Bit worried 'bout suspension

[bmninada]

Recently swapped front suspension links. Clunking sound - gone. However, noticed steering wheel feeling a little stiff on turning, front of car seems to (am I dreaming) bobbing up/down in bumps. CX5 GT 2016 2.5L at 74k miles [US Ed]. When replacing stabilizer links somewhere I read struts need to be "touched" and if not as per specs the steering wheel is a giveaway sign the struts bearings are a problem?

Was wondering if the root cause are:
- the strut bearing (B45A-34-38XA)
- strut mount (KD35-34-380C)
- bumper (KD35-34-111)
- Dust Cover Boot (B45A-34-015C)

As this will essentially cause me to take out the struts, might as well replace the struts. Struggling - should I go with OEM or perhaps do KYB Strut Plus?

I do NOT go with YouTube videos that much but since cars are cars I distilled few tests before I embark on any change.

Can someone help me out here - if these tests are valid and will it help?

Test A — Steering Bounce Test

1. Park car. Engine running.
2. Turn the wheel left-right slowly while you stand outside by the front wheels.
3. Listen and feel.

If the front end “lifts” slightly or the suspension shifts while turning, the strut mount is binding.

Test B — Static Steering Sticking Test

1. Car in Park, engine running.
2. Turn wheel slightly to the left (¼ turn).
3. Stop.
4. Slowly turn back to the right.

If the wheel “sticks” or resists before moving, the strut bearing is dragging.

Test C — Bounce → Turn → Bounce

1. Bounce the front end a few times.
2. Now turn the wheel.

If turning feels tighter immediately after bouncing, the mount is binding with load on it.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Your OEM struts should be able to last quite a bit longer.

That's all i can input at the moment.

 

[bmninada]

Your OEM struts should be able to last quite a bit longer.

That's all i can input at the moment.

That's what I am also thinking. Although its +10 yrs, (almost) 74k miles seems very low.

 

[Lazy2.5]

That's what I am also thinking. Although its +10 yrs, (almost) 74k miles seems very low.

My Japanese made 2015 Mazda 6 (11 Years old) With significantly more (almost 345,000km) Just had the original front struts replaced earlier this year with KYB strut plus. I am happy with them. The rear suspension (save for new strut mounts) Is still original.

Nothing was/is leaking.

 

[bmninada]

My Japanese made 2015 Mazda 6 (11 Years old) With significantly more (almost 345,000km) Just had the original front struts replaced earlier this year with KYB strut plus. I am happy with them. The rear suspension (save for new strut mounts) Is still original.

Nothing was/is leaking.

Gotcha. However - the issue I have as described is with steering being more stiff than usual, nose of car bobbing a bit (I think). Probably struts may be fine but was thinking the bearings, mounts and bumper may be a problem.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Gotcha. However - the issue I have as described is with steering being more stiff than usual, nose of car bobbing a bit (I think). Probably struts may be fine but was thinking the bearings, mounts and bumper may be a problem.

Firmer steering should probably make sense, considering that the end links are now new and tight.

Unless we are talking about a crazy amount of bobbing which was not present before, what you're explaining doesn't sound like an issue to me.

In the last year or two I replaced both end links after they began developing play. The steering felt pretty loose and sloppy before replacement. Afterwards, the steering was tighter and felt on center, maybe a bit firmer in feel as you went around a bend. Not much difference when simply driving straight. This was on the original struts which had well over 300,000KM on them.

I remember the front end felt like it was bobbing less if anything.

 

[bmninada]

Firmer steering should probably make sense, considering that the end links are now new and tight.

Unless we are talking about a crazy amount of bobbing which was not present before, what you're explaining doesn't sound like an issue to me.

In the last year or two I replaced both end links after they began developing play. The steering felt pretty loose and sloppy before replacement. Afterwards, the steering was tighter and felt on center, maybe a bit firmer in feel as you went around a bend. Not much difference when simply driving straight. This was on the original struts which had well over 300,000KM on them.

I remember the front end felt like it was bobbing less if anything.

Very good point and considering you have real experience post change, probably first I'll do the 3 things mechanic recommended I do. He's nice that way. Tells me "don't bother me, unless there's a real issue, save your $" type.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Are you referring to the three tests?

And by heavier steering, do you mean that the steering is sticking more than usual post-change?

Yea, I think i'd agree with that mechanics approach in this case.