one o-ring on each end instead of two. This prevents the rod ends from binding. But they do click every once in a while. I don't think anyone notices but me. :)

To answer your question, I think you have them assembled correctly. As long as you have a shoulder washer on each side of each rod end you're good to go.

[dbzeag]

I recieved an email from AWR confirming what I have to install. This is what the thicker shims are for.

http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/IMG_3614.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/IMG_3614.JPG/view/)
http://www.supload.com/thumbs/default/IMG_3615.JPG (http://www.supload.com/free/IMG_3615.JPG/view/)


This is the front links. The side without the o rings will be installed on the top, on the strut, while the other will be on the sway bar on the bottom.

Just an FYI I guess.

[mitchman]

I just looked at my AWR links and noticed something really wierd. Put the frount wheels up on jackstands. Take the tires off. Have someone inside turn your steering wheel lock-to-lock. Watch what the front sway bar does.

I can't believe Mazda put the sway bar mounts on the front struts....WHEN THEY ROTATE WITH THE STEERING! It's crazy. The front sway bar moves up about 2 inches at 3/4 lock! Come to think of it, I should have looked at that what the other side was doing.

The point is, the front bar's rate changes as your increase steering input....doesn't it?

[Bala]

reference bump

[02PROTEGE2.0]

i just installed these aqnd they feel nice... however i made mine shorter than the stock ones...

which is better? to mqke them shorter or longer than stock?

[rednecks_r_us]

I just got my AWR end links so now its time to figure them out.

Also bumping 02PROTEGE2.0's question.