Mazda CX 7. Manual - part 162

FRONT SUSPENSION 

02-13–3

02-13

2007 Mazda CX-7 Workshop Manual (1871–1U–06B)

Revised 9/2006 (Ref. No. R115/06) 

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

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Caution

• Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS wheel-speed sensor may 

possibly cause an open circuit in the harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the 
following procedures, remove the ABS wheel-speed sensor (axle side) and fix it to an appropriate 
place where the sensor will not be pulled by mistake while servicing the vehicle.

1. Remove the windshield wiper arm. (See 09-19-3 WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM AND BLADE REMOVAL/

INSTALLATION.)

2. Remove the cowl grille. (See 09-16-11 COWL GRILLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
4. Install in the reverse order of removal.
5. Inspect for front wheel alignment, and adjust it as necessary. (See 02-11-2 FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT.)

.

Front Shock Absorber and Coil Spring Installation Note

1. Install the front shock absorber and coil spring so 

that the identification mark on the mounting 
rubber is facing to the position indicated in the 
figure.

46.1—62.7 {4.71—6.39, 
34.1—46.2}

7.8—10.8 N·m 
{79.6—110.1 kgf·cm, 
69.1—95.5 in·lbf}

5

4

3

6

1

2

N·m {kgf·m, ft·lbf}

163.0—194.0 
{16.7—19.7, 
120.3—143.0}

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1

ABS wheel-speed sensor

2

Clip

3

Cap
(See 02-13-4 Cap Installation Note.)

4

Nut

5

Stiffener

6

Front shock absorber and coil spring

 (See 02-13-3 Front Shock Absorber and Coil Spring 

Installation Note)

FRONT

LH

RH

IDENTIFICATION 
MARK

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FRONT SUSPENSION 

02-13–4

2007 Mazda CX-7 Workshop Manual (1871–1U–06B)

Revised 9/2006 (Ref. No. R115/06)

Cap Installation Note

Caution

• If the pad in the strut mount area is removed, clean the attachment surface and install the cap. If 

the cap is not installed, the front shock absorber may corrode due to water penetration and cause 
a malfunction.

End Of Sie

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY

id021300800300

1. Remove the front shock absorber and coil spring. (See 02-13-3 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

Warning

• Removing/installing 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.

2. Disassemble in the order indicated in the table.
3. Assemble in the reverse order of disassemble.

.

R

GREASE

SST

SST

11

7

8

6

5

4

3

2

1

10

9

N·m {kgf·m, ft·lbf}

89.2—127.4 
{9.10—12.99, 
65.8—93.9}

RUBBER 
GREASE

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1

Piston rod nut
(See 02-13-5 Piston Rod Nut Disassembly Note)

2

Washer

3

Mounting rubber
(See 02-13-6 Mounting Rubber Assembly Note)

4

Bearing

5

Upper spring seat
(See 02-13-5 Upper Spring Seat Assembly Note)

6

Upper spring seat rubber

7

Dust boot

8

Bound stopper

9

Coil spring
(See 02-13-5 Coil Spring Assembly Note)

10

Lower spring seat

11

Front shock absorber

FRONT SUSPENSION 

02-13–5

02-13

Piston Rod Nut Disassembly Note

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.

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.

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.

Upper Spring Seat Assembly Note

1. Install the upper spring seat so that the notch is 

facing to the out side of the vehicle.

49 T034 1A0

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49 T034  1A0

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FRONT

LH

RH

SPRING SEAT

NOTCH

NOTCH

OUT 
SIDE

OUT 
SIDE

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER BOTTOM BRACKET

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FRONT SUSPENSION 

02-13–6

Mounting Rubber Assembly Note

1. Slide the mounting rubber identification mark 

away from the notch of the spring seat and install.

End Of Sie

WM: FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION

id021300800800

1. Remove the front shock absorber. (See 02-13-3 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING REMOVAL/

INSTALLATION.) (See 02-13-4 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY.)

2. Inspect for damage and oil leakage.
3. Inspect the rubber bushing for deterioration and wear.
4. 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 shock absorber.

(1) Compress the shock absorber piston and release it.
(2) Verify that the piston extends fully at a normal speed.

End Of Sie

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER DISPOSAL

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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.

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.

Note

• Shock absorber gas is nitrogen gas.

• Shock absorber oil is mineral oil.

End Of Sie

WM: FRONT LOWER ARM

45

˚ ± 

5

˚

45

˚ ± 

5

˚

FRONT

LH

RH

IDENTIFICATION 
MARK

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER BOTTOM BRACKET

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20—30 mm 
{0.8—1.2 in}

DRILLING LOCATION

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