I have a 2004 Mazda 3 that is in need of new control arms. I ordered Raybestos control arms (even though Mazda it's the entire control arm, they don't bother with just the ball joint, pressing, etc). I have received both control arms, both are the correct part number and both came double boxed from Amazon and in good shape. Here are my pictures, and the difference in the ball joint orientation is obvious.
The left control arm blue protector fits perfect, the right control arm not so much. The tops also seem to be machined differently. Has anyone seen where the ball joint will be at a certain angle on one side, and different at another side? Please if you have experience with this chime in and let me know what you think. Looking at the official Raybestos pictures on Amazon, the stock picture of both the right and left control arm ball joint boot look like my right one, i.e. twisted in at an angle and the blue protector not fitting, for what it's worth from a stock photo. Please give me you opinion.
The left control arm blue protector fits perfect, the right control arm not so much. The tops also seem to be machined differently. Has anyone seen where the ball joint will be at a certain angle on one side, and different at another side? Please if you have experience with this chime in and let me know what you think. Looking at the official Raybestos pictures on Amazon, the stock picture of both the right and left control arm ball joint boot look like my right one, i.e. twisted in at an angle and the blue protector not fitting, for what it's worth from a stock photo. Please give me you opinion.