So my wife’s P5 needs new struts up front and I decided I’d just go ahead and do all 4 because it has like 120K miles. I’m not familiar with the Mazda world so I’m not sure what the common thought on OEM vs. Aftermarket is but the OEM struts are about $55 each in mazda-parts so I guess I’ll go with those. My question is, what is included in the strut (bumper?, spring seat?) that I don’t need to buy that may be bad once I remove the struts?.

 

What year is her P5? Found only Mazda OEM, Tokico and KBY were available for my 02 Protege ES. Believe the Mazda OEM is a revalved Tokico (aftermarket Tokico's are stiffer) and the KYB is softer. I'd avoid KYB's for reliability and possible loss in handling and go with the OEM for a factory ride or the Tokico's if you want to modify or lower the suspension. Also you may want to compare the OEM cost to Tokico's (both are good options).

May want to ask you dealer what comes with the OEM shocks. A few parts were worn on my at about 80,000 miles and some were reusable.

Please let me know what major reapairs you've made over the last 120k. Have almost 90k on my Protege ES and want to keep it for a lot longer.

 

Yeah if the car isn't modified at all, just get the OEM struts. Spring seats, bump stops, upper spring perch, nuts, bolts, dust boots, etc don't come with the struts. Just completely bare struts.

 

Does anyone sell the struts complete with mounts and all assembled? It sure is easier to hang them that way, and you don't have to worry about leaving a worn-out component in there and ending up with slop and noise later.

 

wouldn't that be nice

yeah there's a lot of parts to buy if you want to replace it all.