Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Manual - part 556

Fig. 2: Identifying Rear Suspension Components Location - AWD 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove the trunk side trim. (See TRUNK SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Support the rear lower arm using a garage jack.  

3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.  

4. Install in the reverse order of removal. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

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Fig. 3: Supporting Rear Lower Arm 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Fig. 4: Identifying Rear Shock Absorber Components & Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION 

1. Remove the rear shock absorber. (See REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)  

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 

change and that there is no unusual noise. 



If not as specified, replace the rear shock absorber. 

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:24:01 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER DISPOSAL

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

2. Drill a 2-3 mm {0.08-0.11 in} hole at a point 20-30 mm {0.8-1.1 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.  

REAR COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove the rear ABS wheel-speed sensor. (See REAR ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [2WD] .) (See REAR ABS WHEEL-SPEED SENSOR 
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AWD] .)  

2. Remove in the order indicated in the table.  

3. Install in the reverse order of removal. 

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. 

Fig. 5: Identifying Rear Shock Absorber Length 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

CAUTION:



Perform the work using the garage jack.  



When removing/installing the coil spring, it is necessary to jack up 
the rear suspension with unload condition. At that time, to prevent 
bending the front of the vehicle, support the jack up point for the 
front crossmember using a jack.  

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:24:01 AM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 6: Supporting Front Crossmember 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

4. Inspect the rear wheel alignment. (See REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT [2WD] .) (See REAR WHEEL 

ALIGNMENT [AWD] .) 

Fig. 7: Identifying Suspension Assembly Components & Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

 

2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - Mazda CX-9

  

Microsoft 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:24:01 AM

Page 5 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.