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Home >> Mazda >> 2020 >> CX-5 Signature >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 328 (Front Suspension System) >> Front Shock Absorber Inspection

Front Shock Absorber Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove the wheel and tire.
  2. Inspect the front shock absorber for damage.
  3. Push up the dust boot to the point where the piston rod is visible as shown in the figure.
    G13488618Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  4. Inspect the front shock absorber for oil leakage and if there is any malfunction, replace the front shock absorber. (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .) (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY .)
    CAUTION:
    • Even if there is no oil leakage, there may be gas leakage or internal part damage. Gas leakage and internal part damage cause a lowered vehicle height, unstable vehicle movement, or abnormal noise. Perform the stroke inspection and verify that there is no malfunction.
    SYMPTOM DETAIL ACTION
    G13488619Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    OIL STAIN ON UPPER PART OF FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
    • Oil stain is above the spring seat as shown in the figure
      NOTE:
      • The oil stain is not progressive because the area dampens and dries repeatedly.
      • The damping function is operating normally.
    Wipe off any dust or oil on the surface.
    G13488620Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    OIL LEAKAGE RUNS DOWN IN STRIP
    • Oil is running down in a strip past the spring seat along the side of the front shock absorber as shown in the figure.
    Replace the front shock absorber.
    (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .) (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY .)
    G13488621Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
    OIL LEAKAGE FROM SPRING SEAT BOTTOM TO LOWER PART OF FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
    • Oil is running down past the spring seat along the side of the front shock absorber as shown in the figure.
  5. When working on the right side of the vehicle, remove the front suspension tower bar (RH). (With front suspension tower bar) (See FRONT SUSPENSION TOWER BAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
  6. When working on the left side of the vehicle, remove the front suspension tower bar (LH). (With front suspension tower bar) (See FRONT SUSPENSION TOWER BAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
  7. Remove the front shock absorber. (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .) (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY .)
  8. Compress and extend the front 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.