Strut replacement question

[MD5]

When replacing the strut, is there any other wear item that needs to be replaced?

I looked at this diagram from onlinemazdaparts.com but could not make a determination:

http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...0280&callout=9&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

TIA

 

[njaremka]

i would be looking for anything in the assembly that is either plastic or rubber, as those are the parts that will deteriorate over time. from that diagram, i would replace: 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10

i'm not 100% sure where the upper strut bearing is located, so add #9 to that list if the bearing is part of that.

you might call up jason (who operates that site) and ask him what his experience is with those parts and replacement. he is VERY freindly and helpful.

 

[MD5]

Thanks for the tip, I did call Jason, and he reccommended replacing the strut bearing, or #8 (bushing bushing back).

 

[MD5]

I got the struts/shocks replaced yesterday and we ended up replacing the upper mounts as well.

It took about 3 hours for the entire job.

The car seems to be smoother and "tighter". I won't say it's like a brand new car, but it's definately better. My mechanic said that he has NEVER had a set of KYBs go bad or leak.

Since I plan on giving this car to my 14 year old when he gets his permit, I wanted to keep it in good mechanical condition. I'm hoping to get 250k out of her.