Mazda 3 Replacement Shocks

[pinoy_eh]

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased an aftermarket shock set from a seller in the states. I was inspecting them, they look good, however, when I tested them by hand, I found something odd.

Left Shock :
Here is what I did for the left shock, removed the shock retaining wire, I pulled up the shock rod all the way up and pressed it all the way down, it was quite an effort to press it. After releasing the shock rod, the rod never extended backed up all the way to the top. Pulled the rod back up with the same effort as I pressed it.

Right Shock :
Here is what I did for the right shock, after removing the shock retaining wire, the shock rod moved all the way up by itself. Pressed the shock rod all the way down and released the shock rod. The shock rod backed up by itself again. The effort of pressing the shock rod is not the same as the left shock.

Therefore, these shocks are a mis-match.

This is the first time I experienced this kind of shocks, thus, concluded that the left shock is fluid filled, while the right shock gas filled. That is the standard for Mazda 3 ? Is it gas filled or fluid filled ?

Anyone experienced this kind of issue previously ? Or this is standard to all mazda 3's

Thanks and I will appreciate your inputs.

[yearoftherat]

Are the shocks new/used?
What brand are they?

[cwp_sedan]

+1 we need more info on them.

[pinoy_eh]

Are the shocks new/used?
What brand are they?

Brand New Shocks
Brand is SENSEN
It has Lifetime Warranty

[silverstarmazda]

i dont think yur suppose to pull on them all the way up...thats why that wiring is there, to keep the shock from extending during shipping. it might of damaged the valves on the inside...lifetime warranty? get them replaced lol

[pinoy_eh]

All of them came with a retaining wire, no leaks or whatsoever. I have to press the left shock rod a bit to have the retaining wire loosened, then I removed the retaining wire, the shock never went up as opposed for the right shock.

[Zuluwun]

I just picked mine up the other day, same set but I didn't release any of the shock rods. Just left them boxed till I get them installed. I believe the Sensens are gas filled - stock are hydraulic (fluid filled).

subbed, I'm curious what the issue is since I just bought the exact same shocks.

[silverstarmazda]

hmm....arent shocks NOT suppose to rebound back out after compression? thats the springs job. the shock absorbs the shock of the road, and the spring pushed them back out to spring height. sounds like theyre gas filled and when you compress them, the valves might be stuck and is making it come back up. kinda like pushing in syringe with air and blocked off tip. itll compress, but not far and itll come back out. the valves are suppose to allow the air/fluid flow inside the shocks at a specific rate. and if im correct, isnt sensen a budget shock? wouldnt be surprised if theyre was a defect here and there. maybe u can get a video up about what your talkin bout

[nepal1344]

hmm....arent shocks NOT suppose to rebound back out after compression? thats the springs job. the shock absorbs the shock of the road, and the spring pushed them back out to spring height. sounds like theyre gas filled and when you compress them, the valves might be stuck and is making it come back up. kinda like pushing in syringe with air and blocked off tip. itll compress, but not far and itll come back out. the valves are suppose to allow the air/fluid flow inside the shocks at a specific rate. and if im correct, isnt sensen a budget shock? wouldnt be surprised if theyre was a defect here and there. maybe u can get a video up about what your talkin bout

Shocks should extend relatively slowly on their own when the retaining wire is released. If they don't there is a problem.

[silverstarmazda]

yeah slowly but not much...right? theres so much shocks out there that ive dealt with its hard. nvr handled sensens

[pinoy_eh]

The seller was very qiuck to have the replacement shock shipped to my address at no cost on my part. There is need for me to ship the defective item, I just created a video clip showing to them the differences between the 2 shocks. These are now ready to be installed by me when the weather becomes better. Total for all shocks front and rearis CA$ 175.00+ shipping and taxes included.

[Impressive]

The seller was very qiuck to have the replacement shock shipped to my address at no cost on my part. There is need for me to ship the defective item, I just created a video clip showing to them the differences between the 2 shocks. These are now ready to be installed by me when the weather becomes better. Total for all shocks front and rearis CA$ 175.00+ shipping and taxes included.

WHAT?!?

Makes me wanna buy a set to run sport lines with :chuckle

[pinoy_eh]

I have a correction on my previous post which was written as "There is need for me to ship the defective item...", but, I was just instructed to "There is NO need for me to ship the defective item back.....just have it disposed of properly or bring it to your nearest recycler......"

The replacement shock arrived last monday and I my shock set are complete and ready for installation.

[silverstarmazda]

LOL im also like WHAT!!!!?! maybe i should change mine out too before i lower it. keep us posted on how the shocks and how good they r. might wanna get a set too if theyre good. my shocks sounds all pshhhhhh pshhh everytime i got over something...

[Zuluwun]

Nice, who was the seller you dealt with?

[silverstarmazda]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/06-07-Mazda-5-SHOCKS-STRUTS-Full-Set-NEW-4Pcs-/220951733609?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMazda%7CModel%3A3&hash=item3371bfe569#ht_4825wt_1207

hows the follow up on the shocks btw?? any noises? wweird ride??

[pinoy_eh]

Installed mine last Good Friday, the ride is now like a brand new car.