Dear fellow FD owners,

I would like to start a group buy interest thread for a new product:

FD specific eccentric lock washers for the LCA eccentric “camber” bolts!

Some of you may already be familiar with a similar product made for the MX-5 platform by Paco Motorsports.

Unfortunately these lock washers for the MX-5 do not fit our FD platform. So I decided to make my own. I have been working on designing these for the last year, going through many iterations and prototypes. I’m finally very close to the final version!

Early FD prototype #1 on the left next to a Paco Lock washer for the MX-5 on the right (notice the tighter and more precise cut and smaller teeth on my first prototype)

For those of you who are not familiar with these lock washers, please let me explain how they work and what their purpose is.

But some basics first: On the FD front and rear subframes, where the lower control arms connect, you will notice the bolt hole is not a circle, but rather a long oval shape. This shape allows the camber bolt to be fastened in various different positions thus pushing the LCA's inward or outward which decreases or increases the camber of the wheels.

The factory eccentric bolts use washers on both ends; these washers have markings which help when making adjustments and finding the desired camber setting. In order to keep the eccentric washers and bolts in place the subframes have welded on U “guides”. This method works great and some FD owners will never have any issues with the factory eccentric washers and bolts.

Ok, now that we covered the basics we can continue with the good stuff.

Here is a simple animation of the first prototype in action!




So one of the downside of the factory OEM eccentric washers is that anytime the LCAs are taken off for whatever reason…ideally you would want to get your suspension alignment dialed in again.

Also there is a chance of eccentric bolts slipping during hard cornering, especially if using new sticky tires in combination with old tired bolts/washers. This never happened to me personally as I never drive my car that hard, but I’ve heard of it happening to others.

So this is where the eccentric lock washers come into play. They fully replace the factory washer, and as you can see on the following image they also use an outer ring. The outer ring sits perfectly against the walls of the factory welded on U “guides” which prevents any left-right movement. Also notice the inner washer is secured inside the outer ring using “teeth” which ensure the inner washer cannot spin out of place.



So other than the obvious benefit of completely eliminating any slipping or movement during hard cornering, the lock washer can also be used to dial in a certain alignment settings, which you can easily revert back to anytime the LCA’s are taken off, without having to go back to the alignment shop. Or for example, one could always have a street and track setting which they can easily change on the spot by simply adjusting the inner washer to a different position. It’s easy to keep track of the positions as you simply mark the teeth with a sharpie perhaps.

What I didn’t like about the Paco Motorsports locks is the size and number of the teeth, the larger the teeth the less available camber position angles you have available. Adding a larger number of smaller teeth increases the available positions that one could use. I’m proud to say that these locks that I made offer 21 different positions which allows for a more precise camber setting. Also I decided to make mine form Stainless Steel, while Paco made theirs from mild steel.

Also for the hard core FD guys who track their cars and only ever use one single alignment setting, they could easily tack weld the outer ring in a desired position, and never have to worry about alignment again.

The lock washers are made using 4.7mm thick high grade 304 Italian stainless steel, they are cut using a top of the line fiber laser cutting machine. My goal is to virtually eliminate any play between the inner washer and outer ring, to make sure the outer ring sits snugly against the U “guide”, as well as making sure the inner washer fits snugly on the bolt (unlike Mazda’s OEM washer which has significant play between the washer and bolts)

Mazda old suspension bolts (D-shape) and new suspension bolts (H-shape)



So our FD’s originally came with D-shaped suspension alignment bolts, at one point Mazda changed the design to the H-shaped bolts. I designed two different inner washers to work with either the newer H-shaped bolts or the older “D” shaped bolts.

Here is a sneak peak at the current prototype (3D printed for faster R&D ). I added teeth all the way around (more about why I decided to do this later).



TLDR

Summary and key advantages:

- Custom made for the FD in the USA

- Increased number of smaller teeth for more precise camber adjustability

- Made from 304 Stainless Steel so it wont rust

- No more slipping bolts during hard cornering

- Available in D and H shaped bolt holes to accommodate older and newer style Mazda bolts

- Will be made for both front and rear lower control arms (total of 6 lock washers)

- Attention to precision and quality to ensure a tight fit while minimizing play between washers and bolts

- Price depends on number of orders. The more sets I get made the lower the cost of production is. Ideally I would like to keep the price below $50 for a complete set

There you go folks, I started this project as I personally wanted a solution for the FD camber bolts, something I could use on my own FD. Now that I'm getting close to a final design I decided to share it with you guys, I honestly hope you like the lock washer prototypes and if you are interested in making this GB a reality please let me know in the comments below.

Cheers fellas!

 

So cool! It amazes me how this community continues to pump out amazing and innovative products for the FD platform; especially in recent years.

For anyone looking at these and scratching their head; this product may be small and look unassuming but the impact is HUGE. Anyone who's done their share of track driving knows how important it is to be able to rely on your suspension settings. No longer having to consider whether your alignment settings have slipped if the car feels sloppy or your treadwear pattern doesn't look how you want is worth the price of admission alone. But as Spalato lays out well in his post, the list of benefits goes on. Sign me up!

0. Spalato - ..........
1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2.

 

0. Spalato - ..........
1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set

 

0. Spalato - ..........
1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)

 

I'm in... great product!!


0. Spalato - ..........
1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set



.

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)[/QUOTE]
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H

 

That is pretty frickin cool!
I have a set of Paco for my Spec Miata but never got around to installing them.
It's amazing how quickly the OE camber 'washers' wear out with the tiny teeth on the H bolt and how loose the camber washer sometimes is on the D bolt. You really need tight tolerances on the interface between the bolt and camber washer thingy and such.

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set
14. ColdFeet - D-style bolts x2 sets (need to confirm if D or H)

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set
14. ColdFeet - D-style bolts x2 sets (need to confirm if D or H)
15. candrzej2 - D-style x1 set

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set
14. ColdFeet - D-style bolts x2 sets (need to confirm if D or H)
15. candrzej2 - D-style x1 set
16. Akomix - D-Style x1 set

 

17. James2u - H-style x1 set

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set
14. ColdFeet - D-style bolts x2 sets (need to confirm if D or H)
15. candrzej2 - D-style x1 set
16. Akomix - D-Style x1 set
17. James2u - H-style x1 set
18. Chon - x1 set (need to confirm D or H style)

 

Finally received the latest prototypes. These will be fitted and tested to make sure everything is as it should be. Will update the thread with pics once installed.

 

Hi Wazway, I don't have any plans to sell the H style bolts, as I believe those are readily available through any Mazda dealership as well as Ray Crowe, if I'm not mistaken.

 

1. Cloud9 - D-Style bolts x1 set
2. Dannng - D-Style bolts x1 set
3. Wazway - D style bolts x1 set (unless you sell H-bolts as well as an "upgraded" setup)
4. estevan62274 - D-Style bolts x1 set
5. Yellowt2 - x1 set (need to check which style bolts I have)
6. Narfle - D-Style bolts x1 set (interested in H-bolt options)
7. SonnyDeez - x1 set, Need to check which bolts I have -- probably D but they've been replaced a few times
8. BLUE TII - "H" bolts 1x set
9. Zweetz32 - D-style bolts 1 set. Will double check if it's D or H
10. su_maverick - x1 set but need to check bolts
11.7krayziboi - D-style x1
12. drifter-s - D-style bolts x1 set
13. primerGrey - D-style bolts x1 set
14. ColdFeet - D-style bolts x2 sets (need to confirm if D or H)
15. candrzej2 - D-style x1 set
16. Akomix - D-Style x1 set
17. James2u - H-style x1 set
18. Chon - x1 set (need to confirm D or H style
19. NorthernRebel27 - X1 set D-style x1 set

OP, recommend elaborating on when Mazda shifted from D to H style bolts so those who are unsure have some clarification. I'm not sure myself or I would have just posted it. Either way, these look awesome and thanks for supporting the community!

 

interested but don't know what type bolts I have (93 touring)

 

You should be able to see without lifting the car off the ground. If you grand a flash light and lie down next to the backside of one of your front wheels and look at the shape of the bolt extending out of the lower control arm you should be able to tell. With that said, my car is a '95 with a December build date and it has D-style bolts. So I would be shocked to learn of any U.S. car that had them equipped from the factory.