1987 Mazda 626 Rear Strut Installation

The Mazda 626 uses the same type of struts on the rear as on the front, for the most part. Struts, as well as the entire suspension, are subject to more abuse than any other part of the vehicle and are easily taken for granted. Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and spring as well as a support for the knuckles and spindles. The 626 struts offer rigidity to the upper part of the knuckle, support the vehicle ride height and dampen axle rebound over rough terrain softening the ride.

Instructions

1

Lower one rear upright seat cushion at a time and remove the bolt at the bottom of the side trim piece using a socket. Pull the carpet back at the top of the strut tower to uncover the nuts securing the strut. Leave the carpet back and do the same to the opposite side.

2

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts one complete turn with the lug wrench. Block the front wheels and raise the car with the floor jack placed in the center of the rear axle. Place a jack stand on either side of the body at the preferred jacking point and lower the car to rest on the stands. Continue removing the rear wheels.

3

Remove the U-shaped clip securing the brake caliper hose to the strut. Using a wrench and socket combination, remove the two large nuts and bolts securing the strut to the knuckle. Do not separate the two yet to keep the strut from falling when the top nuts are removed.

4

Remove the top nuts securing the strut to the body using a socket and short extension. Grab the strut and separate it from the knuckle and remove it from under the car.

5

Install the spring compressor, making sure to grab the coils as far apart as possible, and center it on the spring. A lot of pressure is required to compress them and it would not be conducive to a long life to allow the compressor to slip off. Hold the strut upright on the floor with the compressor installed. Compress the spring until there is a small gap between the top coil of the spring and the mounting plate.

6

Remove the top nut using a socket. If it wants to spin, it will be necessary to hold the strut rod with a small wrench and use another to break the nut loose. Hold the strut in front of you with the lower strut mount facing away. This just makes it easier to install the top strut plate in the same position. Notice the location of the top studs in relation to the direction the strut is facing. Lift the plate off and lay it down next to you in the same direction.

7

Lift the spring and compressor off carefully and lay it down parallel to you so if the compressor slips the spring will not rebound toward you. Lift off the dust boot and the lower rubber spring seat.

8

Remove the new strut from the box. It will have the center rod locked into the strut. Use a wrench and turn the top of the rod and it will automatically extend to full length.

9

Hold the new strut with the lower mount away from you. Install the rubber spring seat, making sure that it sits properly where the end of the coil is located. Install the dust boot.

10

Install the spring, making sure the bottom coil is located with the end of the coil in position. Install the upper mounting plate with the studs facing as close as possible in the same direction. Install the washer and nut. Run the nut down as far as possible before it begins to turn. Release the pressure on the spring. The added pressure on the mounting plate will make it easier to torque. Torque the top nut to 56 foot-pounds.

11

Place the strut under the strut tower and lower it enough to place the mount on the knuckle. This will hold it up for now. Place the floor jack under the axle you are working on. Raise the jack while guiding the strut and mounting studs into the mounting surface in the top of the strut tower. Install the upper bolts and torque them to 21 foot-pounds.

12

Install the two large nuts and bolts in the knuckle and strut mount. Torque them to 86 foot-pounds. Install the brake line to the strut, using a U-shaped clip. Do the same to the opposite side.

13

Mount the tires and torque the lug nuts to 87 foot-pounds. Lift the car and remove the jack stands. Lower the car. Push the carpet back into place and install the side trim panels.