How to Replace the Rear Shock Absorber on a Mazda6

[VonBrody]

First, loosen the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence, but do not remove them completely. Lift the car using a jack, ensuring the height is not too high for convenient operation. Remove all wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence, then take off the wheel. On some models, it may be necessary to remove the brake caliper to facilitate the removal of the shock absorber. Remove the arm's fixing bolt and then loosen the shock absorber arm's fixing nut. Use a caliper jack to secure the shock absorber arm, open the hood, and loosen the body fixing nut at the upper end of the shock absorber (do not remove it completely). Turn the caliper jack to lift the shock absorber arm until the lower end of the shock absorber detaches from the front axle's fixing point. Then, slowly remove the shock absorber and gradually lower the shock absorber arm until the shock elasticity is fully released. Finally, completely loosen the body fixing nut at the upper end of the shock absorber and remove it. After removing the shock absorber, use a shock absorber spring compressor to secure the spring, preventing it from jumping out when removing the top screw. Remove the damaged parts of the shock absorber and rubber boot. If the shock absorber spring is not severely rusted or broken, replacement is unnecessary. When reassembling the shock absorber, apply grease to enhance wear resistance. Fix the upper end of the shock absorber to the body to ensure it does not fall off. Use a caliper jack to secure the shock absorber arm and lift it to ensure the lower part of the shock absorber can be placed on the front axle bracket. Secure the lower part of the shock absorber arm and the front axle together with bolts, then fix the shock absorber arm's nut. Tighten the upper body fixing nut of the shock absorber properly. Follow the same steps to replace the remaining three shock absorbers. After replacing the shock absorbers, secure the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence (do not tighten them completely). Use a wrench to fully tighten them when lowering the car.