New struts question

[Cooper1]

2021 CX5 GT. I have close to 50k miles and the mechanic said the front struts are leaking. There isn't any other indication of poor handling or noise, just that they are leaking. So, When I change them, I would like to know if there are any alternatives to the OEM struts that will give a softer more cushiony ride. I understand that the originals are stiff and handle well, but I would like something softer. Especially with the low profile tires. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Jmaz]

2021 CX5 GT. I have close to 50k miles and the mechanic said the front struts are leaking. There isn't any other indication of poor handling or noise, just that they are leaking. So, When I change them, I would like to know if there are any alternatives to the OEM struts that will give a softer more cushiony ride. I understand that the originals are stiff and handle well, but I would like something softer. Especially with the low profile tires. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

That's pretty early , 50k miles, for struts (as in plural, not just one) to be leaking. Get a second opinion. Mazda even has criteria to judge if replacement needed.

 

[Lazy2.5]

That's very early. I don't believe it. Agreed on getting a second opinion.

My 2015 Mazda 6 front struts got to well over 300,000KM and still weren't leaking.

I wouldn't call the struts on these cars "stiff", it's still a crossover for karen to buy milk at the store nearby. Just "firm" (For a crossover.)

 

[Mazdiod2]

If the shocks leak enough they might loosen up a bit and be more comfortable.

 

[Saskabush]

There's weeping (light oily residue on the shock body) and then there's leaking (oil running down the side of the shock, puddle on ground where you park). I doubt yours are leaking, more likely they are just weeping which is normal and doesn't necessitate replacing (yet).

However, if you do decide to replace the shocks you'll want something with adjustable compression if you want a softer ride. And replace all of them of them, not just the front. You won't find anything that comes pre-tuned to be much softer, it's just too hard to do universally. Adjustable compression gives you the ability to find that sweet spot yourself, you may actually find that more damping makes the ride softer.

Megan Racing and Flatout Suspension both have adjustable compression shocks for stock height CX-5s. But you will have to play around with the settings a lot and go on multiple drives to get them dialed in. This could take weeks depending on your access to different kinds of terrarin. If that's not your cup of tea then don't bother with adjustable compression. Some people love fiddling with settings though.

Keep in mind that ride quality is largely dictated by the tires on these vehicles. You can only change the ride so much with 19" wheels and low profile tires. You'd honestly be better off going with 17" wheels than with aftermarket shocks if you just want to feel less of the road.

 

[Cooper1]

Thank you for the replies.
The long story...
Was at the Mazda dealer for oil and tire rotation last summer. They told me the control arms were leaking. I was like, yeah ok. Went to my mechanic for a follow up a few months later. They said control arms don't leak. I said I know. They looked at it and said it was the struts. They haven't mentioned it again and there are no noticeable symptoms, so I'm going to leave it for now. Good to hear that weeping is not abnormal.