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Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual - part 398

1. Protect the coil spring using a piece of cloth, then set the SSTs.

2. Compress the coil spring using the SSTs , and remove the piston rod nut.

Fig. 7: Compressing Coil Spring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

COIL SPRING ASSEMBLY NOTE

1. Compress the coil spring using the SST.

2. Install the shock absorber so that the lower end of the coil spring is seated on the step of the lower spring

seat.

Fig. 8: Installing Shock Absorber
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

UPPER SPRING SEAT ASSEMBLY NOTE

1. Install the upper spring seat so that the notch is facing to the out side of the vehicle.

WARNING:



Removing the piston rod nut is dangerous. The shock absorber and
spring could fly off under tremendous pressure and cause serious
injury or death. Secure the shock absorber in the SSTs before
removing the piston rod nut.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:23:19 AM

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Fig. 9: Installing Upper Spring Seat
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

MOUNTING RUBBER ASSEMBLY NOTE

1. Slide the mounting rubber identification mark away from the notch of the spring seat and install.

Fig. 10: Sliding Mounting Rubber Identification Mark From Notch
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION

1. Remove the front shock absorber. (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.) (See FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING
DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY.)

2. Inspect for damage and oil leakage.

3. Compress and extend the shock piston at least three times. Verify that the operational force does not

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:23:19 AM

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change and that there is no unusual noise.



If not as specified, replace the front shock absorber.

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER DISPOSAL

1. Clamp a shock absorber on a flat surface or with the piston pointing downwards.

2. Drill a 2-3 mm {0.08-0.12 in} hole at a point 20-30 mm {0.8-1.2 in} from the bottom of the tube, so that

the gas can escape.

3. Turn the hole downwards.

4. The oil can be collected by moving the piston rod several times up and down and cutting the tube at the

end.

5. Dispose of waste oil according to the waste disposal law.

Fig. 11: Identifying Drilling Location
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove in the order indicated in the table.

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.

3. Inspect for front wheel alignment, and adjust it as necessary. (See FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT .)

WARNING:



Whenever drilling into a shock absorber, wear protective eye
wear. The gas in the shock absorber is pressurized, and could
spray metal chips into the eyes and face when drilling.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:23:19 AM

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Fig. 12: Identifying Front Lower Arm Components & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

FRONT LOWER ARM INSPECTION

1. Remove the lower arm from the vehicle.

2. Inspect the arm for bending or damage, and the ball joint for excessive looseness



If there is any malfunction, replace the lower arm.

3. Rotate the ball joint stud 5 times. Install the SST and M6 x 1.0 bolt (bolt length (measured from below

the head): 20 mm {0.79 in}) to the ball joint stud, measure the rotational torque using a torque wrench.



If not within the specification, replace the lower arm.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Mazda CX-9

Microsoft

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:23:19 AM

Page 8

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