Leaking rear shock, Canadian winter

[Lonia]

Spring time in Canada is tough...maybe too tough for a little Mazda 5 bought new with 55000 KM. In the last 2 months we've noticed that the vehicule was jumping, bouncing and a unesiness in corners. At first I tought it was my aggressive winter tires (studed) but them noticed oil on garage floor (not cool). So When we had it services the technician notices a leak in a the rear shock. I don't know but it seams that if the shocks go at 55K, I don't see this vehicule being made for our roads and conditions. This vehicule is going to cost me alot when the warranty is over. Is there a TSB for this? A better shock?

 

[Snagjim]

My '07 5 has now been through 3-1/2 winters (Calgary), no problems with the shocks front or rear. Perhaps if you're in an area with more extended cold it might be an issue.

 

[Jetmech]

I've had to replace mine as well. I have a 06 with 55000 kms but found an aftermarket for around $65.00. I think Mazda wanted around $150 a piece for the oems. They are pretty easy to replace as well as there is a write up in the how to section of this forum.

 

[OceanPearl5]

Replaced my rear shocks with Monroe Sensitracs, lifetime warranty. Left was
totally blown and binding, right had lost most of its fluid. 1 month out of warranty and under in km's, 56,000 kms. Fought for warranty with dealer for 25 min then left because of brain damage I was dealing with. It was not worth wasting any more of my time, both shocks only cost $90.00. They took me 30 min to change on a hoist. Still contemplating writing a letter to Mazda, I have never owned a car with shocks that fell apart in such short time and mileage. Maybe I should bring the old shocks to Ford seeing as they have FoMoCo written on them. (just kidding)
Ride is better with rear replaced now however fronts sound like they are going.
Love my car and handling. Just believe there are some quality issue that need to be addressed. Spoke to some Mazda technicians at another dealer close to my work and service manager and techs all admit the shocks are a weak point on a few of their product lines and it does give them customer headaches. It is pretty unfortunate.

 

[Lonia]

Came back from the dealer and they will be replacing both rear shock, better luck than OceanPearl5. The technician at Mazda told us that the shock's are an issue with Mazda 5's. So why isn't there a recall? 2 new shocks at 52000km! Now don't tell me they are easy to replace or they are not very expensive, that is not the point. I do beleive that a unstable vehicule on the road traveling at 100km/h is unsafe. When we purchased the vehicule 21 months ago, we were assumed that for 30000$ we would get a certain amount of quality. I am not bitter, I just learn from my mistakes.

 

[Tsuru]

You'll notice that all the people chiming in on this thread are from Canada. Cold weather aggravates the condition perhaps? I replaced my passenger rear shock at 31,000Km and could have dealt with warranty on it but for the $40 I spent on the shock (I know someone at a parts shop who got it for me at cost) and the 20 minutes I spent doing it myself at least I know it's done right.

 

[scknight2]

We've replaced both rear shocks on our 5 and the rear left has given up yet again. Complete garbage. And don't get me started on the squeaky bushings that have been replaced twice already and still make noise! Oh and don't forget about the crappy door lock actuators, we've had to replace both of those. Finally, I should mention the premature rusting problem, all 4 wheel wells as well as the leading edge above the windshield. My dealer took pictures and supposedly sent them to Mazda Canada, but no word, yet. I'm hoping they do something about it like they did for all of the Mazda 3 owners with rust issues.

It's too bad, cause I love the car, overall. But I'm tired of these issues that should have been fixed with parts that ACTUALLY WORK properly.

 

[OceanPearl5]

Rust

I didn't want to sound overly negative about my car considering I am new on the board and really like its handling and versatility. However stabalizer bar bushings squeeked. Had them done under warranty and just did them again in the fall. Rust, this is the part that really gets me fired up considering I keep my car clean,waxed and spotless most of the time. Wheel well rust, body underneath rust and now this spring 2 nickle size rust spots on the roof, bubbling. Taking it to the dealer soon. My 2002 Nissan Sentra Spec V I sold my brother which has 162,000 km's has spotless paint and underneath the car is clean. I jokingly offered to by it back from him.

 

[KBrian]

I'd be interested to see pics of the rust problem areas. Wheelwell rust is the telltale out here as well, but rarely in cars newer than 15 years old. Never seen a car built in the 21st century with rust that wasn't from unrepaired crash damage.

 

[scknight2]

Here are pics that I took last year, it is much worse now, and we have since noticed rust forming on the roof:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123748740

Rusting has been a huge problem on the Mazda 3:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?25439-Mazda3-owners-with-corrosion-issues-information-here!/

 

[Copper5]

I've had both rear shocks, as well as rear sway bar bushings replaced on my 5. I blew out one shock (nice 'bang'), and the other was leaking.

 

[bauline_line]

I have also had both rear shocks replaced in the past 6 months on my 07 Mazda 5, and it looks like one or not both are gone again. Whenever it's cold out the sqeeks and handles like a tank. We have had it back to the dealer numerous times and they say there is nothing wrong eventhough we were told there was a recall for this.

Does anyone know if the shocks are replaced under warranty do they have warranty on the new ones? I am out of factory and my extended warranty doesn't cover this.

 

[the_saint]

Noticed oil stains in the driveway and garage yesterday, looked under the 5 and saw that the left rear shock is leaking. YAY. (pow)

2006 MZ5, bought new in Aug 2005, 55k miles.

Oh yeah, I live in Nebraska...so this isn't a Canada only thing.

 

[wmzda5]

I've had to replace mine as well. I have a 06 with 55000 kms but found an aftermarket for around $65.00. I think Mazda wanted around $150 a piece for the oems. They are pretty easy to replace as well as there is a write up in the how to section of this forum.

Hey Jetmech where did you bought these?

 

[wmzda5]

OceanPearl, where did you get your Monroe Sensitrac for your 5 and how much? Looks like I will be needing to change mine this year. I know that the OEMs are crap because they changed the rear left 6 months after I got the car new and my only option is going for Konis buy expensive.

Tsuru, what brand did you buy/for how much and where?

Thanks

 

[OceanPearl5]

Monroe Sensa-Trac

I have a parts account with a local parts supplier who sells Monroe. I would check your Local Parts Source or Canadian Tire or any parts supplier. Monroe Part # 5607.
They have a lifetime warranty. Monroe makes a good shock. I would not by the Mazda Part made by FoMoCo (FORD). It is very obvious by the posts they are of poor quality. They where $100.00 for the pair.

 

[Barney]

Changed out the Bridgestone Blizzacks wheels today to the original wheels today. Noticed left rear shock is a mess. 76,000 miles. I guess my new Speed 3 is'nt new anymore. But can't complain.

 

[Tsuru]

OceanPearl, where did you get your Monroe Sensitrac for your 5 and how much? Looks like I will be needing to change mine this year. I know that the OEMs are crap because they changed the rear left 6 months after I got the car new and my only option is going for Konis buy expensive.

Tsuru, what brand did you buy/for how much and where?

Thanks

Monroe Sensitrac here as well. My uncle works for Piston Ring so he got them for me at his cost: $40 CDN. I think MSRP on them was $65 CDN. I know Cambodian Tire and Parts Source (Same company really) don't carry any rear shocks for 5.
I just checked and the closest Piston Ring to you is in Ignace, ON which way out of the way for you.