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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemical which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Summary:
- As the name suggests, shock absorber and strut assembly kits are composed of struts, shock absorbers, and sometimes springs.
- Shocks and struts are both parts of the suspension system, but they differ in a lot of ways.
- There are a couple of TSBs that address issues with the Mazda 3’s shock absorbers and struts.
- An aftermarket shock absorber and strut assembly replacement for your Mazda 3 may cost you anywhere from $26 to $330.
- Get the best deals on Mazda 3 replacement parts and components here on CarParts.com.
Aside from engine performance and cabin space, ride comfort is one of the most important things about the Mazda 3 to vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike. To maintain the vehicle’s ride comfort, the components of the suspension system must be maintained regularly. Shocks and struts help absorb excessive vibrations from driving the vehicle through rough terrain.
If you think that your Mazda 3 shock absorber and strut assembly needs replacing, read this brief guide first and get to know your replacement options.
Shocks vs. Struts: What’s the difference?
As the name suggests, shock absorber and strut assembly kits are composed of struts, shock absorbers, and sometimes springs.
Shocks and struts are both parts of the suspension system, but they differ in a lot of ways. On one hand, shocks help keep the tires on the ground as the vehicle drives over uneven roads or rough terrain. Shocks dampen excessive vibrations and minor jolts and allow the driver to maintain control of the vehicle while driving.
Shocks are hydraulic chambers that contain an internal perforated piston and rod. The sealed chamber may either be hydraulic (filled with hydraulic fluid) or pneumatic (filled with compressed gas). When a vehicle is driven over bumpy roads and uneven surfaces, the shock causes the piston to move into the chamber. This movement is dampened by the gas or fluid inside the chamber. This dampening effect controls the movement of the rod as the gas or liquid is forced to pass through the tiny holes in the piston.
Meanwhile, struts (or MacPherson struts) are damping devices used in many independent suspension systems, front-wheel-drive vehicles, and some rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Struts take up less space than shocks because of their design.
The purpose of struts is two-fold: to dampen the impact from driving on uneven surfaces and to provide structural support for the vehicle suspension and the spring as well as to keep the tires in place. Not only do the struts affect ride comfort and handling, it also has a significant impact on control, braking, steering, wheel alignment, and suspension wear.
Mazda 3 Shock Absorber and Strut Assembly Technical Service Bulletin
Technical service bulletins (TSBs) are released by vehicle manufacturers to inform the public about repair information and/or warranty information about a widespread issue on several models or units. There are a couple of TSBs that address issues with the Mazda 3’s shock absorbers and struts, two of which are listed below:
TSB 02-002/12
- Date issued: June 20, 2012
- Affected Models: 2010-2012 Mazda3 vehicles with 17-inch wheels and VINs lower than JM1BL******622215 (produced before March 1, 2012)
- Additional Information: This TSB contains warranty information for verified customer complaints that are eligible for warranty repair.
The affected units may manifest a creaking noise from the rear shock absorber/s, especially when traveling over a bump on the road or when turning at 6-12 mph (10-20km/h). This unusual sound may be a stick-slip noise that occurs between the bound stopper component and the rod of the shock absorber. To address this issue, it is recommended that grease be applied to the inner surface of the bound stopper component. Repair procedures and warranty information are further detailed in the bulletin itself.
TSB 02-004/16
- Date issued: February 15, 2016
- Affected Models:
- 2011-14 Mazda 2
- 2004-16 Mazda 3
- 2006-15 Mazda 5
- 2003-16 Mazda 6
- A detailed list of other affected models is included in the TSB.
- Additional Information: This technical service bulletin contains information that adds to previously issued TSBs, particularly the TSB 02-001/13 issued on January 14, 2013.
Affected vehicle owners may find oil on the struts or shock absorbers of their vehicles. In many cases, the presence of oil on the shaft is normal, as it may be a result of the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. The TSB contains information on how to check if the oil is the result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
How Much Is a Mazda 3 Shock Absorber and Strut Assembly Replacement?
An aftermarket replacement shock absorber and strut assembly for your Mazda 3 may cost you anywhere from $26 to $330. This price range depends on a few factors, including brand, series, damping type, replacement type, and quantity.
A replacement shock absorber and strut assembly may be sold as an individual component (i.e. a single shock or a single strut) or as a set of 2-4 units (i.e. a set of 4 units may include two struts and two shocks).
If you’re planning on purchasing these components for your vehicle, make sure to get the right number of parts and to note the specific location where you need them. This is to avoid the hassle of returning the wrong items.
At CarParts.com, you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong part because the site has tools to help make your shopping experience easy and hassle-free. The vehicle selector tool allows you to view parts that are compatible with your vehicle, while the search filter lets you customize your search results according to your preferences. If you’re looking for something specific like a 2008 Mazda 3 shock absorber, you can definitely get the right part here.
Get the best deals on Mazda 3 shock absorber and strut assembly replacements here on CarParts.com.
Besides taking note of excessive bouncing, what are other ways to know whether the shock absorbers and strut assemblies installed on the Mazda 3 are failing?
Doing the standard push-and-release test on the rear of the Mazda 3 will give an idea on the condition of the shocks and struts underneath. If the rear end bounces more than once after getting released from the push down, the shocks and struts may already be close to needing a replacement. Another test to gauge the condition of the shock absorbers and strut assemblies is by speeding up on a safe and car-less area then making a full hard stop. If the Mazda 3 experiences pronounced nose-diving, it's advised to have the suspension system examined for any signs of wear.
How dangerous is a leaky shock absorber or strut assembly installed on the Mazda 3?
If a leaky shock or strut is left attached in the suspension system of the car, the hydraulic fluid inside will spread toward nearby components and affect the overall curving and braking performance of the Mazda 3. Worse, this may result to a frozen shock or strut that will leave the car without its anti-shock abilities and may also break the other connected components of the suspension system. Driving without replacing a leaky shock or strut poses a threat of various kinds of road accidents, be they a head-on collision, a fender bender, or a cliff accident.
How long will a DIYer take to replace the worn shock absorbers and strut assemblies on the Mazda 3?
The time required for this replacement heavily depends on the DIY skills of the driver. After all, the shocks and struts on the Mazda 3 are easy to remove. The replacement process for both the front and rear may take a first-time DIYer about 30 minutes while an expert can finish the job in lesser time.
