Hi there carquestions, I can't thank you enough for this video. I own a 2012 Mazda 3 sitting at around 285k, just discovered yesterday getting on the highway that my shock mount was shattered, the shock was banging around in there, completely loose, making a hell of a racket. As soon as I discovered the source of the noise, I looked it up and found your video, I'm glad I found it. Your video is clear, comprehensive, and straight to the point. I am by no means a car guy, watching your video, I decided I can absolutely do this myself. It's really just one more small step from swapping a tire. I didn't have the exact right tools for the job, I only have a regular jack and jack stand, I had some trouble getting a long enough ratchet under the car to crack the shock bolt at the wheel, I had to risk damaging one of my shorter ratchets by hammering on the handle to crack the bolt, but luckily it did end up working. I torqued it as best as I could under there, turning a single click at a time with my torque wrench, I think it's good and snug for now, but I will have to borrow a family member's ramp to get my car higher and properly torque and add locktite again. I had some difficulty getting the nut off the end of the shock to remove the broken mount, I did not buy a set of vise grips, it would have been the easiest way as you had done it, but I managed to get by with two adjustable wrenches, one on the flats of the shaft and one on the nut. I am very proud of myself, I feel great having done my first real repair on my car, I have previously only gone as far as swapping tires every season, so this is really exciting for me, I feel significantly more capable with how well this went. Thank you again, your work is immensely appreciated.

Very lucky I found this video. This situation happened to me today! Called the local dealership and other garages but unable to make an appointment since it's winter tire installation season! Searched online, and this was the first result. Went through the other comments here - found out that the part is on NAPA's website. Ordered it, will pick it up and hope to have it installed this evening (Probably should have ordered two and do preventative maintenance on the other side)! I'm sure you've saved me a pile of money, as well as a ton of frustration! Thanks so much!

This just snapped on me today, and this video was not only the first result but the exact answer I needed! Thank you!

Hi, I am writing you again two years after, changed yesterday another rear shock mount on our Mazda 3 2010, right-hand side this time. As in a Mazda service manual found on the Net, here are some torquing figure : 22-28 N.m for the upper shock mount bolts [12mm hex head X 8mm diam X 1,25 thread] ; 79-105 N.m for the lower shock bolt [17mm hex head]. Thanks again Mark for your well done informative video!

I had this problem before and ended up paying a mechanic $100 to fix it. After watching your video, I bought the tools I needed plus the part, for the same exact price. Now, after fixing the problem, I am still left with the tools. Thank you very much.

I heard a knock last night on my way to work and I've been stressing all through my shift as to what it could be, how much it would cost me, etc. I'm so relieved that it isn't only a cheap fix, but quick and easy as well! This is a great video, it's really well put together by somebody who knows what they're talking about! Thanks for sharing your expertise it's taken a huge weight off of me today!

Thanks so much for this walkthrough. It is very straightforward and informative. I was able to fix this after spending 40$ on two mounts and 5$ on fasteners. Saved me probably hundreds on mechanic fees. Great video!

Thank you for the video. I live in Minnesota and mine just snapped today at 106k miles. $17 later and it should be good as new.

I appreciate your car wisdom. Especially your suggestion to winter coat your car, for cold temperature areas. Like Wisconsin 🥶

I had just stumbled across your video lastnight since that I was having a loud noise in the rear of my Mazda 3 that had just started. It sounds like metal balls. I took all the carpet, everything out of the trunk and the noise was still there. This morning I went and looked in the back, passenger suspension. I tugged on the strut, it moved a little. Tugged on it some more and it moved a lot. Thanks for showing me how to change something that is so simple to do but the noise in the rear, inside of the car was terrifying. It’s much appreciated. Thanks!

Absolutely wonderfully done! Thank you! I'll be getting my daughter to do this to her car and what a great confidence builder for her, beyond well done tutorial!

Thanks for the vid, got it all sorted out in about 2 hours including picking up the part and using only manual sockets wrenches.

Thanks man! This video helped a lot! Especially when unscrewing that last nut from the Shock Absorber.

My mount snapped last night (2006 with 150k km) and the new one is already installed. Great video, thank you!

I had the same issue on my 08 Mazda 5. With the car on jack stands high enough I was able to get at the top shock mount without removing the lower shock mount nut. There was enough clearance to vice grip the tip of the shock rod and use a 13mm wrench to remove the nut while the lower bolt was still on. Just sharing the tip in case someone finds it useful.

Thank you for the video. Replaced the mount in 30 min!!!

Great video! Followed your steps and worked perfectly. Saved me some money too - Thanks!

Hi there, I asked your advice previously about the shock mount and you were very helpful, so I was hoping you could help me with another problem. My 06 mazda 3 automatic has had the code P0131 on and off for a few months, and me being an idiot didn't address it. So today I took the car out without issues a few hours later my car wont start no turning over or clicking at all and now I'm getting the code p2251. Both seem to be related to the 02 sensor.All the lights in the car are working not dim at all. From my understanding the 02 sensor wouldn't cause the car not to start and it's got a new battery in it so I don't think it has to do with that. Could it be the starter? Would replacing the sensor make it start again? Any help would be appreciated thanks for your time.

Excellent video, and love the humor! Thanks very much for the help!

Can you make a video on bumpsteer kits. When to use them?

Thank ya very much just had gotten the call from a friend that the shock was bangin around, mount was broken 20 min drive each way, 23 minute repair with tools pre readied at your advice the 10" extension suggestion was the best part or I'd be unable to get the gun in or havin to stack 3" n 4" extensions n crackin a ratchet over to get the angle to be able to clear, cheers!!!

Finally a canadian car repair youtube channel, subscribe. Excellent video

Thanks Mark for your really helpful video! A bit of our story followed by an IMPORTANT NOTICE ON THE REPLACEMENT PART! Last weekend, on a colourful fall journey in Quebec province, from Montreal through Mont-Laurier, Maniwaki, Wakefield, we had that bad experience on our Mazda 3 2010, while in Gatineau, still ±200 km to go to get back home! We thought at first it was something loose in the trunk, like maybe the car's jack… Nope... Then, those banging noises from the left rear side of the car began, starting rapidly to be more frequent also louder. The bracket cracked both side, leaving the shock pretty free to knock up around at the top of the car's chassis, damaging a bit one of the two threaded studs! IMPORTANT NOTICE: I cannot tell if that particular part is available at Mazda dealership elsewhere in Canada or USA, BUT at the nearest one from home, they DO NOT carry that part, selling ONLY the complete shock (142 $ + tx); the guy there at the parts told me I could only get that mount on the used market… loll! I found it easily afterward at UAP / NAPA, of course brand new! For the price, you are right on at 36 $ tx included (31 $ + tx)! Also Mark, thumb’s up for giving at each step of the repair the needed socket size (featuring 6 points, I agree!); also for the tip to unscrew the one at the top of the shock with a vise grip and a 13mm wrench. For the two nuts (12mm head) securing the mount, I did spray some loose nut on those, also because as stated before, one stud has some damaged threads, I used before to undo those a hex die M8 X 1.25 with a 1” socket to have those redone as new. Merci beaucoup, Mark !

Great vid! This gave me all I need to know to do this job today. Thx!

Thanks for this video! It's good to find out this is a common problem

Thanks for the video. One thing I’d add is that when you’re mounting the new mount to the strut, make sure to tighten it down really snug so that the mount doesn’t wobble at all.

Happened to my Tein flex Z rear upper mount. They're the same as oem, thankfully. 1 day shipped replacements. Thank you for the video!!

Heck of a good video and I will thank you for it. Thank you for the video.

My 2010 Mazda 3 just had this happen. Broke away from the bolts. Thought it was something in my trunk bumping around at first.

thanks mark for another grate video .

Thank you for this! My rear passenger mount broke just this morning on my way into work.

sorry about your pain. Is it best to just replace the strut too (my rear driver's side gave way (upper shock mount) on a 2004 Mazda 3 ? Since I have it all torn apart, what's your best guess on that, just leave the strut alone and just fix the mount?

I have 2006 Mazda 3 and I have changed the strut mounts 4 times (2 times each side) past the 100k mark on the odometer. I am at 200k now. Once you start using aftermarket parts, they break faster. Why this mount, which is subject to a stress all the time, is made out of such crappy alloy is beyond me. The last time, the mount was literally eaten by the salt and was crumbling. I am not exaggerating. On a related topic, keep up the good job of demystifying car maintenance. I just watched the Marketplace show about the dealerships. I am not going to the dealerships anymore for maintenance, but when I did these guys always tried to flush something and change the spark plugs. The funny part is that the Mazda manual says to inspect plugs at 120k and only change if they look worn (carbon buildup, discolouration, cracks, etc). I eventually changed them myself for 1/4 of the cost the dealerships wanted and the original plugs were in perfect condition. I felt a bit stupid for doing this unnecessary maintenance.

Awesome tutorialz..👊

Is there access to the bolts at the top on either side ( of the mount ) through the boot/trunk ? I can't see how it would connect back up otherwise.

08 Mazda 5 as well. ... Michigan pothole got it... Thanks for the vid

carquestions Thanks for this video, You took out the bottom bolt first, isn't it dangerous because all the weight of car on that bolt, so how is it possible to remove it safely without hurting your hand?

Good video. I was wondering if you should replace both rear mounts if one is broken.

Great video explaining just about everything I need to know to try and replace my now broken bracket. Where did you buy the mount bracket? Thanks

@carquestions broke on the upper 12 mm mounting bolts when changing things out. Appears to be fixed somehow to the top? Like welded or soemthing. Any suggestions on how to fix it?

i would like to thank you , excellent explication on how to do it, do you have the same kind of video for the front car.

very helpful, followed it for my Volvo c30

Suggest you spray some diesel fuel on that rust around your shock mount upper wheel well, the rockers on these cars are as super thin as a pop can metal and won't last very many winters in North America (I noticed the rocker on your Mazda was crunched in, maybe from going over snow/ice banks lol. Diesel fuel will stop the rust, smells nasty tho but cheaper than commercial solutions. Also suggest anyone doing this job to clean & lube those threads as those upper mount bolts break easily. Planned obsolescence exactly. I'm thinking it may be good to place a thin gasket in between the mount and the body, (aluminum touching tin or steel creates an electrical current and that's why both corrode in that area, as well as the fluctuations in temperature between the two metals.) Keep up the great vids.

Yeah, mine cracked and is rattling and there's a burning smell near it, too. Didn't know this kind of thing was common in Mazdas. I had another question: would you recommend changing the shocks as well with the mounts? I'd rather not to save money, but if its best then I may do it. My Mazda 3 is from 2005, if the age would be a factor in whether or not to replace them (don't know if they've ever been replaced; I've owned the car for like a year and a half). Does the rattling of the shock as a result of the mount break degrade the shock in any way? It's been going on for like a 2 or 3 weeks.

I got a 2005 mazda 3 and hit a pothole a few months ago and it broke the mount. Thing makes a racket and local places were quoting me crazy prices that I just can't afford with work being reduced due to covid. I was thinking of trying to fix it myself but I don't have all these tools at my disposal. I'm going to see if I can find a local car enthusiast that would do this for me if I bring all the parts now that I know it shouldn't cost as much as I've been quoted. Thanks for the video

I just had this happen on a Mazda 3 with only 50,000 miles. Both sides of the mount cracked off when I went over a very mild pothole. Mazda should recall this, complete bs and a potential safety issue. They will be hearing from me. The car is 8 years old but sits most of the time due to me driving other vehicles. There's no way it should have failed already. I took a look at the other side and it's getting thin on one area as well.

Was driving west off Kitchener towards New Hamburg at night and there was a stupid speed bump and I hit it and it snapped the DS rear left shock absorber. The last piece that you showed that's broken. Man these 2008 Mazda 3s are rust buckets. Had I known earlier I'd have totally avoided it. You live in Ontario? Whereabouts?

Thank you so much. Fixing the hubbies tonight!

Thank you! Just wondering if it would be any different to replace the mount for a Mazda 5?

Would applying some grease over the mount after you change it help to prevent the corrosion from happening again?

Do you have a link to the part? need to replace mine as well

Hi ,the same problem i had in focus mk2, great wideo ,thanks ,regards

Tip: make sure that centre top nut is tightly snugged down when you re-assemble.

Does anyone know what the part number is on the bottom 17 mm bolt? Mine has unfortunately stripped on one side.

I know it's a long time I hope you're still out here somewhere… Why did you paint the mounts the brand-new ones to help keep corrosion down a bit or completely. I just had my shocks replaced in my mounts were reused but I think I should go out and paint them what do you think

sorry to say it like this but its not rustier lol I tried doing my front bumper and headlights a few months ago almost every bolt and screw snapped maybe 3 of them survived thats why im worrying that the bolts will snap on these when I goto do it damn pothole snapped my whole thing last night lmao might aswell do both of them though while im at it if this is a common problem you know of any places that sell stronger ones?

prices went down a bit since more and more of these aluminum alloy parts are out there. $23 each at my local autozone with a LIFETIME WARRANTY KYB Strut Mount SM5619. Also, they also made STEEL mounts with the same LIFETIME WARRANTY! $53 Dorman Strut Mount 924-412HP... since this video shows how simple it is to change, i'll opt for the OEM crappy aluminum ones, LoL. PS: Mazda or any later model vehicles= metrics, so if you have a 21 mm deep socket for the Lug Nuts, use that instead.

If and when those mounts broke, will it give a noise during driving or when you park the car n sliding the carseat back (and thus move the car a bit while sliding) ? ... My Mazda 3 has a clonking noise when I push my seat back. Sound comes from the rear...

Mine isn't cracked but I'm 99% sure the shock mounts are creaking. New shocks and all new bushes and it creaks so much over bumps from what sounds to be right at the top of the shocks (hatchback). Any experience with this?

Hi there! will it be safe to drive the car with that piece broken? this just happened to me and I need the car for work. I will definitely get it fixed as soon as I'm off work in a couple days. Thanks for the video and cheers.

July 19, 2021 - I just had this part shear. Your vid is SOO easy to understand. I don't have safe way to raise my 2012 Mazda 3 and remove rear wheel. I have a friend who has a full service garage. Maybe I can ask him to do these steps. My MAZDA3- 2012 only has 36K miles on it. It's not necessary to replace the shock absorber? What do you recommend? Greetings from New York!

Happened on my CX-5 and had a helluva time finding the replacement mount. Problems weren't over ,tough...the lower shock bolt was designed by the same guy, apparently..NFG

Simple and to the point. Im of to Napa to fix my buddies mounts might as well do both sides eh.

is there a better *version* of the part? Mine keeps breaking

This just happened to my girlfriends Mazda 3. One side is broken and making noise the other side is broken and not making noise. How much should labor be on that job if you were to have someone do it?

I hear a rattling noise on the rear side, I thought it would be the shocks but it is not broken, what other thing could it be?

well explained, thanks

thank you

LR shock mount broken on my 2016 CX-5 with 70,000 km. $200 cdn to purchase another LR shock as the shock mount can only be purchased with shock from the dealer. Mazda 5 and Mazda 3 have narrow bolt spacing.

Thank you!

I have a Mazda 3 and my own has a Knocking noise coming from the back and it definitely is not the shocks any idea what it can be

What Manufacturers do you recommend if someone is buying a new car? Thanks.

Hey buddy love ur videos. Got a 04' Mazda 3 question for ya .manual. Greetings from Oakville:) Engine starts to overheat past op temp at idle after a few mins, cools down when driven. coolant level is good. Sound like thermostat near back of engine? Only thing is I didn't get po142 code or anything. Thoughts? Also is the ECT same as thermostat? I saw ur vid on this but was wondering if u could lend a few tips or ur thoughts. Any help thanks in advance . Will keep subscribing . (Altho tapped unsub by accident but I resub don't worry) aha

The shock mount on my 2007 Mazda 3 has come down where the plastic is. Is it bad to drive like that or no?

Hi there, just had a question about the fix. I've got an 06 Mazda 3 2.0L I believe. Went over a massive pothole the other day and sure enough the upper rear mount broke off on both sides still attached to the top of the shock. I've got the car up and I'm trying to get the 2 nuts off of the welded bolts at the top of the wheel well and one is stripped and neither will budge. Coated them generously with wd-40 2 days straight and I can't get them off with a ratchet. I forgot to mention I'm not using an extension on the ratchet either so it's probably not making it any easier.I'd try an impact wrench being desperate but I don't have the funds for it right now. Any suggestions?

Hello , I have a mazda 3 2004(i-sedan) with 82000km driven. Recently, after a hard bump on the road my rear left shock mount broke. I would like to get your expert advise on: 1/Shall i just get the rear left mount replaced? 2/Shall i get the complete rear left shock(with mount) replaced? 3/Shall i get both rear(left and right) shocks replaced? Please let me know the best solution and if i can get the parts online)amazon or ebay? I am in Canada. Thankyou,

ugh please help me. I hear knocking noise in the back rear maybe pass side? it only happens when going over little bumps in the road. my Poor gf bought the vehicle used and I want to help her so she can drive safely. We cannot afford to take to mechanics unless we absolutely have to. Where can I start to diagnose?

First my 2010 Mazda 5 few years ago, and now my Mazda 3 yesterday, with only 50+k km. It's the shock that detached from the mount.

My front and rear shocks went out at around 120k miles. I Replaced them today, but the stock mounts were still just fine. Still, if I would have done my research I would have bought new ones.

2016 Mazda 3. For what ever reason autozone and advanced say they don’t have anything in there system for a 2016 Mazda3 rear strut mount. I can’t find anything for that year and the proper part the correlates. I bought a part that looks like what you have. 🤞

dang dude wish you had the install tutorial as well

Great Video, Thank you...... EH!

is the new mount aluminum?

All I can say is, be very careful not to over tighten those two mounting screws when you are putting it back together.. The torque setting is 15-21, and I still snapped two of them. I am not a mechanic, but still unlucky with this job. Now to see it I can get compensated at the parts store. Now, what am I doing wrong?

I just bought 2013 mazda3 sure won't made to last. Sun roof leaks major. Already did other work to it sway bar joints Nightmare

Thank you for your video, I was able to get the piece at NAPA for 45 $ CAD and change it right away, took me 2 hours, your video was very helpful :) (Mazda 5 2010, NAPA piece: DCP 924412)

Another great car design...you pay top dollar for a car and they cheapen it in the darndest places. Thanks for the info.

Speaking of making plastic shock mounts, who wants to place bets on how long it will take before we can start downloading plans for 3D printing replacement auto parts?

Hi where can I buy this bracket I am canadiean Thanks

I replaced mine last year.... exactly one year later i'll have to replace again...

thanks there bud

The bolt in the rear mount is messed up and wont come out, can I cut the screw and replace it, do you have a solution for the problem

where are u located mark ?

Thanks.

Curious if I couldn't just bail these out of steel so they don't rot out

I think my mount is groaning on bumps but it looks fine

😊 Thanks

Had the same happen to my 2012 Volvo S60. Can anyone think if any reason at all why they make them out of aluminium rather than steel? Seems like planned obsolescence.

thanks broheim

Ya this just happened to me and will be replacing it this weekend.