Parts for your 2014 Mazda Cx-9-Strut mounts

2014 Mazda CX-9 Strut Mounts — What They Do and When to Replace

Based on technical sources including the Mazda Workshop Manual for the TB-series CX-9 (front suspension: MacPherson strut, rear: multi-link) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2014 Mazda CX-9 uses front strut mounts (with integrated bearing/insulator) as part of its MacPherson strut assembly. Aftermarket catalogues from major suspension brands also list dedicated front strut-mount kits for 2007–2015 CX-9. The rear suspension uses separate shocks and springs, so there’s no rear “strut mount” in the MacPherson sense.

On the 2014 CX-9, the front strut mount sits at the top of the strut, bolting the strut to the body under the bonnet. It cushions road shocks through a rubber insulator and allows the strut to rotate smoothly when steering via an integrated bearing. In short, it keeps the ride quiet and the steering feel tidy. When the rubber hardens or cracks, or the bearing drags, owners often notice clunks over bumps, a creak when turning the wheel, vague steering, or even “memory steer” (the wheel doesn’t centre cleanly). Uneven tyre wear can show up if the mount is collapsing.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for replacement, but it’s smart to inspect mounts at each major service and more closely around 80,000–120,000 km, especially if the CX-9 sees rough roads or heavy loads. During inspection, look for perished rubber, play at the top of the strut, rust or separation around the mount plate, and any binding while turning the spring by hand with the strut unloaded.

When the front struts are due, replacing the strut mounts and bearings at the same time is good practice. They work as a system, fresh mounts help protect new struts and restore steering feel. Always do both fronts together, use new self-locking hardware where specified, and torque everything to Mazda specs. Because the job needs a spring compressor and careful assembly, most owners leave it to a qualified tech. Finish with a wheel alignment to dial in correct camber and toe, and check related bits like sway bar links and strut dust boots while you’re there.

Quality mounts from reputable brands—or genuine Mazda—will keep the CX-9 riding quietly and tracking straight, saving tyres and making school runs or long trips across NZ and Aus that bit more relaxed.

• Common symptoms: clunking/knocking, creaks when steering, vague or “sticky” steering, uneven tyre wear, visible rubber cracking.
• Service tip: inspect at major services, replace mounts with struts, align afterwards.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Mazda CX-9 have strut mounts front and rear?
Yes at the front. The CX-9 uses MacPherson struts up front with a dedicated strut mount and bearing. The rear is a multi-link setup with separate shocks and springs, so it doesn’t use a rear strut mount in the same way—just upper/lower shock mounts.

What are the signs the front strut mounts need replacing?
Clunks over bumps, creaking while turning the wheel, steering that doesn’t self-centre properly, or a wandering feel on the motorway are common. You may also see uneven tyre wear or find cracked/perished rubber at the top of the strut under the bonnet.

Should strut mounts be replaced with the struts?
Ideally, yes. The rubber insulator and the bearing wear along with the damper. Replacing mounts and bearings with new struts restores ride and steering feel, reduces noise, and helps the new struts last. Always replace both fronts and get a wheel alignment afterwards.