Parts for your 2012 Mazda Premacy-Strut mounts

2012 Mazda Premacy strut mounts

Strut mounts are relevant and used on the 2012 Mazda Premacy (Mazda5, CW series). Technical references including the Mazda service/workshop information for the CW chassis specify a front MacPherson strut suspension, which uses an upper strut mount and bearing. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB, Monroe, Moog) list front strut-mount kits for 2010–2015 Premacy/Mazda5, further confirming fitment. The rear of this model uses a multi-link suspension with separate shocks and springs, so rear “strut mounts” don’t apply there.

On the 2012 Premacy, the front strut mounts do a heap of quiet work. They attach the top of each front strut to the body, isolate vibration and road noise, and house a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly as the steering’s cranked from lock to lock. When they’re healthy, steering feels light and precise, tyres wear evenly, and the cabin stays nice and calm over rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

With age, heat, and our mix of urban speedhumps and country chipseal, the rubber in the mount hardens or cracks, and the bearing can bind. That shows up as clunks over bumps, a groan or creak when steering at low speed, vague on-centre feel, or a “memory steer” sensation where the wheel doesn’t self-centre cleanly. If left too long, extra shock loads can nibble away at tyre life and even affect alignment.

Good servicing practice is to inspect the front strut mounts whenever the front suspension’s apart, and especially when replacing struts or front springs. Many workshops recommend replacing the mounts and bearings with the struts, because the labour overlaps and fresh mounts protect the new dampers. As a rough guide, city-driven cars may see mounts last 80,000–150,000 km, but condition beats kilometres—go by symptoms and inspection rather than a hard interval.

Handy tips owners appreciate:

• Listen for clunks over speed bumps and driveway entries, plus groans while parking.
• Check for uneven tyre wear or a steering wheel that won’t smoothly return to centre.
• After any mount or strut work, book a proper wheel alignment.
• Use quality OE-equivalent mounts and bearings, cheapies can add noise or fail early.

During a WOF or routine service, a tech can spot perished rubber, loose centre nuts, or play in the bearing. If those pop up, sorting the mounts brings the Premacy’s steering feel and ride comfort right back to where it should be.

Popular questions about 2012 Mazda Premacy strut mounts

Do the rear suspension components on a 2012 Premacy have strut mounts?
No. The rear setup is a multi-link arrangement with separate shocks and springs, so it uses upper shock mounts, not strut mounts. Only the front uses MacPherson struts with strut mounts and bearings.

Should the strut mounts be replaced when fitting new front struts?
Often, yes. Because the strut has to come out anyway, the extra labour to swap mounts is minimal, and worn bearings or rubber can spoil the feel of brand-new dampers. Many techs fit new mounts with each front strut replacement to keep steering smooth and quiet.

What are the tell-tale signs the front strut mounts are on the way out?
Listen for clunks over bumps, creaks at parking speeds, a notchy feel when turning the wheel, and tyres starting to wear unevenly. If the steering doesn’t self-centre cleanly, that can also point to a tired strut-mount bearing.