I finally replaced the sway bar bushings to my Mazda 5 this weekend! Even though I knew the problem was not critical, the noise had become unbearable and I got tired of explaining to everyone riding with me that we were not going to lose a wheel and die in a crash. I did exactly what "el toro" said although I worked both sides before installing back the wheels. If I may add something that eased things up a lot was loosening the sway bar from the links on both sides to gain better access to the bracket holding the bushing by rotating the sway bar out of the way (the rear bolts were easier to remove with the sway bar arm all the way up and the front bolts with the bar down). The old bushings were worn and cracked. I noticed that the new bushings have an additional core of either plastic/nylon or similar, which I hope will reduce wear more than direct contact of the bar with the rubber. I used white lithium grease for coating the interior of the bushings. I am attaching a couple of pics of the replacement bushings. Problem gone, rides like new. I hope this fix lasts more than a few thousand miles.
Any reason why you went with OE replacements? Are there aftermarket options? If possible, I would look into aftermarket bushing that also come with a larger bracket.Followed the post by these guys and was able to tackle the job. I'll add something that made it a little easier for me...Other than the use of a combinatin of U-joint socket and extension, I used an open end wrench on the rear bolt to help loosen and tighten the bolt a lot easier. Test drove it right after I replaced the bushings, and I was pleased that the clunking sound was gone. And yes it feels like a new car without the annoying clunky noise. Attached pic shows the new bushing (left), next to the old one (right). Notice the new design; cut out on the side, thicker piping with extra waxy surface, also the new bushing feels more tougher and rigid than the old one that I pulled out which was very flimsy and soft. No wonder the FSB was making contact with cross member, the old bushing was too weak to hold down the FSB...
Any reason why you went with OE replacements? Are there aftermarket options? If possible, I would look into aftermarket bushing that also come with a larger bracket.
I do not have faith in Mazda parts durability. IMO, they work great for a short period of time but are not built to last without maintenance.
Hmm. I wonder if weather has any play in the OE bushing durability..? Both the front and rear on my previous '08 was shot by ~32K and made TERRIBLE clunks. My current ‘08 also had reports of bushing replacement (not sure if front/rear but documented on the service history) at ~30K. I'm just thankful it has no noise right now . If your ’06 is only experiencing bushing noise now, then this bring up an interesting point. I wonder if those who have clunks are primarily 4 season owners.From my reading on the intertubes, it appears that there are after market bushings, but they are poly which I believe are higher maintenance since they need to be lubed. In addition, they usually transmit more noise and vibration since they are harder for performance. See http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gd-suspension-handling-stiffening/206293-bushings-rubber-vs-polyurethane.html I'd also like to hear first hand long term experiences, since I'm starting to hear some bushing noise (I assume) @~70k miles.
Any reason why you went with OE replacements? Are there aftermarket options? If possible, I would look into aftermarket bushing that also come with a larger bracket.
I do not have faith in Mazda parts durability. IMO, they work great for a short period of time but are not built to last without maintenance.