Parts for your 2016 Mazda Cx-5-Struts

Understanding the Struts on a 2016 Mazda CX-5

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a popular compact SUV that blends sporty handling with comfort, making it a favourite among Aussies who want a reliable and smooth ride. When it comes to the suspension setup on this vehicle, specifically regarding the struts, it's important to know what role they play and how they're maintained to keep the CX-5 driving beautifully.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 uses strut-type suspension on the front end. Struts are a key component of the suspension system, combining a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single, compact unit. This design saves space and weight while providing stability and control. In the CX-5, the MacPherson strut design is used up front, which is a popular choice for many modern cars and SUVs for its efficient use of space and cost-effectiveness.

So what exactly do struts do on a vehicle like the Mazda CX-5? First and foremost, struts help to absorb shocks from bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces. This makes your driving experience smooth and comfortable, even on rough Aussie outback roads or city streets. The coil spring that is part of the strut supports the weight of the vehicle, while the shock absorber dampens any bouncing motion after hitting a bump. Together, these two elements help keep the tyres in contact with the road, improving grip, steering response, and overall vehicle stability.

Besides absorbing shocks and supporting the car's weight, struts also play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the front suspension system. In a MacPherson strut setup, the strut itself replaces what would have been upper control arms in a traditional suspension design. This means struts take on the loads and stresses that come from steering and suspension movement, so they're a critical part of the whole suspension package.

For owners of a 2016 Mazda CX-5, maintaining the struts is essential for ensuring the SUV performs at its best. Over time, struts wear out due to the constant movement and stress they endure. Worn struts can lead to poor ride quality, increased braking distances, uneven tyre wear, and generally unsafe driving conditions. You'll notice signs like excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, knocking noises from the front suspension, or the vehicle leaning more during cornering.

When servicing the Mazda CX-5, it's wise to have the struts inspected regularly. Most experts recommend checking them every 50,000 km or so, but if you often drive on rough roads or carry heavy loads, you might want to check even more frequently. A simple test is a bounce test: push down on the front of the vehicle and release it. If the car continues to bounce more than once or twice, the struts may be getting tired and could be due for replacement.

Replacing struts is not something to put off. When struts fail, the handling of the CX-5 can become unpredictable, and you lose that confident feel on the road that Mazda vehicles are known for. A fresh set of struts will restore smoothness and control, keeping the SUV safe and comfortable. Usually, struts are replaced in pairs on the front axle to keep the handling balanced.

During replacement, it's also a good idea to check other suspension and steering components, such as bushes, ball joints, and tie rods. Ensuring these parts are in good shape will extend the life of the new struts and preserve the car's handling characteristics.

For regular maintenance, keeping tyres properly inflated and ensuring wheel alignment is spot on can help minimise premature strut wear. Rough roads might be unavoidable, but a careful driving style doesn't just save wear and tear on the vehicle, it also keeps the struts lasting longer.

In essence, the 2016 Mazda CX-5's front struts are a fundamental part of why the vehicle drives so well. They combine shock absorption, suspension support, and structural duties into one compact unit. Regular inspections and timely replacements ensure the struts continue to perform these roles effectively, providing the driver with a smooth, safe, and enjoyable drive. If it's been a while since the suspension was checked, or if the car feels a bit rough going over bumps, it's worth having a trusted mechanic give those struts a look to keep the CX-5 cruising comfortably for many kilometres to come.