Parts for your 2011 Mazda Cx-5-Strut mounts

2011 Mazda CX-5 strut-mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Mazda KE-series CX-5 Workshop Manual (Front Suspension section) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue for the first-generation CX-5 (KE, launched late 2011 in many markets), the front suspension is MacPherson strut, which uses a dedicated top mount and bearing assembly. Technical fitment guides from major damper and mount manufacturers likewise list a front strut-top mount for the KE CX-5. The rear is a multi-link layout with separate shocks and springs, so rear “strut-mounts” aren’t used. That makes front strut-mounts absolutely relevant on a 2011 Mazda CX-5.

On the CX-5, the front strut-mount sits between the strut and the body under the bonnet. It locates the top of the strut, isolates vibration with a rubber insulator, and allows smooth steering via an integrated bearing. When the mount or bearing wears, the driver can cop clunks over bumps, a twang when turning, vague steering feel, or a shimmy through the wheel. Left too long, it can chew through tyres and put extra stress on the strut and spring.

As part of routine servicing of a 2011 Mazda CX-5, it’s smart to inspect the strut-mounts any time the front end is in the air:

• Check for perished rubber, cracking, or a collapsed mount height.
• Turn the steering lock-to-lock while stationary and listen for creaks, knocks, or roughness from the top mount bearing.
• Look for uneven tyre wear or wandering on coarse-chip roads.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work but requires a spring compressor and care around the airbag clock spring when removing struts. Best practice is to:

1. Replace strut-mounts in pairs (left and right) and consider new dust boots and bump stops at the same time.
2. Fit quality OEM or equivalent mounts with the bearing correctly oriented.
3. Book a wheel alignment after reassembly to protect tyres and restore steering feel.

In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many CX-5s see mounts last 80,000–150,000 km, but gravel travel, heavy loads, and big potholes can shorten that. If the vehicle already has new front struts, fresh mounts are cheap insurance, if the mounts are original and there’s noise up front, they’re usually the first thing a technician will sort.

Popular questions about 2011 Mazda CX-5 strut-mounts

Do both front and rear of a 2011 CX-5 have strut-mounts?
The front does, because it’s a MacPherson strut setup. The rear is multi-link with separate shocks and springs, so there’s no rear “strut-mount” in the same sense—just shock mounts and bushings.

How can someone tell if the strut-mounts are worn rather than the struts themselves?
Mount issues usually show as clunks over small bumps, a spring “ping” when turning, or notchy steering feel. Worn struts more often cause floaty ride, longer stopping distances, and general bounce. A technician can feel roughness in the top bearing with the strut out and spot a collapsed rubber insulator.

When’s the best time to replace strut-mounts on a CX-5?
Any time the front struts are being replaced, do the mounts too. Otherwise, consider replacement around the 100,000 km mark or at the first sign of noise, perishing rubber, or steering roughness. Always follow the Mazda workshop manual procedures and get an alignment afterwards.