Mazda 3 2004 Front-end struts shot

[koz]

Sending email requesting input. Have run into a serious problem with '04 Mazda 3 - front end struts are shot, only 89KM, facing repair bill of substantial dollars. Would be interested if any one else has encountered similar situation. Thanks in advance for comments/input.

[M3Nick]

only 89km

89,000 km ?

[koz]

Car has 89,000km, not 89 as originally posted.

[crazycanuck]

How much are you paying?

Aftermarket struts run as low as $1000 and the install around 100-150.


Car has 89,000km, not 89 as originally posted.

[S.F.W.]

As for the front struts going. Is the car lowered? It's not unheard of for shocks to go at 90,000KM

[b]

As for the front struts going. Is the car lowered? It's not unheard of for shocks to go at 90,000KM

+1

Mine went around this time too. To me that is normal for struts isn't it? I didn't think twice when mine went.

[Mazda3_06]

i just replaced my front struts also
i drive an 06 mazda 3
i have 96 000 kms
cost me 240 bucks for the two from joe
and 90 bucks to install

[Flagrum_3]

We were discussing this issue at the meet tonight and my opinion was that; 80-90k is simply way too early for struts to go!!. Under normal conditions struts should last anywhere from 180-300k kms or even longer in some cases.Unless modifications such as lowering the vehicle has been done, which will decrease the life-span of the struts, most definitely.

I personally have never heard of struts going that quickly and if it is so on someones 3 here (without it being lowered), then that scares me a little as that would mean there's another possible design problem with our cars!:whoa


_3

[Fuman]

How much are you paying?

Aftermarket struts run as low as $1000 and the install around 100-150.
??
a set of koni yellows costs around $700.

[koz]

I would like to thank everyone for their valuable input. The car has not been modified in anyway & has not been lowered. Car is as is when purchased from dealer. I was previously owner of 1992 Mazda 626 (sold car after 300,000km) & replaced struts after approx. 150,000KM. I have the feeling this is a design problem. I am in agreement with comments with Flagrum_3 & intend to write Mazda Canada wrt this issue. Once again, thanking everyone for their comments.

[lightsandsirens]

This may or may not help, but I have an '04 with 105000kms on the clock and the shocks/struts are still feel great. All my previous cars were over the 100,000 mark before needing replacement of either front or rear.

[marikat23]

I have a 2004 M3 GS Sedan, and I believe I had to have the struts replaced a few years ago as well, but it was all under warranty at the time.

[kevcol74]

2004 Sport GT, just bought it with <134K and I know the struts are shot... I get the front end "shudder" going over bumps and especially speed bumps in parking lots! Rears are fine, no shudder. I have the MAP warranty, but may run into a problem with "mechanic opinion" on this. I'll be out the "one hour minimum shop rate" just for a check. They just replaced my Tensioner Pulley and belt a couple days ago after the tensioner pulley detonated on me at cruising speed, better take it to a different dealer.... lol

[toronto]

2004 Mazda3 GS Sport (hatchback), noticed rough ride and poor handling around 98K. It's now just over 100K, and bounces a lot on bumps and potholes, noisy ride, front tires skip when turning under acceleration.

Was quoted front struts and rear shocks replacement from an independent shop for $1,100 incl. tax, and $1,400 from a dealership (incl. alignment).

Is this reasonable?

[Donutz]

Nice bump on an old thread! I'm just razzin ya!

Yes, what you were quoted is excessive. if you are in the east end call Nextmod and tell Peter what you are looking for. If its OEM ride quality I can't see struts/shocks being more than $600. Go to Street Performance for install; call Jimmy for a quote, but off the top of my head, I think he charges in around $100 - $150 for labour. Call Altech for an alignment, which is about $60 - $65.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I have 230,000km car lowered on Tein S Techs for 5 years and still on original struts (ride is perfect). ?? why are these going so early on some cars?

and +1 on the excessive quote. Shop around

[Sparcas]

I just picked up a COMPLETE set of KYB GR-2's for $530 taxes in. Paid $100 for the install. (I only have 120,000km) Must be these sketchy Rexdale roads...

[toronto]

thanks for quick response, guys! sorry I'm a noob :( easily intimidated by mechanics.

Sparcas, may I ask where you got the KYB GR-2 kit from? Did you use your local mechanic to install? How could it be only $100 (or how much do they charge per hr?) - I was told it's more than 2 hours just to install the struts (front), and an hour for the shocks (rear)?

Jason, thanks! Went to Nextmod site, they don't have anything there except high performance stuff for shocks and struts. I'll give them a call. Is that Street Performance shop on Woodbine:

Phone: (905) 946-0990
7605 Woodbine Ave
Markham, ON, L3R5V3

I am actually downtown/west end, so Markham is not terribly convenient for me. Will see what I can find. Are car shops usually OK if you bring your own parts to install? I don't need anything better than OEM.

[Donutz]

Don't be intimidated by mechanics, they're people too! You'll have to call Nextmod, PM them here on the forum (supershyguy), or just post a question in their sub-forum. I would say less than half the products they supply are listed on the website, and, Peter can order just about anything you need.

[mazdathree]

I have 230,000km car lowered on Tein S Techs for 5 years and still on original struts (ride is perfect). ?? why are these going so early on some cars?

and +1 on the excessive quote. Shop around

You are one of the lucky ones!

[toronto]

Update: Ordered Monroe Sensa Trac shocks/struts from KHAPCO Auto Parts (http://www.khapco.com/index.html) for $470 tax incl.

Good, prompt service, recommended for parts if you are downtown.

thanks everybody, will now give Jimmy / Street Performance a call for installation.

[toronto]

Update: Went to Street Performance for installation. Jimmy was awesome!

Not only did he install the shocks and struts, he checked other things and found a crack in the oil filter cap which was slowly dripping oil. Had that replaced with a spare, too. Also recommended other repairs which will be done promptly.

The car rides like new, thanks to Jimmy! Fair price and very good service! :bowdown

Yup, Jimmy and Rich are indeed awesome...

[alau]

Same here...2006 around 100K too. somehow it like there is a timer for MZ3 when warranty is up.

I was stipud enough and have it fix at the dealership. However, you can feel the ride difference immediately after the fix.