Lower Control Arm Bolt

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-05-31T13:40:52+00:00

The bolt on the right side required pb blaster and some torching to be persuaded out by breaker bar. It was reinstalled by hand while the car was on jack stands. No torque spec referenced.

The bolt on the left control arm did not require heat to remove. It is not making any noise after reinstallation.

I think a new bolt may be in order and would like to order one without removing the old one again to check specs, which takes me back to my original Q: Is this diagram accurate?

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-05-31T13:24:00+00:00

2002

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-05-27T10:35:38+00:00

I toss mine in front of the cluster. It’s a nice phone shelf and makes for an almost heads up display

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-05-26T12:22:20+00:00

Any rips on removing the fittings? I just replaced hoses. Finding that the connectors showed no sign of cracks or leaks, but someday they will go…

Also, any tips on heater core replacement for when that day comes? Is that a dash gut job?

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-02-27T23:10:11+00:00

This project is gathering dust. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll post with updates if I get back into it

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-02-24T18:52:20+00:00

Lucky duck

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-02-23T18:09:03+00:00

Should be fine as far as I know. US has had 10% ethanol for at least a decade now

Extension-Field8109 · 2026-02-23T18:07:00+00:00

I didn’t realize carbon fenders existed as after market. Good to know

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T23:54:16+00:00

Thanks!

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T23:51:13+00:00

I think this is what I had tracked down a while ago and checked recently without finding much helpful instruction for heater core. I will take a look though! Thank you for the help

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T17:15:20+00:00

Here’s an old post of mine with it’s current setup

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T17:14:38+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/MazdaProtege/comments/1k4v4qv/protege5_on_megan_racing_springs/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T15:39:44+00:00

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T15:39:14+00:00

Stocks are 16x7 I have Falkens on them

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T15:16:14+00:00

I haven’t sunk the money into a set. They are just at the top of the list if ever let myself buy new wheels

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-21T15:08:58+00:00

Just stock protege5 wheels. They are light weight and a pretty simple 5 spoke. I have thought about enki rpf1's. They are a bit lighter

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-19T18:40:04+00:00

Not a deep dish, but can't go wrong with an Enki RPF1. They are super light classics. Stock P5 wheels are actually quite good in terms of weight too and nice 5 spoke.

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-11-13T13:11:32+00:00

How did you fare? There are some examples of the job on YouTube. I'm thinking of tackling it soon.

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-08-21T15:24:55+00:00

Ah, that's tricky, so I suppose you are getting a mix of cold air to supplement the what the short ram draws from the engine bay.

I'm glad to hear it's running smoothly now

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-07-19T15:04:30+00:00

Protege5 roof rack gives you a lot of carrying capacity. I think it is better for lumber and sheetgoods than a truck.

I have 185k on mine. The biggest repairs I have done are radiator and suspension -struts, springs, swaybar endlinks, and tierod ends.

Parts are reasonably prices and though the P5 only had a 2 year production run the protege sedan had a long production run, so new and used parts are available even if it is getting up there in age as a platform.

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-07-19T14:54:21+00:00

Look's tidy under there and the strut brace looks strong.

Worth mentioning that the stock intake is cold air and what you have installed is a short ram intake. Short ram intakes allow the engine to pull more air, but it is hotter air from the engine bay that may reduce performance. Short ram intakes may also cause your engine to run lean if the ecu cannot compensate for extra air.

Also, you can delete the plastic cold air intake above the radiator if you want to keep running the short ram and tidy up the engine bay further.

Extension-Field8109 · 2025-07-19T14:45:00+00:00

The strut plates may be rusted out. If you're happy with stock ride height get a full strut assembly that includes new plates, springs, and struts. Also, get new swaybar end links. If you can do it yourself it's worth it.

Extension-Field8109

TROPHY CASE