Dealer told me that I need to replace front struts due to leakage. Anyone know the torque values for lower bolt and upper 3 bolts? I found generic strut replacement video for Mazda 3 2013. Anyone know of Mazda 5 specific video or instructions or is the Mazda 5 strut replacement the same?

 

I have the specs for a 2010 at home. I will try to post them later.

 

Thanks, I have found 70 ft lb on the bottom (1 bolt) and a mix on the 3 bolts on top. Either 20 or 45 ft lb. It would be nice to find instructions, but I think I can do it with Mazda 3 video.

 

I just did mine a few months ago. Bottom was 70, top were 40 IIRC. Bear in mind access to those top bolts is complicated. On the passenger side the furthest back nut is close enough to the firewall you must use an open ended crescent wrench. A socket wrench isn’t going to work because there isn’t enough clearance for it. I initially used the closed ratcheting end of my crescent wrench before I realized once it was loosened I wouldn’t be able to remove the wrench...... was a few tense minutes as I laboriously pried it out because my ratcheting crescents aren’t reversible. A crow’s feet wrench would likely work. On the driver’s side you have to remove the brake fluid reservoir and a bracket. Again the back bolt can be a pain to reach with a socket and you may need a regular wrench to take care of it. Make sure you don’t put any stress on the ABS speed sensor wire. It difficult to unclip without removing the rotor, so just watch you don’t damage the wire with it there.

I did loosen the axle nut to pull the knuckle out a little bit and make sliding the strut in and out of the knuckle a little easier. One side I didn’t get all the way back in and ended up killing my bearing, so if you loosen it make sure you get it all the way seated again. Also I was dumb and accidentally ordered two right hand struts, but didn’t notice until I’d already gotten the left strut out and disassembled. That was a pain.

 

Thanks for all of the useful experience and warnings. I have a left and right strut, so I have a good start.

I noticed all of the challenges on the top and how tight it is up there. I will try to borrow special wrenches to make it easier.