I picked up a pair of hatch lift supports for the car off Amazon. They are StrongArm model number 4709 and I payed $24 each. Because my car is a GSL-SE, it has the rear wiper. I was able to disassemble the original right strut and remove the wiring. I than installed the wiring on the new strut and completed the look with shrink wrap tubing on the strut tube. The final look is very close to the factory strut.
I installed a set of new front speakers today. The install when very easy. I picked up a set of Alpine Type-S SPS-400 from amazon for $50. The new speakers work great. The old speakers were completely blown and water stained.
I figured out the slight idle surging. I went through the steps in the article previously posted problem #8. I started by pulling the BAC valve (bypass air supply valve) and cleaning it out. Next I tested the air adjust screw with not much change. My problem did turn out to be the throttle stop screw not being adjusted correctly. I’m guessing that the previous owner had trouble getting the car running so he started to adjust everything, even stuff that shouldn’t be adjusted.
I also ordered the rear hatch struts and new front speakers.
I still need to get an inner shift boot that mounts to the tranny itself because it is completely shot.
I worked on the car on Saturday. I replaced the last coolant hose that needed replacing.
I’m very happy with Online Mazda Parts. They sent the wrong hose (it had the right parts number but was bagged wrong) so I called them to get it right. They sent a new one right away with a return slip for the old one, no questions asked. I’ve been ordering all my OEM parts from them and I’ll continue to do so.
I also did some more cleaning under the hood. I pulled the battery tray and painted it. I cleaned a bunch more grease off the motor.
