How To Replace Front Struts 04-13 Mazda 3

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@jgon25]

Great video, but I noticed you torqued the lower strut bolt without specifying the torque specs. 17 mm bolts get torqued to 70 ft/lbs. 14 mm bolts get torqued to 40 ft/lbs with the exception of the 14mm front upper strut mount bolts. They only get torqued to 20ft/lbs.

[@barryspofford4036]

Great instructional, thank you so much! It was a smooth process. One thing to note is there is a allen wrench fitting in the end of the stabilizer rod that connects to the strut. (2006 Mazda 3) You can put your 14mm wrench on first, then put an allen wrench in the center of the bolt to hold it from spinning while you loosen it. This would keep you from possibly puncturing the rubber boot on back using vise grips to hold it there.

[@RentASmartGuy]

I used this video and was able to do the job (and save over $500) Thanks so much!

[@thewesty101]

Thank you 1A Auto Parts! This walkthrough is solid. Got my struts replaced pretty smoothly in my driveway with a floor jack and jack stand. I will add that keeping all the upper mounting bolts attached when hammering the steering knuckle helped to knock the knuckle loose. Also, prying the knuckle apart behind the bottom of the shock helped to slide the shock in and out easier.

[@karleeaadams]

Excellent video. Took us two girls under 3 hours to do both sides and replace front pads while we were in there. Thanks to the tips left in comments this went great! Only hitch was that the flange that holds the brake line was too small on the new part, old line can't snap in with it's clip. But we worked around it.

[@MrElpajita]

Way to go!!!!!!!💪

[@1AAuto]

@George Armenante Yes you can perform this with a floor jack and stands. Hope this helps you out. We carry new shocks and struts for your car on our website too with FREE SHIPPING! Thanks for watching.

[@crappyinventor9706]

Im 17 and i fixed my car in under 3 hours. Thank you. +1 like

[@1AAuto]

+Swager Haunan Thanks for checking us out and don't forget to hit that subscribe if you haven't already!

[@aldosaldana1462]

Nice bro im same age

[@Mrmcnevon]

Awesome video! Your videos have helped me tons. An important note on my 06 3 was that the top mount is directional. The 3 grade 10 bolts will only align the bottom of the strut with the knuckle at the correct a angle of you ensure the rubber nub on the top of the strut mount is facing towards the engine.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@jec0435]

It would have been nice if you mentioned the actual torque settings for the bolts. ;)

[@rhyno811]

jec0435 I love finding the comments of exactly what I was thinking. Seriously though? Why not list the torque specs?

[@ericbeaulieu4663]

@@rhyno811 : 25 lb-ft for the top bolts, 45-54lb-ft for the kuckle bolt and 56 lb-ft for top plate nut.

[@MrElpajita]

​@@rhyno811seriously, can't you use internet to find them??? Daaaamn!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching Clint, sometimes we like to show how to remove things with basic tools. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@MustangManV8]

Thanks guys! Used this for my Mazda5!

[@1AAuto]

We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@donnyberger1666]

Watching this instruction made me pop out the inner CV shaft joint. Effing GREAT.

[@josegutierrez-q1d]

I did this repair on a friend's 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 automatic. It's Very Important to note that the inner cv can release from the driver (tripod setup) when you're banging out the old strut assembly. This happened to me on both sides. When this occurs, you can't move the knuckle in to position the bottom of the strut. The axle shaft/inner tripod bearing is hitting the inner driver. Turn the rotor to rotate the axle shaft/inner tripod bearing and push the knuckle assembly inwards to push tripod bearing into the driver. Once re-seated, strut bottom goes in smoothly into the knuckle.

[@negocios0rsk]

Thanks! This video convinced me to do the job myself and I did so successfully at great savings. One note of advice: when the old strut is removed there's a tendency for the half axle to push out and extend. That axle should be wired in place to prevent the inner joint from overextending and possibly becoming damaged.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! 888-844-3393

[@JamesSpatcher-l3r]

You can avoid using the sledge hammer on the knuckle by using a bottle jack instead. The foot of a typical bottle jack fits snuggly against the strut and on top of the knuckle. Then just pump up the jack against the bottom of the coil spring seat. Changed the front struts on both of my 3's. Easy no issues.

[@drewsuschrist]

Hello! This video is fantastic and I am very thankful for it as I am replacing the same strut assembly on a 2007 Mazda 3 HB atm. My only issue is that when you torque things you don't mention WHAT you torque it to (or am I missing it? - I turned annotations on just in case). Like at 6:15 I don't know what I am torquing that bolt there to.

[@fredortiz5145]

Great Video 1A Auto. My Son has a 2008 Mazda 3i and this is going to help him save $$.

[@1AAuto]

+Fred Ortiz That's our goal. We're glad we could help you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@87bigdreams]

Any ideas on how to get the new strut back into the knuckle? I tried the jack method, putting grease on the knuckle and strut but it won’t slide down as needed. Any help will be appreciated

[@415legacy]

Great job thanks I was able to replace shocks and struts on my 2009 Mazda 5

[@1AAuto]

+415legacy We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@TheBanda1989]

Can you guys do a spark plugs video? Malibu would be great 05. Your videos are very helpful. Thanks for keeping this channel alive.

[@vmjhardscapeandlandscape7597]

Great job!

[@brians2269]

Excellent video guys, you saved me a bunch of time and money. Well done.

[@noahnas]

You forgot to mention that the upper rubber mount needs to be facing a certain way since the struts doesn't come aligned as when you removed the old one. Great video.

[@nutsackmania]

Yeah. I was like this isn't an equilateral triangle! Also, there is a small key on the top of the mount but no keyway on the body for alignment.

[@Mrmcnevon]

Yep. Couldn't figure out why my koni was sitting at such a funny angle and wouldn't go into the knuckle.

[@michaelreynoso5884]

Dude thanks this video so cool. Post more preferably 99 s10. And I'll buy parts from you eveytime

[@rokanator1]

Excellent video! You guys have saved me a lot of money in repair costs. Getting ready to do this. Do you have to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle?

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. You do not need to separate the tie rod from the Steering Knuckle. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@yuephengher9150]

nice delivery! Made my job quite simple. thank you.

[@josephennis1224]

Great video, I will be doing this on the ground with a floor jack and supports. Will I be able to jack the car high enough to slide the steering knuckle on without also compressing the spring somehow?

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. You should be able to lift up the vehicle. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@negocios0rsk]

Thank you for this wonderful instructive video. Can I do this work with jackstands and a floor jack? My concern is striking the knuckle when freeing the old strut. I was thinking to slot a 2x4 along the length of the jacking spot to spread out some of the force. Thoughts?

[@tau4942]

Wow! I didn't realize how much work went into changing just one strut!

[@BayMotors2]

yes i was very interested in how the new strut would go in. Never thought to use a floor jack like that, would have made the job way easier the first time i did this.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +Bay Motors Inc

[@priscillasilva5821]

Wow. Thanks for the video. This will save me, a starving student, about $320. Now all I have to do is find a good deal on struts. One question for you though, is there any need to have the springs compressed for installation? It didn't look like the springs in the video were compressed.

[@bowlander]

One thing to note is that if your end links are original, they are not going to be easy to get back on. The treads on mine were totally smashed and then the allen wrench hole rounded out trying to tighten it down, so yeah maybe get new end links at the same time.

[@altonjarman7520]

Having problems getting the old strut to pop all the way out of the bottom knuckle on a 2008. Is it just a matter of pounding the heck out of it to get the arm assembly to drop away? It is loose, but just not enough room to get the strut shaft all the way up and out. With the shield around the brake rotor, no place to put my weight on the knuckle - - and hard to get leverage doing that in any case (using my foot/body weight)....

[@DarkRider2k3]

Excellent video. I believe that my struts are going as hitting bumps and stuff while driving causes the car the bounce around a bit. Suspension feels tight and solid in the front (actually just replaced the sway bar links in the front +alignment), but hitting bumps you feel the car in the front rattle/vibrate... I think that's the best way to describe it. To me it feels like the car just isn't solid and I'm betting my 140k mile struts/springs are old and worn out..

[@1AAuto]

+Jonathan Johnson That does sound like a strut issue. 140k miles is a lot for struts. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@mrvn44]

Great video! Just a question, is it normal that the gap between the tire and the front lip fender increased since the front shock struts and spring are brand new? I recently changed mine but the gap came from 2.5 inches to 4 inches after I finished and I really don't know if that between the average.

[@1AAuto]

+Märvin René Culäjäy That is completely normal. The springs will fatigue over time and the new assemblies with new springs will return the vehicle to the factory ride height. Thank you! 1AAuto.com

[@carlosmontes2040]

Thanks very useful video👍

[@moerdogg]

Thanks for that detailed video!

[@brianbattaglia]

I was told that I would need an alignment whenever I replace the struts. Is this correct?

[@1AAuto]

Brian Battaglia Yes. You should get an alignment any time you work on your steering or suspension. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@nutsackmania]

That is bullshit. People alway advise younwaste your money on an alignment every time you undo a bolt on your suspension--even though your car probably only has adjustable toe in the front and you didn't touch the tie rods. I've had entire control arms off with strut replacement on MacPherson cars then put it on the rack and it was actually back in spec. Be smart and consider the axes various parts move in--or just light your money on fire and get constant alignments at Randy's Blowtorch-Your-Tierods Hammertime Alignments where they probably don't even check the alignment after the fireblasted parts have cooled off and contracted.

[@michaellawrence3085]

Brian Battaglia yes

[@mobilemechanicofabilene7328]

If it has anything adjustable other than toe, the answer is yes. Otherwise don't bother with it

[@Amelia-cz7rf]

Will you need an alignment after this job?

[@IWILLTRYTOFIXYOU]

Yes, you should definitely get an alignment after replacing your front struts.

[@markdale278]

Great video , thank you ... I gonna do it !

[@1AAuto]

You're welcome! Glad it helped you out. For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link: For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link: www.1aauto.com/mazda-3-5-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1asfk00753?KZbin&

[@TheRealBmanswan]

Does this apply to the Mazda 5 model as well?

[@rigbino]

thank you for posting, very helpful!

[@1AAuto]

+rigbino That's what we're all about! Glad to hear we've been able to help out. For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link: www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@ericrollins4607]

If your car has ABS brakes be sure to disconnect the ABS connector before moving the knuckle around.

[@1AAuto]

+Eric Rollins Thank you for checking us out. Yes, this is a huge step to ensure the ABS sensor does not get damaged. 1aauto.com

[@nazzareno1049]

No need to if you're careful when you hammer the knuckle to get strut off. It's just one more thing that can break when you try to pry it loose. I did not remove ABS harness and managed OK.

[@DartanusWashington]

Great video

[@stevendhanjal3679]

Nice video. However, i'm the 3rd person to ask what is the torque setting on BOTTOM BOLT ?

[@georgekeats1478]

Steven Dhanjal I bought unity struts and the torque setting is 150 N/m or 110 ft/lbs

[@stevendhanjal3679]

Cool, Thanks for the answer

[@MattRansil]

I thought the same thing. Here is a link to their written instructions that includes torque specs. (It's 80 ft lbs for the lower bolt and 25 ft lbs for the top three bolts) www.1aauto.com/mazda-3-5-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1asfk00753?KZbin&ATony%20866-403-3393&CTA%20Comment

[@graemewest2704]

Will I need to have my alignment done after replacing the struts?

[@1AAuto]

+Graeme West Yes, an alignment will need to be completed.

[@ericbeaulieu4663]

It is an pre-assembled strut, do not forget to check if the top plate bolt is sufficiently tight according to the specifications.

[@bluesdirt6555]

Is it the same for the hatchback model ?

[@Road2PBATour]

Do you guys carry all the assembly bolts for the fender plastic and under engine plastic splash shields? For some reason who ever owned the car before me didn't use the proper bolts and my plastic is ripped and missing the mounting hardware and bolts. That would be helpful thank you.

[@1AAuto]

Unfortunately we don't. Thanks for watching! 1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393

[@jonflyhigh5958]

Hey, I have a 2006 Mazda 3 GT and my shocks and struts is done!! how much will it cost to for the parts? I'd like to do it myself all 4.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching, Here is a link to the parts on our website. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393 www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/-/-/2009?VideoReply&VideoReply&ATony

[@OntarioLakeside]

do you need an alignments after install?

[@1AAuto]

+Ontario Lakeside Yes you should have the vehicle aligned after the new struts are installed. Here's a link to the replacement struts that are shown in this video on our website, if you would like to take a look at them. We also offer free shipping www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@glovesoff4530]

Is an alignment necessary after replacing the struts?

[@matthewcrimmins991]

Can we get a how to remove boot lip video for the 03-09 first gen 3’s. I have an 08 and I’m looking to remove the boot lip for painting. And also the side skirts.

[@1AAuto]

+Matthew Crimmins We're always cycling through common cars. We'll add this repair to our list! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@matthewcrimmins991]

@@1AAuto thank you. On my 08 model I can undo the two outer nuts but I’m not sure about the 3 clips.

[@larihugo2080]

Good video.

[@michaelandtessamoody9780]

Did what the video said and when I was done the front was sitting 2 in high Did it twice same thing. Any idea where I went wrong

[@1AAuto]

+Michael and Tessa Moody We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ggcarmichael]

Dont forget to align hooked tab with knuckle slot. Make sure strut bottoms out in the knuckle

[@1AAuto]

+Gil Thanks for the feedback!

[@bones1325]

What replacement strut did you y use.

[@KristiJohnson-yo4hh]

Does the car need an alignment after this repair?

[@1AAuto]

+@KristiJohnson-yo4hh Yes, the car would need an alignment after this install.

[@lk9456]

Removing the knuckles is a lot easier if you ope the back up with a wedge then flogging the life out of it

[@buttpirate253]

I need to do the exact same thing for the same car (hatchback instead of sedan). What part number are those struts?

[@1AAuto]

Here's a link to the struts shown in this video. www.1aauto.com/mazda-3-5-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1asfk00753?KZbin&KZbin&ATony

[@elflauta1]

My 2014 Mazda 3 with 37k started making a creaking and popping noise when hitting bumps. BUT only when the temp outside is hot. Weird....The mechanic thinks it the struts. When you push down on the fender it makes the noise. Your thoughts?

[@1AAuto]

+gringo viejo It's typical of struts to make noise like that going over bumps once they start to fail. But the fact that it only happens when it's hot out is definitely odd. How does the ride feel? Does it feel like it needs struts? Maybe take it to another mechanic to get a second opinion. Thanks for checking out our videos! If any of our viewers need to make this repair, we carry the part shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. We also offer free shipping on all orders in the US. www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@khangle4502]

Is it gonna fit the 2010 mazdaspeed 3?

[@nickfrunzi3000]

Thank you kind sirs

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! Glad to be of help. Please let us know how the repair turns out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@miguelangelourbiztondo9545]

Would this video apply to a 2013 Mazda 3? or do they have a different layout?

[@1AAuto]

It might be a different process on that year. 1aauto.com

[@scvlightning]

How long before the Spring/Strut settle to original height?

[@1AAuto]

+Alan Apsay It may take a couple days for them to settle.

[@tombertini9294]

What is the torque on the lower strut bolt and upper bolts???

[@1AAuto]

+Tom Bertini Thank you for watching. The bolt which holds the knuckle to the strut should be tightened to 80 ft lbs. The upper bolts should be torqued to 25 ft/lbs. 1aauto.com

[@juliannev2766]

How much torque per ft/lbs were you putting?

[@1AAuto]

+Julianne Velante Hello! We have the torque specs available in the instructions down in the description. Thanks! 1AAuto.com

[@stebensbobby]

Can i just replace the shock part or do i have to replace the whole strut

[@1AAuto]

+Bobby Stevens If your spring is in good shape, you can transfer the old spring to your new strut. We carry replacement springs and struts on our website 1aauto.com

[@henzik]

What are the torque values used? Thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+Henrik Engert I'll list the torque specs below. But as a note, if you head to our website and search for the parts shown in the vehicle, beneath the picture of the part there's a "product description" and just above that are a few boxes that read "Warrant" "Installation Instructions" "Product Reviews". If you click on "Installation Instructions" we actually list out all the instructions in writing with the appropriate torque specs. Just one of the things we do to help our customers get the job done right :) Here's a link to these parts, and where you can find all the instructions for installing them. Good luck! www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony -Replace the bolt holding the knuckle to the strut. (Use a torque wrench to tighten it to 80 ft/lbs) -Bring the hose down and feed it through into place. Replace the clip -Reconnect the stabilizer link. Using locking pliers on the back, thread the nut on and tight to 50-60 ft/lbs -Replace the wheel -Replace lug nuts, and tighten to 100 ft/lbs. in a star pattern -Tighten the upper strut bolts to 25ft/lbs

[@swavye]

does this affect ride height at all?

[@1AAuto]

If may bring the car back to the stock height if the struts that are in it are worn out. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair we carry the replacement struts shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them goo.gl/p7Kydz

[@PepeDaily]

Secure the brake disc to avoid caster

[@eduardr4536]

Do you have in your webpage the front strut mounts?

[@1AAuto]

We do carry a few different styles depending on the year. Here's a link to them on our website. www.1aauto.com/2009-mazda-3-shocks-and-struts/y-mo-c/2009-1055-64?KZbin&KZbin&ATony

[@90FirstGenPGT]

would this be the same process for the mazdaspeed 3?

[@1AAuto]

It should be the same, if not a similar process. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@madhatter3142006]

anyone know if these parts are the same for the mazdaspeed as they are mazda 3, some site say they are some say they are different? I want to do the full assembly, and not just the strut.

[@1AAuto]

+madhatter3142006 Thanks for watching! These parts are going to be different on a Speed model, as it is a different, sport type suspension. Any other viewers interested in purchasing these parts please follow the link: www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA+Comment&C5QPfPGgm4s

[@loverofgaara09]

will this work for a 2010 mazda 3 2.0L?

[@1AAuto]

+loverofgaara09 It should be the same procedure on this application. We carry the replacement struts shown in this video on our website, here's a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&C5QPfPGgm4s&KZbin&CTA%20Comment&

[@cleito001]

Is it the same on mazdaspeed 3?

[@fredzeppelin3969]

Collin Leishman Should be the same, but of course, different part #'s. I doubt anyone is making a preloaded strut for the MS3.

[@Italianborn]

Wouldn’t be the same on a 2015 model ? I’m asking cause is not showing in the title...

[@1AAuto]

+Alessandro Terracciano It may be the same or a similar process on that model year.

[@gyuchankang8892]

What is the part number?

[@1AAuto]

+GyuChan Kang Thanks for watching. Buy the part in this video on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/ia/1ASFK00753

[@juansandoval6622]

I didnt know Mark Zuckerberg drove a Mazda 3

[@georgeholmes4888]

Those poor control arm bushes! Cant believe you used vice grips on the back of the swaybar link..... only do thst if you qre replacing them people....

[@rafaelgonzalez2629]

Nice video but pls next time don't forget the specs thank you Gbu!!!

[@1AAuto]

+Rafael Gonzalez Thanks for watching. We will ensure that specifications are provided in future uploads. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Mazda/Three/1ASFK00753?KZbin&CTA+Comment&C5QPfPGgm4s

[@MrAbove69]

No torque setting?

[@k3villo]

2004 Mazda 3 Front Strut & Spring Assembly Pair (Excluding Speed Model) PART #: 1ASFK00753 ***^^WILL THAT PART FIT MY MAZDA 3 2.3L???^^^** Im planning to buy the pair from your webpage, and want to make sure it fits mine :)

[@1AAuto]

Hi Kevin, As long as it's not a Speed model they would fit your vehicle. Here's a link to them on our website. Hope this helps you out. www.1aauto.com/mazda-3-5-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1asfk00753?f=626113&y=2004&KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@spiz54]

Ngl Dosent look to hard imma save up and do it haha

[@douglasm1552]

Why didn't you just use an impact to take the bolts off

[@minittowin]

was thinking the same thing. unless an impact would twist the head off

[@MyKonaRC]

The bolts on a car should be at least grade 8

[@nickoli9889]

Because not everyone has an impact. I’m glad he didn’t - seeing how much he struggles (luckily, not much) gives us mere mortals with hand tools an idea of what we are up against Hate DIY videos where they just blow all the bolts off with an impact gun

[@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers]

Wrong way to remove sway bar Link using vise grips: this bolt has Allen 5mm tip. Use this and 14mm ratcheting wrench. The vise grips damages the rubber containing grease for ball.

[@philbowden1961]

Dude use the correct tool to remove strut from axle and loose that sledge 🔨

[@NickRanger]

Why are you calling nuts bolts

[@JustToPostOneVideo]

Didn’t give torque values :(

[@XxWhoopaxX]

Should redo this video with Sue, who is this NPC?! Doesn't even give us torque specs!

[@vaughanshlaya4615]

torque wrench to loosen things HAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAA

[@rhyno811]

Vaughan Shlaya what? If you’re talking about the 17mm lower bolt for the strut, it’s a standard 3/8 drive socket wrench with a small pipe as a breaker bar for leverage... unless I missed the torque wrench part lol.

[@lynnvicars8137]

What are the torque settings for the bottom and top bolts?

[@1AAuto]

Here's a link -- www.1aauto.com/mazda-3-5-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1asfk00753?KZbin&ATony%20866-403-3393&CTA%20Comment Click on "Installation Instructions" in the blue just beneath the image of the part. It will give you a write-up of the process including the torque specs.

[@Jtlaptops]

Did you have to compress the springs to remove ?

[@1AAuto]

+JMlappy If you are replacing them with complete assemblies then you do not need to compress them! 1aauto.com