Strut Problem thingy
 

Im having a problem with my struts and was wondering if any of you "car people" might have any ideas:

(I have a '02 Pro ES with 55k miles)

It all started a while ago when my right front tire started making some wicked noises when I was braking (only at medium speeds, medium brake pressure and medium temperature.) I tryed damned near everything to fix my brakes, to no avail. I recently brought my car into a shop and they said it was more than likely that my struts were dying and that I need to replace my struts and strut mounts. They couldnt get the parts cheaply, but i think i did find them. Im not looking to really upgrade them (unless the cost is similair) and was wondering a few things:

1. Has anybody had this problem before and does it sound reasonable that my struts are causing this problem?
2. What is a good place to buy the struts and strut mounts?
3. Is there a walkthru anywhere on how to go about replacing the struts on a 3rd gen?

apperciate any help you guys got.

I assume your not a "car people," so ill do my best here. First what kind of noise is it? Personally I dont believe your struts are gone at 55k. Is the car lowered in anyway? Just remember you get what you pay for, cheap struts equal cheap quality. I have never had that problem on my 02' pro5 (lowered and no bump stops for 32k).

Replacement steps frt:
1. take wheel off.
2.take clip off brake hose.
3.remove endlink from strut (connected to stablizer)
4.unbolt two 17mm bolts from strut to knuckle.
5.unnut 4 top nuts inside engine comp. (strut and spring assy should drop easily)
6.compress your spring (spring compressor)
7.remove strut nut (top of strut)
8.put in new strut (spring still compressed)

If you got some balls and some muscle you dont need a spring compressor, but it is recommended. (never used one) Put back together in reverse order. Same thing for the rear, just gotta remove rear seat plastic to get to the top of the strut. Any other help you need just ask.

You forgot about the endlinks !!

Sh1t sorry!!! and i thought I was doing a good deed, he woulda been so lost if you didnt catch that, thanks mac :bt: .

QWK, I owe you a drink.

To answer your questions, my car isnt lowered, its completely factory stuff on it. and the noise is halfway between a binding noise and a clicking noise and sometimes almost a squeaking (depending on the speed and temperature). About the quality of the parts, do you think I should just go for some better struts (I cant lower my car...snow sux) but anything with normal height would be fine. If someone can recommend a good strut less than $100 or so that would be great. Also, do the struts normally come with a new strut mount? Mechanic dude said I needed those replaced too.

Lastly, what about the endlinks that mac metioned?? I think I missed something in that conversation.

he added the step to the instructions after i reminded him

PM ill give you my address and ill take that drink. Napa sells struts and shocks I believe the brand is Sensa-Trak. I hear they are decent, just a suggestion. Another suggestion read up on your car, learn to do your own work. Mechanics is an easy rip off, he could tell you your wheels are out of balence which means you gotta replace your lug nuts. Check everything I dont believe its your struts. Check wheel bearings, tire pressure... everything that has to do with suspension.

Here is a little more help. It really isn't that hard to change them out. I do suggest to go to a shop and have them brake lose the end links for you. It is all most imposible to do it by hand.

https://www.mazda3club.com/3rd-gen-suspension-brakes-62/how-remove-replace-springs-01-03-proteges-38878/

For me ive never had a problem brakin endlinks lose by hand, never had to hold the end link with an allen.