[rpelich]

for my 2006 mazda 3 2.3l hatchback, i assume i will need new rear shocks soon since they have about 95k miles on them. i was reading around and seems like the rear shock mounts are susceptible to breaking or whatever in our cars. so i was thinking of just replacing them with new ones when i get the rear shocks done?

if so, do i have to stick to oem or are some of these rockauto ones decent? which would u recommend. i am in canada btw so pricing is in cad

DORMAN 924412 (aluminum): $13
WESTAR ST6981 (aluminum?) : $25
DORMAN 924412HP (steel): $35
MAS SM851559 (steel) $49
KYB SM5619 (aluminum?) $17
MOOG K160229 (aluminum?) $17
MONROE 906981 Strut-Mate Shock Mounting Kit : $22


so i guess we have the choice between steel and aluminum, i assume the no brainer answer is the steel or stay with mazda oem?


thanks!

 

[arathol]

Replace them? Yes. I'd go with OEM if possible, then Dorman.

 

[rpelich]

Replace them? Yes. I'd go with OEM if possible, then Dorman.

i assume oem is aluminum, would it not be better to do steel aftermarkets? since it would less likely to break or am i mistaken

 

[arathol]

Well, the OEM parts have been on the car for 15 years, so I don't see a problem with using them again...where with aftermarket parts you never know.....

 

[BMWWW]

Where do you live?
Our old first gen beater's OEM rear shock mount didn't fail until...320,000km + and it was a COMPLETE rusted swiss cheese mess. (shouldn't have stayed on the road for the last 3 years of life frankly)

Doubt you're due at 150,000km, cheap part either way.

 

[rpelich]

Where do you live?
Our old first gen beater's OEM rear shock mount didn't fail until...320,000km + and it was a COMPLETE rusted swiss cheese mess. (shouldn't have stayed on the road for the last 3 years of life frankly)

Doubt you're due at 150,000km, cheap part either way.

im in alberta canada, cold winters, and mostly city driving.

 

[rpelich]

Well, the OEM parts have been on the car for 15 years, so I don't see a problem with using them again...where with aftermarket parts you never know.....

ahh very true thanks!