Front Suspension: Diagnosis Mazda 3 BK

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION

1. Remove the front shock absorber.
2. Inspect for damage and oil leakage.
3. Compress and extend the shock absorber piston rod at least three times at a steady rate. From the fourth compression stroke, verify that the operational force does not change and that there is no unusual noise. If there is any malfunction, replace the shock absorber.

Scheme 2

1. Place the shock absorber on a level surface or with the piston pointing downwards.
2. Drill a 0.08-0.11" (2-3 mm) hole at the point A shown in the illustration so that the gas can escape. WARNING: Whenever drilling into a shock absorber, wear protective eye wear. The gas in the shock absorber is pressurized and could spray metal chips into the eyes and face.
3. Drill a 0.08-0.11" (2-3 mm) hole at the point B shown in the illustration to drain the oil.
4. Turn the hole made in Step 3 downwards and drain the oil by pumping the piston rod up and down several times.
5. Cut off the end of the shock absorber.
6. Dispose of waste oil according to local waste disposal laws.

Scheme 3

1. Remove in the order indicated in the illustration.
2. Install in the reverse order of removal.
3. Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(ref-177429) .

STABILIZER CONTROL LINK INSPECTION

1. Remove the stabilizer control link from the vehicle.
2. Inspect for bending or damage.
3. If there is any malfunction, replace the stabilizer control link.
4. Rotate the ball joint stud 10 times and shake it side to side 10 times.
5. Measure the ball-joint rotational torque using an Allen wrench and a torque wrench. Stabilizer control link ball joint rotational torque 2-7 inch lbs. (0.2-0.9 N.m) If not within the specification, replace the stabilizer control link.

Scheme 4