Strut Replacement on my Mazda 3. A step by step overview of the process, with some tips.

I had put off changing these struts for quite some time. Although I have done lots of work on cars,Engine rebuilds, engine replacement, head rebuild, transmission shift kits, etc, I have never changed a MacPherson type strut(most of my cars are used up, way before they need struts). In fact, I have only changed shocks on 2 different cars in my lifetime. My 1972 Monte Carlo, which I rebuild the entire front end suspension, and my mom's AMC Spirit. It was a lot easier than I had heard. It is in fact, a piece of cake!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• strut replacement on a mazda
• shock replacement
• automotive shock replacement
• automotive repair
• mazda 3
• mazda

[wrightizle]

Can you PLEASE do a video of how to change out the rear shocks!!!

[themarkfellows2]

@wrightizle Luckily for me, my car doesn't need them, so although I would love to help, I just can't justify taking the car apart just to see how it is done. Sorry :(

[wonderlyeric]

Nice video, thanks for the good information! I am wondering if an alignment is needed after this install? After banging on the control arm so much, it seems like it would throw it off a little......? Your thoughts?

[themarkfellows2]

@wonderlyeric I think an enlightenment would be in order after this procedure. Not just from banging on it, but just the fact of taking the strut out of the upper control arm. However, I didn't get mine aligned for the simple reason that I HATE taking my car to tire shops, because of the real risk of drawing a moron to work on it. It's been a while, and so far I have noticed no outside, nor inside tire wear due to toe issues.... I should do it, but I just don't want to.

[jolo0607]

Its really a good video i,m gonna do this with my mazda demio because we have the same type of shock absorber...Thanks for uploading..

[themarkfellows2]

@jolo0607 thank you for the compliment, and I hope you find the video useful. If you run into trouble, read all the comments from other people. Some people have run into some issues, and thankfully, I was able to help them through it, so you might find something useful. GOOD LUCK!

[chiujason]

@themarkfellows2 I am talking about the bolt hole in the centre. Somehow I am having trouble to line it up with the strut bolt! But I guess I will post some pics and see if you can help! Thank you very much!

[themarkfellows2]

@chiujason are you talking about the 3 bolts that bolt into the fender, or the shaft on the strut itself? if you are talking about the 3 bolts that go into the fender, you just need to jack up on the rotor, and control arm assembly a little to get it closer to the fender. If the 3 bolt holes in a triangle don't match up, you just need to rotate the mount around with your hands. It is touch, but it can easily be done. You just need to fiddle with it, and use some finesse.

[chiujason]

Thanks! I had the coil spring compressed and replaced the strut mount. But for some reason, the strut bolt (screw) is not long enough even I fully extended it. Also, the bolt doesn't seem to align with the hole.

[chiujason]

is there a special way to install the strut mount, for some reason I can't install it back!?