I have a 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv...... I had an oil change the other day and the mechanic said I needed new front shocks and struts..
How much does it cost to remove & replace shocks/struts on a 2012 Mazda 3?
Is it better to buy OEM parts or good aftermarket parts..
Thanks for your reply..

 

I had to replace my shocks and struts on my old Mazda 3. I went aftermarket and had a terrible experience. I purchased the struts with coils as a matter of convenience as I was doing the work myself. Right off the top, the ride quality was not as good as the originals. Over the course of a year the coil springs sagged without my noticing. The change in suspension height resulted in wearing out a set of one year old tires in 3 months. The tires were worn to the belts on the inside edge where its hard to see. It was a dangerous situation.
I replaced the struts and sold the car. I would never use aftermarket struts again.
I received replacement struts under warranty but the front tires had to be replaced at my cost.

 

Spring almost never never never sag. It the nature of how automotive spring are made. I often read this in magazines and forums for decades. but with out arguing that all over a gain, It more likely and obvious by the limited information I read the strut carriage that failed.

There is nothing wrong with aftermarket quality if you use, Gabriel, Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, Koni to name the first best choices. Stay clear of off brand unless you can trace who the actual manufacture is which many times may be one of the top manufactures of shock and struts .

Ride quality is generally personal preference even people have complaints about new vehicles they purchase and unless changing to a somewhat performance shock the ride quality of aftermarket struts and shock is generally to OE spec. So the ride quality should at least be the same as when the vehicle was new.


Shops basic labor rate vary in every state and country so you would have to find out what the going hourly labor rate is. can tell you the if a complete strut assembly is replace it is .50-.75 hours per axle and .50 per axle rear for the shocks.

I would also confirm with the shop about there warrant policies should you bring your own parts