newbe needs mazda 3 axel advice

[garyS-NJ]

my son hit a curb with his 2012 mazda 3 2L skyactive and bent the lower control arm, axel, strut and sway bar link (or so the dealer says). Two questions: 1. will an aftermarket strut "feel" different that the stock strut (for the money, I probably should buy a mazda strut). and more importantly 2. Is there any option other than buy a new axel assy from mazda for $460?

I found a mazda dealer selling parts on the internet at "wholesale" with the new axel for $366 but that's still a s*** ton of money for an axel assy. back in the day I always used rebuilt axels but one mechanic said he couldn't find a rebuilt axel for this car because it was a new car and or odd size. I'm in Kearny new jersey. any suggestions??

 

[N0B0DY]

Most aftermarket struts are tuned for worn springs. Just change both of them out at the same time to keep them balanced.

 

[blam2526]

Why do you need to replace the strut did it bend or blow out? After market ones will typicaly give you the same feel and all, some.last slightly longer depending. The axel ill.have to search around. But keep looking. If I were you id look at ebay, or places like eparts i belive scrap yards thay part out cars. Be cheaper. But all depends, send me a message if.you have any questions apon removal or install anything..

 

[garyS-NJ]

my son hit a curb with his 2012 mazda 3 2L skyactive and bent the lower control arm, axel, strut and sway bar link (or so the dealer says). Two questions: 1. will an aftermarket strut "feel" different that the stock strut (for the money, I probably should buy a mazda strut). and more importantly 2. Is there any option other than buy a new axel assy from mazda for $460?

I found a mazda dealer selling parts on the internet at "wholesale" with the new axel for $366 but that's still a s*** ton of money for an axel assy. back in the day I always used rebuilt axels but one mechanic said he couldn't find a rebuilt axel for this car because it was a new car and or odd size. I'm in Kearny new jersey. any suggestions??

 

[garyS-NJ]

thanks All, I haven't seen the car yet (dealer gave him an estimate). But I won't be doing the work either because it's cold and I also don't want to run into a problem with HIS car (& he is paying the mechanic which I believe will help his driving). IDK about replacing a pair of struts as the car is less than a year old and the replacement strut will be from mazda/ anyone else have comment on struts in pairs?? And since mechanic is doing the job, I don't want to buy used parts for him to install...