OVERHAUL

NOTE: Strut overhaul includes removal and installation of both the coil spring and shock absorber.

1. Remove the strut from the vehicle, as previously described. Loosen but DO NOT remove the center attaching nut at the top of the strut.
2. Hold the strut in a protected jaw vise and compress the coil spring using a suitable spring compressor.
3. Remove the lock nut and washer from the top of the strut, then remove the mounting block and adjusting plate, the seat, thrust bearing and spring seat.
4. Remove the coil spring, the shock absorber dust boot and the rebound bumper.
5. To test the shock absorber, hold the strut in its upright position and work the piston rod up and down its full length of travel four or five times. If a strong resistance is felt, the shock absorber is functioning properly. If the resistance is not strong, or if there is a sudden lack of resistance, the shock absorber is defective and should be replaced. If the outside of the strut is covered with shock oil the absorber should be replaced.
6. Hold the strut body in a vise, then remove the cap nut cover and the cap nut. Mazda makes a special socket (tool number 49–0259–700A) to remove the cap nut.
7. Remove the O-ring on the piston rod guide.
8. Remove the inner shock absorber assembly from the strut tube.
9. Check all strut components for wear, and check the coil spring for cracks. Check the shock absorber seal for damage. Drain and clean the strut.
10. Assembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly. Observe the following.

    NOTE: Cartridge shock absorbers are available as replacements for the open oil type.

11. If open oil type shock absorbers are used:
    1. Install the shock piston and fill the reservoir with 225cc of fresh shock absorber fluid.
    2. Install the special pilot (tool number 49–0370–590) or some other protector over the threads of the shock absorber plunger rod ( in order to protect the oil seal in the cap nut), grease the seal and install the cap nut carefully onto the strut.
    3. Tighten the cap nut temporarily with the plunger rod extended as far as it will go. Make sure the rod is not binding.
    4. Fully lower the piston rod and tighten the cap nut to 36–43 ft. lbs. (49–58 Nm) with nut wrench (tool number 49 0259 700A).
12. On cartridge type shock absorbers, tighten the cap nut to 58–108 ft. lbs. (79–146 Nm) with nut wrench tool number 49–0259–700A.
13. Apply rubber grease to the upper strut thrust bearing.