What have you done to your Mazda5 today?

[turbonium959]

Well, its winter time! That means only one thing, the rear shock mount are gonna need to be replaced. I did the passenger side about a month ago and then the driver side went. This time round I decided to give the steel versions a try (Dorman 924-412HP). This is already my 3rd set. First two were aluminum (Centric and KYB). Only time will tell. I can already see surface rust on the one I installed a month ago. So, whether its galvanic corrosion of the aluminum mounts, or ferrous corrosion, we shall see.

Additionally, when I was replacing the driver side mount, I noticed that my shock was completely dead. I figured it would be a good time to get new ones since I just got all the bolts loose and all. I got the Bilstein B4s. Getting the new ones in was a breeze at this point. So I decided to challenge myself and install the SPC Adjustable Camber Arms. I followed Stickhunter's original post for this job (Guide - Mazda5 Tutorial - SPC adjustable rear camber upper arms) The driver's side was a real pain, but do-able. Definitely need to loosen the exhaust off the hanger hooks. Its the only way to get the inner of the two bolts out. It was clearly put on at the factory before the exhaust went on.

Next step, do the front struts. At that point, I will put on my Mazdaspeed3 front calipers and rotors. Also, since I already put it the adjustable rear camber arms, I will finally put on my H&R lowering springs. I figure the car is already 11 years old. With the Bilstein B4s and H&Rs, it should last me a few more years. Let's see.

 

[dougsey]

@turbonium959 Nice, I was planning on trying those steel shock mounts, if mine break again. I've only replaced them once so far. Currently running KYB gas adjust shocks in the rear.

 

[theblooms]

Everyone knows our trunk lights are a joke. So I fixed the glitch.

 

[IamFODI]

Everyone knows our trunk lights are a joke. So I fixed the glitch.

Very nice!

 

[MolarCraft]

Everyone knows our trunk lights are a joke. So I fixed the glitch.

Adding that to the To-Do list lol

 

[njaremka]

Everyone knows our trunk lights are a joke. So I fixed the glitch.

Holy moly! Do you have a product link for that light?

 

[theblooms]

Holy moly! Do you have a product link for that light?

GZRUICA Interior Light Bar with Plastic Cover COB 108 SMD DC12-36V LED Strip Lights with ON/Off Switch for Camper Truck Van RV Trailer Boat Cabinet Li https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[gillyweed]

Replaced the front sway bar bushings and lower control arms. No more squeaks (bushings) or clunks (LCA ball joints) when going over speed bumps! At least not from the front end...

 

[zedebra]

I replaced the passenger CV axle and got some new tires put on the Mazda 5.
First time doing the passenger side on they Mazda 5, so I was expecting to have to drain the gear oil before hand. Luckily I waited and looked underneath to see that the CV axle is separate from the transmission with a middle axle shaft.

 

[theblooms]

Mazdaspeed3 brakes and rotors, with Mazda3 16" wheels. I did stainless steel brake hoses as well.

Super easy direct bolt in.

 

[njaremka]

Mazdaspeed3 brakes and rotors, with Mazda3 16" wheels. I did stainless steel brake hoses as well.

Super easy direct bolt in.

That is awesome! I always wondered if the 16" wheels would fit over those brakes. Well done!

 

[theblooms]

That is awesome! I always wondered if the 16" wheels would fit over those brakes. Well done

To be fair, the Mazda5 wheels won't fit. That's why I got the Mazda3 wheels instead.

 

[njaremka]

To be fair, the Mazda5 wheels won't fit. That's why I got the Mazda3 wheels instead.

Still, to be able to run those big brakes with 16" wheels is a nice option

 

[theblooms]

MZ3 wheels look so much better than MZ5 wheels to me.

 

[turbonium959]

I put in new front pads today. It's been a while and I am commuting again (no more WFH), I think I am a bit overdue.

I did notice some grease around both of my drive shafts and now wonder if I need to do something about them? I haven't searched yet, but can this be done as DIY?

 

[theblooms]

I put in new front pads today. It's been a while and I am commuting again (no more WFH), I think I am a bit overdue.

I did notice some grease around both of my drive shafts and now wonder if I need to do something about them? I haven't searched yet, but can this be done as DIY?

Unless there's *gobs* of grease, it's probably just some seepage past the CV boot seal.

Press on the boots really good, and check for cracks. If they're not cracked, meh, ride it until they do, and then just replace the whole axle. It's less work, and only a few bucks more than only doing the boot by itself.

 

[theblooms]

160,000 miles on the nose.
Changed the rear sway bar end links and bushings, oil change, rotate tires, cabin air filter, and and drain and fill on the ATF.

Pretty routine stuff.

 

[turbonium959]

Not sure why I waited this long, but I finally pulled the trigger on the wind deflectors. Instructions were not the simplest to understand, but it was fairly straightforward. In the end, I think it looks sleak and they do their job well.

 

[dlarkin_dc]

Not sure why I waited this long, but I finally pulled the trigger on the wind deflectors. Instructions were not the simplest to understand, but it was fairly straightforward. In the end, I think it looks sleak and they do their job well.

Where did you find the deflectors? I've been thinking about getting some but found them hard to find.

Have you noticed if they make more wind noise, or reduce the wind noise?

. TIA!

 

[dlarkin_dc]

GZRUICA Interior Light Bar with Plastic Cover COB 108 SMD DC12-36V LED Strip Lights with ON/Off Switch for Camper Truck Van RV Trailer Boat Cabinet Li https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

Thanks. That'd be a great LED upgrade for the weedy trunk light!