Parts for your 2010 Mazda Axela-Strut mounts

2010 Mazda Axela (Mazda3 BL) Strut Mounts — What They Do and When to Replace

Technical sources confirm the 2010 Mazda Axela (Mazda3 BL series) uses MacPherson struts at the front, which means it does have front strut mounts. This is documented in the Mazda BL Workshop Manual/Front Suspension section (MacPherson strut layout) and Mazda Global Service Support procedures for front shock absorber and coil spring removal/installation, which reference the strut mount/insulator and integrated bearing. Major fitment catalogues from OE-equivalent suppliers also list front strut mounts for the 2010 Axela. The rear of this model uses a multi-link setup with separate shocks, so “strut” mounts are not used at the rear in the same sense.

On the 2010 Axela, the strut mount (often called the strut top mount or insulator) bolts the top of the front strut to the body. It cushions road shocks and cabin vibration, and, with its bearing, lets the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. A healthy mount keeps the steering light and consistent, reduces clunks over bumps, and helps tyres wear evenly.

As a wear item, the rubber insulator can harden or crack, and the bearing can dry out or notch. When that happens, drivers notice creaks on low-speed turns, a clunk over speed humps, vague or “memory” steering that doesn’t return to centre cleanly, or a faint knock when braking and turning. Left too long, it can stress the strut and upper body tower and make wheel alignment harder to keep in spec.

Best practice on the Axela is to inspect the front strut mounts whenever the struts are out, or at suspension checks around 50,000–80,000 km. There’s no real maintenance beyond regular inspection—once worn, they’re replaced. Because the spring must be compressed to remove the top mount, the job needs proper tools and care, most owners will want a qualified tech to handle it.

• Replace mounts in axle pairs when fitting new front struts for best results.
• Use quality mounts with the correct integrated bearing for the BL chassis.
• Torque all fasteners to spec and book a front-end alignment afterwards.
• Check for perished rubber, play at the top hat, and any binding during steering.

Sorted strut mounts make the Axela feel tight, quiet, and predictable—exactly how it should drive on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Are there common symptoms of worn strut mounts on a 2010 Axela?
Yes. Expect clunks over bumps, creaks when turning at low speed, steering that feels notchy or slow to self-centre, and slight vibration through the wheel. Uneven tyre wear and a tendency to tramline can also show up.

How often should the strut mounts be replaced?
They’re replaced on condition, but many owners do them with new front struts, often around 90,000–150,000 km depending on road use. If the bearing binds or the rubber is cracked, don’t wait—do them at the same time as the struts.

Do the rear shocks on a 2010 Axela have “strut” mounts?
The rear uses separate shocks with upper mounts, not MacPherson struts. So while there is a rear upper shock mount, it’s a different design and not the same as the front strut mount with a steering bearing.