Parts for your 2020 Mazda 3-Strut mounts

2020 Mazda 3 strut mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are definitely relevant to the 2020 Mazda 3. Technical sources including the Mazda 3 (BP) Workshop Manual (Front Suspension), Mazda Australia model specifications for 2020, and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue note a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper mount/bearing (strut mount), and a torsion-beam rear with separate dampers (no rear strut mounts). So the front end uses strut mounts, while the rear does not.

On the 2020 Mazda 3, the front strut mounts do a few important jobs. They secure the top of the front strut to the body tower, isolate road noise and vibration from the cabin, and—thanks to an integrated bearing—let the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. That bearing action helps the steering feel light and consistent, while the rubber insulator keeps harshness at bay. Good mounts also help maintain correct geometry, which flows on to even tyre wear and sure-footed handling.

There’s no set replacement interval, but they’re wear items. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many last between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometres, depending on roads and loads. A sensible play is to replace the strut mounts and bearings whenever the front struts are being changed, as the labour overlaps and fresh mounts protect the new dampers from knock and bind.

• Tell-tale signs it’s time: clunks over sharp bumps, creaks in cold or wet weather, notchy or “memory” steering at low speeds, a steering wheel that doesn’t self-centre cleanly, and feathering on the front tyres.
• Inspection tips: look for cracked or collapsed rubber at the top of the tower, rusty or seized bearings, and loose top nuts. If one side is going, budget to do both for balance.
• Service pointers: use quality OE-equivalent mounts and bearings, orient any arrows or locating pins as per the workshop manual, torque all fasteners correctly, and book a wheel alignment afterwards.

The rear of the 2020 Mazda 3 runs a torsion beam with separate shocks and springs, so there are upper shock mounts back there—not strut mounts. If a rear knock develops, have the rear shock bushes and mounts checked, but don’t go hunting for a rear “strut mount” that doesn’t exist on this model.

Keeping cowl drains clear and avoiding floodwater helps the top bearings live longer. If noises persist after replacement, also check sway-bar links and lower control arm bushes, as they can mimic mount noises.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Mazda 3 have strut mounts front and rear?

Front, yes—MacPherson struts with upper mounts and bearings. Rear, no—the car uses a torsion-beam axle with separate shock absorbers and springs, so there are shock mounts but not strut mounts at the back.

How often should front strut mounts be replaced on a 2020 Mazda 3?

There’s no fixed schedule. Replace when there are symptoms (noise, binding, play) or proactively when fitting new front struts. Many owners see good results renewing them somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km, depending on road conditions.

What symptoms point to worn strut mounts on a 2020 Mazda 3?

Listen and feel for clunks over potholes, creaks on low-speed turns, notchy steering, poor self-centring, and uneven tyre wear at the front. Visual checks may show cracked rubber or a sagged mount at the top of the strut tower.