Rear Shock Replacement - OEM

[Princealih]

Hi

Went for an oil change yesterday at Toronto Mazda and was told that the rear passenger shock is bad and leaking.. they quoted me $225 + taxes for replacement. I have been noticing inreased noises from the rear suspension as well.. I though it was all the crap I had in the trunk. I read through the forum and it looks like this sort of thing is common for our cars.

Considering that i only use my car for city driving, no cross or race, here is a question to you experts:

Should I:

1). Get the dealer to change
2). Find out the OEM part number and get it online and have it replaced at like Speedy?
2a). If the OEMs were so good to begin with, why is everyone having issues with them and are not lasting long?
3). Replace both rear shock with aftermarket

I'm really not looking to break bank on this, but i also dont want a worst ride than i have now.

Also, does anyone know the OEM part numbers for the shocks?

Much much appreciated.

[M&D Executive Auto]

what year is your car and what model, sedan or hb? and I can work out a much cheaper price for you.

[horto]

I think we've all replaced our fair share of rear shocks. Known issue with the car. I say pay the $225 at the dealer to have it replaced; but ask if it's covered under extended warranty first. (YMMV here, it likely isn't but you should try anyway). If you have 4x the cash to spend, then go get a set of koni yellows or something.

[gotak]

Shop around and see what you can get. As for part number you'll firstly have to give people here your model year. I think the 2010s are different from the earlier generation.

[Princealih]

2007 Mazdaspeed 3

[Kappa]

i think its common practice to replace both back shocks when one is blown isnt it? sort of like head lights..? maybe im way off

[Princealih]

@horto.. will the Koni Yellows work with the stock springs?

[M&D Executive Auto]

2007 Mazdaspeed 3

you have been PM'ed

[M&D Executive Auto]

@horto.. will the Koni Yellows work with the stock springs?

the springs on the rear are not on the shock they are in the suspension sub-frame

[MajesticBlueNTO]

@horto.. will the Koni Yellows work with the stock springs?

yes. this is the same setup I have. Although I have the Mazda5 Yellows (which should be the new part number for the 2007-2009 MS3) as it has 20% stiffer dampening, when compared to the regular mazda3 Yellows, right off the bat.