Rear Shock Absorbers
 

My wifes Mazda 5 TD has done just 49,000 miles and has already had its second set of rear shock absorbers fitted.

Only took the car in to investigate a knocking noise going over speed bumps, and the rear O/S damper was diagnosed as worn out.

Not best pleased with the car

I have 2008 petrol Sport at 41000 miles and I've had 2 N/S rear damper and 1 O/S rear damper. They failed as they were leaking oil and knocking and banging eventually. Also had the rear pair of trailing link bushes replaced, as the back of the car was 'wobbling' about on the road, very scary.

Uprated shocks
 

My car is 18 months old and done 20298 miles. It is currently in the dealers awaiting new rear shock absorbers. It seems Mazda have changed the spec for these items and do not know when they will be available - it may be days or could be weeks.

Further comments on this issue are made in post #682 on the Tyre Wear on Uk Mazda 5 Thread.

2008 Mazda 5 2.0D Sport.

I had my rear's replaced under warranty as well - (at around 45,000 km's or so). While the warranty will cover it for now should it happen again, if a person had them go after warranty, are there any good aftermarket ones that a person could have put in instead? Would the cost be more than going back with mazda's stock parts?

I hope mine don't go again, but I am left wondering if this will be a return problem...

I replaced mine myself at 17000 miles but out of warranty. Couldn't track down any aftermarket ones in the UK. Interesting that they have FoMoCo stamped on them. Is there a Ford that uses the same one?

Probably a focus Cmax.

They're available from KYB dealers. Part No 551105 and trade price works out at around £55 each.

I found that KYB part number as well, Nick but none of the UK KYB dealers were able to get them! A pity because that's almost half price and they might even be better quality.

They would be better quality, KYB make excellent shocks. They must have been available as my supplier had them on file so they must have sold some in the past. Maybe the factory's just out of stock waiting for another production run.

I suspect that NickB is in North American continent. While some of here are in UK and there will be restrictions and differences in spec and law that prevent UK getting them.
Anyway.... yesterday I had both rear lower arms replaced. Tghe whole arm had to be replaced because the bushes at either end had failed (the outer bushes more). Anyway all done and all 4 wheel alignment done all very quickly by another Mazda dealer (not my local as they have lost my confidence and now my custom and not able to do it..). This other dealer I contacted on Friday afternoon and they called on Monday saying they will order parts and book me in for Wednesday as that is when parts arrive, what a service centre. Bear in mind I am still waiting for my local dealer to get me replacement wheels under warranty because of corrosion, and complained about the handle in August 2009. It was like driving a new car home yesterday afternoon. Well pleased with my correct identification and replacement of the real offending item where my Mazda garage only replaced the trailing arm bush (see enclosed image) i have had item 28-300A and 28-460 (x2).