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I have a 2005 Mazda MPV with 154,000 miles. I just replaced the original rear dampers for the first time and it significantly improved my ride. It feels like the car is brand new. I’m planning to replace my front dampers (struts) and have a few questions.
If I have no evidence of bearing issues or mounting plate issues, should I still replace the mounting plates/bearings? Why or why not?
Thank you in advance.
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I guess it is a question of what’s worth more to you, your money or your time. If you don’t mind revisiting the area later let them ride.
I thought it might be something like that. I’m a tradesman but not an auto mechanic. I appreciate your input.
It seems to me that every time we try to save money it backfires. At 154000 I suspect that the upper mounts and bearings are worn too.
Bill – Not being an auto mechanic, I just didn’t really know. I’ve watched a few of Eric’s videos. One shows replacing the bearings and mounts, one just the bearings, and other reusing the bearings and mounts. I just wasn’t really sure which way to proceed, hence my questions.
You’re probably right about the wear. And you’re definitely right about the saving money part. At $75 for each side, I was hoping to save $150 by not having to replace the bearings and mounts. But having to spend another couple of hours going back in and replacing them later also doesn’t sound very smart or in the the spirit of “saving”. I might as well save the time and spend the dime.
And lastly, at 154,000 miles, I am hoping to get another 100,000 miles out of this car before retiring her. It would be a miracle, I suspect, if the original mounts and bearings lasted a total of 250,000 miles.
First, I would like to thank everyone who took time to give advice. I took it. I replaced the struts, including the mounts and bearings. This was my first time but everything went great. I rented a pair of spring compressors from my local Advance Auto. They worked flawlessly. From set-up to clean-up, I did both sides in 4.5 hours.
Replacing the front struts and, recently, the rear dampers, has given my Mazda MPV a new car ride. My toolbox full of tools located in the back of my MPV no longer rattles or clanks, even over bumpy roads. Driving is a real joy, now.
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