[richman]

I just bought Koni FSD's, and I started to try and install the rears. OI removed the 2 top nuts and the nut and the washer that was on the bottom. Problem is our models have the bottom mounted on a stud and I tried for hours and could not get the old shock off the shaft. Has anyone actually done this? I did a search and there are no videos I have found for the 3rd gen cars. I have changed rear shocks on several cars before and never had this issue. Is there something different that has to be done to remove the old shock?

 

[kickin81]

If you got the bottom nut & screw removed already, you can try tapping the screw out with a mallet or hammer. IIRC, you then just have to wiggle it off the bracket. If the strut refuses to budge, you may need to raise the hub a little using a separate jack stand. This may align the strut enough to get it out.

 

[arathol]

You need to remove nut from the lower stud then remove the stud using an 8mm socket.

 

[richman]

I found a reference. You are correct. The stud has to come out. I thought it was welded in. We'll see how rusted it is. And there was another post that talked about the same thing. Refers to page 2273 of the manual. I'll include it here for reference.

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/...n-handling/108122-how-remove-rear-shocks.html

 

[arathol]

Just for reference, soak it with penetrating oil a bit first, a bit of heat might be needed too if its is rusted a lot. Be sure to clean the hex stud off good and slide the socket all the way on to avoid stripping it. Make sure to use never seize on reassembly.