Triangle Man

OK, part of the reason I finally got off my keister and registered on the forum is because one of my right rear wheels has been acting up. As I'm presently stuck here in Del Rio, with roads comparable to northern Mexico in quality, it's rather hard on the car's suspension and I try to avoid driving off base if I can.

(Or, better, heading to San Antonio instead. ;D)

Anyway. My right rear wheel will occasionally give me a harsher thunk than it should if I go over a bump. I'm pretty sure this is caused by a damaged shock, and the piston smacking the top of its cylinder. So far, the car doesn't handle any worse and it doesn't feel dangerous or anything, but this is obviously something I'd like to get fixed quickly.

Perhaps, eventually, using it as an excuse to upgrade the shocks/springs, but I'll worry about that later.

Anyway, I inspected all four shocks, and three of them are dry - guess which one's coated in a light oily film and dusted lovingly with road grime? Yep, the right rear one. As it's the only wet one, it leads me to believe it's leaky and doesn't maintain proper pressure any more. (Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'll try to get my gimpy old camera working again for pics.)

What I'm asking is - is my diagnosis (busted shock) correct? How much does the Mazda dealer generally charge to order new parts - as I certainly need to order at least two to four new shocks, correct?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like you have it figured out

I would buy a set of Koni's or something...likely cheaper than 2 OEM ones from the dealer

Mazurfer

Sounds like you are on it.
BTW.....don't go to the dealer. Try one of the vendors here for better pricing, there are a lot of aftermarket shock options.



Damn it Dan!

Triangle Man

Good to know that I'm accurate, at least!

Anyway - how much, generally, do dealers charge for parts and labor on OEM shocks?

Secondly, do I need new springs as well?

Thirdly, supposing I go for the upgrade (and mail order them from a vendor on the site), will I need two shocks - for the rear wheels - or four, for all?

I should be ready, soon, to take this to the suspension forum. >;D