How do I change the rear shocks?

[HotDog88GT]

2006 Five....this is a first shock chg for me.

Rear shocks have 17mm bolt at bottom and two 12mm bolts or nuts at top. Started to back out the top first and the mount bracket appears to be coming with it.

How should I be changing this shock?
17mm first?
Do I just need to jack up the rear?
Do I need to support the rotor/hub at all?

 

[HotDog88GT]

I figgered it out.

17mm bolt out with the help of some leverage on the axle to help wiggle it out. Then backed out the 12mm nuts and the mount comes with them. Once out of the wheel well, with a pair of pliers holding the top of the threaded shaft, I broke loose the nut holding the strut mount in place.

I put in KYB GR2 shocks, using the nut that came with them to attach the strut mount (the stock nut will not fit). I then installed the 17mm bolt first, then the strut mount. I'll probably go back in a couple of days to make sure everything stays tight.

Does anyone know the torque that should be applied to the three attach points?

 

[Northern]

Does anyone know the torque that should be applied to the three attach points?

Did you read this: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123748385 ?

Tighten bottom 17mm bolt (56.35-74.49 ft/lb torque from Mazda Service Manual)
Tighten top 2-12mm bolts (15.7-21.2 ft/lb torque from Mazda Service Manual)