2014–2018 Mazda3
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $670 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $900
Quick answer: Front Strut Replacement on a 2014–2018 Mazda3 is rated Advanced and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 12 tools for this job, and parts cost about $230. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Strut Assembly | SCA72161 | $150.00 | |
| Front Strut Mount | SCA72164 | $50.00 | |
| Sway Bar Link | — | $30.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
You'll need: complete strut assembly, 19mm socket for the lower strut bolts, 14mm socket for the upper mount nuts, Allen keys for the end link, rust penetrant, jack and stands. Loosen lug nuts while on the ground, then jack up and support with stands.
Support the knuckle with a jack. Disconnect the ABS sensor wire from its bracket and move it aside. Remove the brake hose from its bracket on the strut.
Remove the TWO 19mm through-bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle flange. The knuckle will drop — that's why you have the jack supporting it. Note: the 19mm bolts may be tight; use a breaker bar.
Have a helper support the strut from below, or hold it yourself — once the last nut is off, the strut will drop. Lower it out through the wheel well.
I've learned never to be the hero who undoes the last top nut one-handed while catching the strut with the other — it's heavier than it looks and the fall dents things. Helper below, or one hand on the strut the whole time.
Install the new complete strut assembly. Position it in the tower and start the three 14mm upper nuts by hand (don't tighten fully). Then align the bottom of the strut with the knuckle flange and install the two 19mm through-bolts. Tap the knuckle onto the strut body if needed. Torque the 19mm bolts to Mazda spec (check service data — do not use older Mazda3 values, they don't apply to the BM/BN). Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut body (hold with Allen key, tighten nut). Reattach the brake hose and ABS sensor wire to their brackets.
Torque the three 14mm upper mount nuts to spec. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to Mazda spec in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle. Bounce the suspension to settle it. Test drive and listen for clunks or rattles.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
2014–2018
2014–2018
2014–2018
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