How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shocks on a 2023 Mazda CX-50 (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec notes
How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shocks on a 2023 Mazda CX-50 (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec notes
🔧 CX-50 - Strut Replacement
Struts support your A4’s ride height and control bouncing. On your CX-50, the steps and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing the front (strut) or the rear (shock) and whether you’re installing complete assemblies or transferring the coil spring.
Before I give the exact step-by-step with Mazda torque specs, answer these 2 quick questions:
1) Are you replacing the front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
2) Are you installing complete “quick-strut” assemblies (pre-assembled) or bare struts/shocks (re-using the coil spring/mounts)?
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Use jack stands—never work under a vehicle on a jack.
- 🛑 If you are transferring springs: a spring compressor stores dangerous energy; use only a high-quality, matched-pair compressor and keep hands/face out of the spring path.
- 🛑 Support the knuckle/control arm so the CV axle and brake hose/ABS wire are not stretched.
- 🛑 If any sensors/brackets are removed, reinstall exactly as found to avoid ABS/traction warnings.
- 🛑 Battery disconnect is usually not required, but keep the key away and ignition OFF while working near ABS wiring.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Breaker bar 1/2"
- Torque wrench 3/8"
- Torque wrench 1/2"
- Socket set metric 8mm-24mm
- Wrench set metric 8mm-24mm
- Pry bar 18"
- Needle-nose pliers
- Trim clip tool
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Spring compressor (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front strut assembly or front strut (left) - Qty: 1
- Front strut assembly or front strut (right) - Qty: 1
- Rear shock absorber (left) - Qty: 1
- Rear shock absorber (right) - Qty: 1
- Front strut mount/bearing kit - Qty: 2
- Front bump stop & dust boot kit - Qty: 2
- Rear shock mount/bushing kit - Qty: 2
- New strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - Qty: 4
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- 🧠Park on level ground, wheels straight, and set the parking brake.
- 🧱 Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- đź“ť Tell me: front, rear, or all four.
- đź“ť Tell me: quick-strut assemblies or re-use springs (bare struts).
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm your strut plan
- Reply with: Front / Rear / All four and Quick-strut / Re-use springs.
- Once you answer, I’ll give you the exact Mazda-specific removal/installation order and all torque specs, plus the alignment notes that apply to your CX-50.
âś… After Repair
- 🧪 Plan on getting a 4-wheel alignment after front strut work.
- 🔍 Recheck all fasteners with a torque wrench after a short test drive.
- đź‘‚ Listen for clunks over bumps (often a loose top nut or mount).
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $300-$1,200 (parts only)
You Save: $600-$1,000+ by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
