Recent content by Jmaz

Awesome! Thanks for posting.

Thanks for getting back to me and I stand corrected. I'm amazed that state inspections or emission testing could total $100. Those used to always be cheap so I guess I'm still in the dark ages. Checking the invoice, my LCA's were purchased 9-2-22 from MazdaSwag for $165.15 each. But the numbers...

Even if each OEM Mazda LCA is $200 each (I paid ~$165 each for mine) that's $400 plus shipping/tax for say ~$475. Add in alignment for ~$125. That's $600. So ,emissions testing and state inspection (these can't be too expensive) sure leaves some pricey labor in the remaining $500.

If it's $1100 for just LCA replacement and alignment I'd really be questioning it. Somebody is getting rich if that's the case.

Get your money back now within 5 days. Don't try waiting until 60 days. There is a time period after purchase to get extended warranties (generally 30 days, may be 1 year on a new car) to get one if you want . It doesn't have to be right now. They get you at the time of purchase when you're more...

I hear ya about the pollen and whatever else is in the air. I change my air filter every 20,000 miles and notice a slight improvement every time, same as in the past with previous cars. Nothing scientific but it seems to be a correlation with engine displacement. The CX-5 and the GM 3800 V6...

I second that. That's why I went with Mazda control arms. Especially after reading about peoples experiences with aftermarket parts which was confusing and as usual were contradictory in some cases. In my somewhat limited searches there seemed to be agreement that the upper quality levels of...

Since it wasn't the subject of this post and therefore not mentioned, has the transmission and cooling system been serviced in the past and have the spark plugs ever been changed. If AWD, has the transfer case and differential been serviced also. These are major contributors to reliability...

Considering that the OP or his daughter don't sound like the DIY type such as yourself and she'll be away from home and needs a safe and reliable car, your logic tends to escape me. Peace of mind is worth a lot. Regardless of whether the ball joints have some life left in them, they still have...

Maybe better QC on Japanese/Thai made filters, but not unknown to find sharp burrs or metal particles from where the threads are machined into the baseplate. Also could find rust on inner surface of metal center tube. That's why I inspect every filter before purchase. Also to ensure the box...

This is the first I recall anything mentioned about a cracked block. If so, then wouldn't the repair order list a 'short block' as I doubt that Mazda would supply the bare block and expect the dealer to install the old crankshaft, pistons, oil pump, balance shaft etc. Or would Mazda as in the...

That corrosion under the stainless pad guides(clips) is referred to as "rust jacking" where the rust acts like a little jack pushing the clip tightly against the ears of the brake pad. A scraper and wire brush works well followed by a thin coating of antiseize to prevent future rust there. Also...

Throttle body been cleaned recently?

Awesome! Looks great. What media blaster did you use and what's a ball park cost of equipment and any gaskets needed. Mine will soon turn 70K miles (in 10 years) but most is local driving so many more cold starts vs highway miles. And I may be doing this somewhere down the road. Luckily no...

I had a low tire warning on my left rear tire (it had ~20 psi when checked-- don't have TPMS sensors) and no leak. The valve core inside of the valve stem was loose and it lost air even with the cap on. Tightened it and aired it up to match the others. Checked the other ones and snugged up 1 or...