Parts for your 2020 Mazda 3-Struts

2020 Mazda 3 Struts — What They Do and When to Replace

Technical sources agree the 2020 Mazda 3 (BP series) runs MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear with separate dampers. Mazda’s BP-series workshop manual describes a front MacPherson layout, and major suspension catalogues from brands like KYB and Monroe list complete front strut assemblies for the 2020 Mazda 3. So yes—struts are absolutely relevant on the 2020 model, but only at the front.

The front struts carry two big jobs on the Mazda 3: they control body movement (damping) and they form part of the suspension structure, keeping wheel alignment steady through bumps and cornering. That’s why tired or leaking struts don’t just make the ride feel a bit average—they can also affect braking stability, steering feel, and tyre wear.

Servicing a 2020 Mazda 3 should include periodic checks of the front struts and top mounts. There’s no hard-and-fast replacement kilometre, because driving conditions vary across Australia and New Zealand, but many owners see best results refreshing them somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, or sooner if there are symptoms.

• Common signs they’re due: oil seepage down the strut body, knocking over bumps, extra bounce after speed humps, a nose-dive under brakes, vague steering, or uneven tyre wear.
• Best practice: replace struts in pairs (left and right together) and include new mounts, bearings, bump stops and dust boots to keep things quiet and tight.
• Always finish with a wheel alignment. Because the strut locates the wheel, alignment can shift during replacement.

Owners who want a factory-fresh feel can choose quality OE-equivalent struts, those chasing a sportier vibe might opt for tuned dampers or complete performance strut kits matched to appropriate springs. Either way, using the correct spec parts for the BP Mazda 3 is key to keeping ride and handling crisp without introducing tyre scrub or odd ride heights.

If the car starts feeling floaty on the open road, gets skittish on corrugations, or clunks turning into driveways, a suspension inspection is worth booking. Keeping the 2020 Mazda 3’s front struts in top nick pays off in confident braking, tidy cornering, and even tyre wear—exactly what the BP chassis was designed to deliver.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Mazda 3 have struts or shocks?
The 2020 Mazda 3 uses MacPherson struts at the front and conventional shock absorbers at the rear. That means the front units are structural and affect wheel alignment, while the rears handle damping only.

How often should front struts be replaced on a 2020 Mazda 3?
There’s no fixed schedule, but many see good results replacing between 80,000 and 120,000 km depending on road conditions. Inspect sooner if there’s oil leakage, clunks, extra bounce, or uneven tyre wear, and always get an alignment after replacement.

Is it safe to drive with worn front struts?
It may still drive, but stopping distances can grow, the car can feel unsettled over bumps, and tyres can wear faster. If there are leaks, knocking, or poor road holding, it’s smart to have the struts checked and replaced as a pair.