Strut Mount Replacement

[Jacob_36]

So a few days ago I hit a pothole while I was driving around the city, and I started to hear this clunking coming from my rear passenger side. After time spent searching the forums and the internet, I found out that my strut mount has most likely busted, and I double checked to confirm this.

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback, and I'm aiming on tackling this issue myself, but I have a few questions before I jump into it. When I remove the strut, do I have to tension the coil in order to make it easier to put back on? I just remember seeing a video for my old neon about changing the struts, and they did this, but none of the forums I've found say anything about it.

Also, when I looked at the interior of my trunk, and it looked like I had to take off the top molding and then another piece behind the seat when it tips forward. Is that it, or am I missing something?

Finally, if there is anything else that you can warn me about or educate me on, please do so. I have a basic knowledge of what's going on, but I'm also aware that there is a bunch I do not know.

[FD22]

Unfortunately it's a common issue with our cars/suspensions. Fortunately, it's an easy and relatively cheap fix. Parts can be had for about $50 for both left and rear mounts. In terms of replacing them, you'll have to get up under the car and do it from there. It's just two bolts to take the strut mount off, and one bolt on the bottom of the strut to get the strut off. This would also be a good time to replace your struts if needed.

Edit: lot's of how-to's and videos out there if you search. Should be a relatively easy and quick process.

[Jacob_36]

So I have the part and I know what to do now, but the thing is that apparently the guy who owned the car before me didn't really take care of it that well. All three bolts are rusted to shit, and they aren't making too much progress. I've used both heat and liquid wrench on them, but it isn't doing much. Are there any tips that I can learn about to make things easier? Also, do you happen to know what the size of the bolt holding the mount to the strut? Just for future reference when I try to get the two apart.

[FD22]

So I have the part and I know what to do now, but the thing is that apparently the guy who owned the car before me didn't really take care of it that well. All three bolts are rusted to shit, and they aren't making too much progress. I've used both heat and liquid wrench on them, but it isn't doing much. Are there any tips that I can learn about to make things easier? Also, do you happen to know what the size of the bolt holding the mount to the strut? Just for future reference when I try to get the two apart.

Keep hitting it with heat and WD-40 and that should do the trick. Not sure of the bolt size off the top of my head.

[Jacob_36]

So I got the two bolts that hold the mount in place off, but now I'm wondering if it is practical to take the bolt off the strut while it is still bolted to the axle? I found that it's a 12mm bolt holding it on, but is it dangerous / impractical to do this, and just do everything in reverse with the new mount? I'm just thinking that the last bolt seems like it's gonna be a hassel to deal with, since it's even more corroded.

[FD22]

So I got the two bolts that hold the mount in place off, but now I'm wondering if it is practical to take the bolt off the strut while it is still bolted to the axle? I found that it's a 12mm bolt holding it on, but is it dangerous / impractical to do this, and just do everything in reverse with the new mount? I'm just thinking that the last bolt seems like it's gonna be a hassel to deal with, since it's even more corroded.

Well, can you replace the mount without undoing that bottom bolt? If not, then you don't have much of a choice do you. If you can, then great.

[Jacob_36]

Well as it is, the mount busted on both sides. I got the two wheel well bolts off, and took off what I'll just call the "wings", so now it's just the central part that goes over the shock. There is the bolt at the top, fastening on the mount, but I can pull the shock down and get a ratchet in there, but it's a little awkard.

[ryan2.3]

you can take the bolt off that goes through the strut, nothings going to fly around if that's what you're worried about.
soak it with PB blaster and use a long breaker bar to crack it loose