Shocks and bushings

[Zomo]

I was hoping to get a little crowd-sourced wisdom, if I might. I've got a 2008.5 Mazda3 GT hatchback, hitting 73,000km. The left rear shock is leaking out, and both rear trailing arm bushings are apparently "starting to pop" (I'm indeed just noticing a clunking sound from the back over bumps). The Mazda dealer down here in Halifax thought the two were likely not directly related. I've been quoted $530 (including taxes) to replace these - doing a little quick checking here that may not be too terrible a dealer premium?

I'm more curious about that left rear shock - that was quoted at $250 by the dealer. A little checking seems to indicate that Mazda only supplies rears shocks together with a mount (making for a pricier parts subtotal), which explains some of the difference in pricing I've seen when getting quotes from others? I was getting prices of $250-$320 to install a pair of rear shocks elsewhere, so presumably just the left would run around half that, or 50-60% of the dealer price.

First, is there any particular reason to avoid just getting a new shock installed with the existing mount? Second, what's the thinking on replacing both shocks at this point, given the kms and age? If I'm looking at both I'd be much more tempted to take this elsewhere and save the difference.

Thanks.

[aris]

I bought kyb rear shocks cause my passenger side was leaking. I used the mount off the original shocks... I can't remember exactly what I paid but I think around $160 for both tax in.

also you replace shocks in pairs... So replace both back ones

[Zuluwun]

Not the first time I'm hearing of a 7x,xxx km shock or strut dying. Generally, they tend to make it to 100,000 though but it's entirely subjective on how and where the car was driven so this isn't really out of the ordinary.

I killed a driver side shock so I replaced all 4 with SenSen shocks/struts and reused the mounts (at ~130,000 km). They're a made in china gas shock, so they don't get lots of exposure like kyb or monroe, but with a lifetime warranty and $230 for all 4 delivered to my local post office, I'm still not complaining. Ride's been very decent with them and ProKits.

Most people tend to agree that there's no point replacing an OEM part with the same one if it's going to fail again in the forseeable future - Mazda's motor mounts are the same idea.

[highlineMotors]

I was hoping to get a little crowd-sourced wisdom, if I might. I've got a 2008.5 Mazda3 GT hatchback, hitting 73,000km. The left rear shock is leaking out, and both rear trailing arm bushings are apparently "starting to pop" (I'm indeed just noticing a clunking sound from the back over bumps). The Mazda dealer down here in Halifax thought the two were likely not directly related. I've been quoted $530 (including taxes) to replace these - doing a little quick checking here that may not be too terrible a dealer premium?

I'm more curious about that left rear shock - that was quoted at $250 by the dealer. A little checking seems to indicate that Mazda only supplies rears shocks together with a mount (making for a pricier parts subtotal), which explains some of the difference in pricing I've seen when getting quotes from others? I was getting prices of $250-$320 to install a pair of rear shocks elsewhere, so presumably just the left would run around half that, or 50-60% of the dealer price.

First, is there any particular reason to avoid just getting a new shock installed with the existing mount? Second, what's the thinking on replacing both shocks at this point, given the kms and age? If I'm looking at both I'd be much more tempted to take this elsewhere and save the difference.

Thanks.

I would replace the rear shocks with the mounts if I were you. The mounts are known for snapping as well. I've seen a hand full of this issue.

[Zomo]

Thanks all. Since I've got to take it in for the bushings anyway, I may just hold my nose and let the dealer do both rear shocks; I'd at least get "new mounts" peace of mind thrown in as a consolation. The odd thing is that they just quoted out the left shock (it was in for regular service at 72000km), not both.

Since I was forced to replace the windshield just now as well, it has certainly been a septimana horribilis for the good old beast. Anyone else with experience or recommendation on replacing the mounts instead of just getting aftermarket shocks installed? I'm not looking to scrimp unreasonably, but if that extra $200 can be saved with a clear heart... :)

For those interested, I believe the Mazda shock/mount part is coming in around $155 each, with labour and taxes taking the total to $250 ballpark ($500 for a pair). I got a a couple of Midas/Speedy type quotes for Monroe shocks (~$80 each), with a pair installed for about $260-$290 all in, and a well-recommended independent shop ballparked around $330 to install a pair of KYB shocks.

[Sonic31]

$330 to install a pair of KYB's on the back is a bit pricey depending on the shop rate. A pair of KYB's should run you about $150-180, then maybe an hour to install at shop with a decent mechanic.

So I would say $275-300 is more realistic. Although the shop could be quoting a little high to build in some extra time if any of your bolts on the rear are seized (which is common I am told).

[Zomo]

Everything aside from the Mazda dealer was informally estimated sight unseen. HST is 15% down here, which does add up. Small differences aren't as big a thing; my problem is whether the $200+ difference that would go into getting new mounts included (and dealer labour rates) is a prudent investment or an avoidable cost on the way Mazda packages their parts.

[Zuluwun]

I'm fairly sure there's a way to get the mounts individually. Whether the dealer parts guy will let you is a different story.

Without getting them individually, it seems the "better-safe-than-sorry" option is to go to the dealer.

[Zuluwun]

OP - dunno if you went ahead with one of the options yet, but I'm going to amend my previous statement and say get new mounts. My driver's side strut mount just shat the bed, and now I need to remove the strut to change it. For ~$60 of preventative maintenance, it's well worth it on this car.

[pinoy_eh]

Replaced both front and rear struts and shocks last April. I purchased Sensen for a total price of US$220 tax and shipping included.

6 months down the road, one of my rear shocks became noisy as if a pig is sqealing when the shock is moving up and down. It is annoying so I contacted the US distributor and sent a video to show my claim. Fortunately, I was granted a refund.

I purchased last month a pair of KYB GR2 from Rock Auto for around US$130 tax and shipping included and I installed it myself. Good thing that there are no signs of wear on the shock mount.

I still have to watch and observe my front Sensen shock as I became more skeptical about the durability of this shock granted that this is covered by a lifetime warranty. The ride quality is still excellent.

Lately, I noticed that I can hear a mild grinding noise then the car moves forward after backing-up while the wheels are pointed to the left on a slightly uneven surface. This only happens when the car sat for 3 or more hours. When the car have started to move forward, the noise disappears. I suspect, the noise may be coming from the passenger side shocks. There is not evidence that the noise is coming from suspension bushings, hub bearing nor CV axle. I still have to find out.