Mechanic who just did the tires suggestion after a discussion of him asking if I was keeping it another 100k miles.... which is the plan. After new tires and alignment ride feels bouncy but not dangerous or uncomfortable. No loud clunk on potholes.
How do I check alignment? 1 tire was bald on inside, before I replaced with new ones.... so thinking maybe the old suspension caused it?
In my humble opinion, the suspension is a big part of what makes a Mazda a Mazda. On my past Mazda's, the sports cars shocks and struts were almost always done by ~35k miles, and the other standard Mazda cars were all due by around 60-75k miles.
I am currently at 40k miles on our CX5 and I was just pricing shocks and struts to get prepared.
I am at 120k miles and my shocks and struts are fine. Used, yes. But fine. I see no need to change them until they are toast.
One tire and only inside was bald? Suspect alignment.
However, if you are going to replace suspension parts you'll need an alignment after anyway.
My opinion: If you really intend on keeping the car for another 100K miles then replace worn out parts. Assuming you have the money why not enjoy driving with fresh suspension? If money is tight then just get the alignment (to protect your new tires) and wait for obvious suspension parts failure.
Also you are right: $800 for new shocks/struts installed is very reasonable. Just confirm OEM or OEM quality parts will be used. Otherwise you'll end up spending the money and will not get the new car handling you are hoping for.
Thank you for the advice (and others). We have a great mechanic. They warranty everything 1 year no matter what and I trust him completely.... been going to him for 15 years. Just paid 800 for the new tires so 1600 was a bit of a stretch this month considering I have 1 year of payments left. Maybe next month after refund check, but main concern was if suspension would ruin the new tires. Rotations free and he does my oil that I bring to him with OEM filter (love this shop).
As far as OEM or a particular brand? He was going to do them same day he did the tires so sounds like they have an aftermarket solution at the ready. I don*t know much about these parts. Was wondering if I should specify or buy a certain brand. He*ll put stuff in for me that I buy. Maybe that*s why his cost was more reasonable? Mazda service quoted me 440 shocks, 720 struts and 100 alignment.
I guess the only bummer is now I*ll have to pay for the alignment again, unless he gives me a break since I just got tires. I*m sure his guy is going to be like *I just had everything off last month that nit-wit! Could have replaced them then!* I know I hate doing things twice even if they pay me.
35K seems so early. Do you drive real hard? Roads shouldn't be too bad in CA.
But I agree wholeheartedly that the suspension is key, and when it starts to feel sloppy, replacement is in order.
I agree with what shadonoz has said, if you don't have any symptoms of failure, such as fluid leak or failed on traditional "bouncing test", why bother?Do they need to be replaced if I just put 4 new tires on? Am I just being cheap and fooling myself? $800 installed seems reasonable.
Little info out there on this.
I could be wrong but somehow I got feeling that when you said you've done the alignment after you put a set of new tires at the shop you trust, you really meant you've done the tire/wheel balancing? Most independent mechanics they don't have expensive alignment machine in their shop, and those alignment machines also require frequent calibration and software updates by manufacture.
OP didn't say the model year and trim level of his 2.0L AWD CX-5. I believe his should be early 2013~2014 CX-5 Sport or Touring? This means $800 for a set of 225/65R17 is more expensive than you thought.1 tire bald needs alignment. If you are a price conscious buyer forget the suspension for a year - keep an eye on the bald tire to see how it wears and drive cautiously.
800 for 4 tires is a bit too much unless they are $150 a pop with lifetime hazard warranty and rotations.
If a Mazda needs suspension parts under 100K miles (minimum) that's a huge fail. 175K miles - yeah that is good and 150K is my expectation. This is an eco car and for the first 120K miles - all I want to do is oil / Tx oil / Tires / Brakes. That's it, I might do a carbon buildup cleaning service but only if it is severe. On my second car - Its only oil and tires + brakes till 150K then its sayonara.