[matrx7]

I think there is no denying that the handling of the CX3 is probably not Mazda's greatest achievement. After having my partner complain about the "bouncy and floaty" feel of the car, and regularly "feeling like the car is airborne" over big bumps on the Freeway, I figured the issue needs to be addressed. The problem is that from the factory the car is under-sprung and the valving, in particular Low-speed Rebound dampening (which controls BIG impacts) is just way too fast.

Now coming from a track-car background, (I have an FC RX7 circuit car), suspension tuning is not foreign to me, to fix the inherent issue you would need a different spring and damper combo. Unfortunately here in Australia there is not much available for these cars, the only other option was potentially a set of Eibach springs, but this wouldn't fix the dampening issue. So even though I was a bit hesitant, coilovers were the only option. I was able to source a set through RHDjapan, and they were on sale at the time so I was able to pick them up for a bargain price of AUD$1300 shipped to my door. They retail here for AUD$2700.

I can happily say that the it was money well spent, and suspension feel is now comparable to something like a standard Subaru WRX, and the car is very predictable and stable on the road. The benefit being that with adjustments you could make it softer or harder as you like, as well as adjusting the ride height, adjustable from (-20mm, to -90mm). I settled for a modest 30mm drop.

Installation was very easy with the coilovers being a direct swap for the factory suspension including all brackets for hoses and abs lines in exact same positions. The only "modification" was to trim a tiny bit of rubber off the factory rear spring insulating rubber, which would require a new one if you ever wanted to fit the old springs back in.

I would definitely recommend these if anyone is after a great suspension upgrade for these cars. Happy to say that my wife loves it too.

 

[Vipre77]

The squishy sidewalls on the factory 16" wheel/tire combo doesn't help either if you have those like you and I do. Mine will roll the tire over onto the sidewall without too much difficulty under even mildly spirited cornering.

 

[Liv314]

Hi.

Thanks for your feedback.

I ordered a set of BC coilovers for the same reasons you mention.

Can you, please tell us the way to disassemble the rear damper from the upper connection, please ?

Did you change nuts or bolts for new ones ?

Thanks.

 

[anchorman]

Here you are.

 

[matrx7]

As in the file anchorman has attached, the upper shock absorber bolts are accessed from the wheel tub. Just remove the wheel and look up and you will see them. From memory a 14mm socket and a short extension should do the job.
I put the car on axle stands and then positioned the jack underneath the torsion bar and lower it slowly once you undo the upper bolts.
Just one thing to note is if you have threaded adjustment on your new shock (the TEIN's are adjustable), make sure that it is short enough that when you do it up the springs are "captive" and can't fall out.
I reused all original bolts and nuts.

 

[Liv314]

Thanks a lot both of you.
Any advice or tip for the front ones ?
It seems to be really easy, but who knows... ?

 

[matrx7]

Not really, it is fairly straight forward. Undo the lower bolts first, drop the hub out of the way, undo the top ones then drop the whole strut out. You will also need to undo the brake hose clip, it just pushes out with a flat screwdriver, and also the abs sensor wire.

There is a little bit of tension in the swaybar when you undo the lower 2 bolts, its not too bad, but just keep it in mind as you might need to give the strut or hub a bit of a pull/push to get them apart once the bolts are out, you could always undo the swaybar if you were concerned.

Take some pics when you are done

 

[Liv314]

I'll do for sure, job planned for january, I think. Thanks again.

 

[Craigh]

Are these Tein coilovers from Fulcrum the same

https://fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/s...]&series=[DK Closed Off-Road Vehicle 2.0 AWD])

Seems like a reasonable price in $A

Craig

 

[Autostrada048]

What did you set your preload to in the front and rear?