Mazda 3 Service Manual: Front Shock Absorber And Coil Spring Removal/Installation

CAUTION:

• Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following procedures, disconnect the ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness connector (axle side) and fix the wiring harness to an appropriate place where it will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.

1. Remove the windshield wiper arm and blade..

2. Remove the cowl grille..

3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.

4. Install in the reverse order of removal.

5. Inspect the wheel alignment..

Front Shock Absorber and Coil Spring Removal Note

1. Remove the front shock absorber lower bolt.

2. Tap the top of the steering knuckle with a hammer and release the shock absorber from the wheel hub and steering component.

CAUTION:

• When removing the steering knuckle by lightly tapping, the steering knuckle could fall and cause injury, or damage the part. When performing the removal, support the bottom of the steering knuckle with a jack.

3. Remove the front shock absorber upper bolt and remove the front shock absorber and coil spring from the vehicle.

Front Shock Absorber and Coil Spring Installation Note

1. Temporarily tighten the front shock absorber upper bolt.

2. Align the steering knuckle notch with projection A on the lower side of the shock absorber.

3. Press up the steering knuckle component using a jack until the steering knuckle contacts the lower end of the front shock absorber bracket, and tighten the shock absorber lower bolt.

4. Tighten the front shock absorber upper bolt.