Parts for your 2013 Mazda Cx-9-Strut mounts

2013 Mazda CX-9 strut mounts

Based on technical references, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 absolutely uses front strut mounts. The 2013 Mazda CX-9 Workshop Manual (Mazda Motor Corporation) details a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper insulator and bearing assembly—commonly called the strut mount. Mazda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 2013 CX-9 lists the “front shock absorber insulator” and “front shock absorber bearing” as service parts. Aftermarket catalogues from KYB and Monroe also list dedicated front strut mount kits for CX-9 (2007–2015). The rear of the CX-9 is a multi-link setup with separate spring and shock, so there’s no rear strut mount.

For a 2013 Mazda CX-9, the front strut mounts do a quiet but crucial job. They secure the top of the strut to the body, isolate road noise and vibration from the cabin, and, thanks to the built-in bearing, let the strut smoothly rotate as the wheels steer. Get them right and the car feels tight, quiet, and predictable. Let them age out and you’ll often hear clunks over bumps, creaks at parking speeds, or feel notchiness and slow steering return.

As part of regular servicing, it’s wise to have the front strut mounts inspected for perished rubber, cracked housings, or rough/loose bearings. Many owners choose to replace mounts whenever new front struts go in, that avoids refitting a tired mount to a fresh damper. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—heat, corrugations, and the odd pothole—expect mounts to be a wear item somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km, depending on use.

When replacing, go for quality OE or OE-equivalent mounts with new bearings. Replace in pairs, observe any orientation marks, and torque fasteners to spec. It’s good practice to renew the dust boots and bump stops at the same time, then book a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even and steering feel on point. Don’t grease sealed bearings (they’re pre-lubed), and avoid over-tightening the strut shaft nut—use the correct tool to hold the shaft if needed.

Signs it’s time for attention include: dull thuds over speed humps, a spring “ping” or twang when turning, vague tracking, or uneven tyre wear at the fronts. Addressing the mounts early keeps the CX-9 riding quietly, protects new struts from side-load nasties, and makes daily drives feel reassuringly sorted.

• Have mounts checked at each major service.
• Replace mounts when fitting new front struts.
• Always finish with a professional wheel alignment.

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda CX-9 strut mounts

Do both front strut mounts need replacing at the same time?
Yes—strut mounts age at a similar rate. Replacing them as a pair keeps ride height, noise levels, and steering feel consistent from left to right. It also saves on duplicated labour and ensures a balanced result when you get the alignment done.

Can strut mounts be replaced without changing the struts?
They can, but if the struts have medium to high kilometres or feel weak, it’s smart money to do both together. The front end comes apart either way, and new mounts paired with tired dampers won’t deliver the best ride or control.

What are the common symptoms of worn strut mounts on a CX-9?
Expect knocking over bumps, creaking at low speeds, a slight shimmy in the steering, or a reluctance for the wheel to self-centre. You might also notice uneven front tyre wear. Any of these is a nudge to have the front suspension checked.