Parts for your 2008 Mazda Premacy-Strut mounts

2008 Mazda Premacy strut-mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Strut-mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2008 Mazda Premacy. Technical documentation confirms the front suspension is MacPherson strut, which uses an upper strut mount and bearing at each front strut tower. The Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 2005–2010 Workshop Manual (Front Suspension) specifies an “insulator (upper mount)” and a “strut bearing” for the front assembly, and major parts catalogues from KYB and Monroe list front strut-mount kits for this model and year. The rear of this vehicle is a multi-link setup with separate shock absorbers and springs, so “rear strut-mounts” aren’t applicable—just rear shock top mounts/bushes.

On a 2008 Mazda Premacy, the front strut-mount ties the top of the strut to the body and isolates vibration with a rubber insulator while a built-in bearing lets the strut turn smoothly as the steering rotates. When the mount or bearing is tired, you’ll often hear clunks over bumps, feel notchy steering or “memory steer,” notice vague handling, or spot abnormal front tyre wear.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but it’s smart to inspect the front strut-mounts whenever servicing the front suspension or replacing shocks/springs—typically every 40,000–60,000 km, or sooner if there are noises or steering quirks. Look for cracked rubber, split dust caps, rust staining, or play in the bearing. If one side is gone, doing both fronts together keeps things balanced.

When replacing the front strut-mounts on a 2008 Mazda Premacy, plan to:

• Renew the mount and its bearing as a set (avoid reusing a gritty bearing).
• Mark the top plate orientation before removal so it goes back the right way.
• Use a quality spring compressor and support the knuckle to protect the brake hose and ABS lead.
• Torque the top nut and mount hardware to spec, then settle the car at ride height before final tightening.
• Book a wheel alignment afterwards—disturbing the strut can nudge camber and toe.

If the rear end is noisy, remember it’s not a rear “strut-mount” on this model, it’s a rear shock upper mount/bush, which is a different part and fix.

For Aussie and Kiwi conditions—rougher chip-seal, speed humps, and family-load duties—choosing OE-equivalent mounts from a reputable brand and checking them at each WOF/roadworthy or major service keeps the Premacy riding quietly and steering sweet as.

• Does the 2008 Mazda Premacy have rear strut-mounts?
  No. The rear uses a multi-link layout with separate shocks and springs, so there are rear shock upper mounts/bushes, not rear strut-mounts. If there’s a thunk at the back, the shock mount or bush is the likely suspect rather than a strut-mount.
• How long do front strut-mounts last on a Premacy?
  Anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 km is common, depending on road quality, loads, and whether the shocks are fresh. Once the rubber cracks or the bearing gets rough, noise and steering issues follow—time to replace.
• Do you need a wheel alignment after strut-mount replacement?
  Yes, a front alignment is recommended. Removing and refitting the strut can shift camber slightly and will usually affect toe, so an alignment gets it tracking straight and protects those tyres.