Disassembly And Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the strut and spring assembly; refer to STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY .
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles when using a spring compressor. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Fig 1: Removing Strut & Spring Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Mount the assembly in a suitable holding fixture and use a suitable spring compressor to compress the front coil spring.

Fig 2: Removing Strut Piston Rod Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the strut piston rod nut.

Fig 3: Exploded View Of Strut & Spring Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disassemble the strut and spring assembly.
1. Remove the metal sheet plate.
2. Remove the upper strut mount.
3. Remove the thrust bearing plate.
4. Remove the thrust bearing.
5. Remove the upper spring seat.
6. Remove the upper spring seat isolator.
7. Remove the spring.
8. Remove the dust boot.
9. Remove the rubber bump stopper.
10. Remove the lower spring seat.
NOTE: New fasteners must be used when old fasteners are loosened and/or removed.
Make sure that an alignment procedure is carried out any time the strut and spring assembly or the front shock absorber mounting bracket bolts are loosened. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.

NOTE: Be sure the spring is correctly seated in the insulator.
To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.