02-001-13-2752

Service Bulletin
Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Subject:
Bulletin No:
02-001/13
Last Issued:
01/14/2013
SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
MULTI-MODEL - SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
BULLETIN NOTE
• This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletins 02-004/11 issued on 07/11/11, 02-005/09 issued 06/05/09, 02004/08 issued 05/18/08, and 02-001/04 issued 01/15/04. The APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS has been
revised.
• Changes are noted below in Red beside the change bar.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
1999-2009 B-Series
1999-2002 Millenia
2004-2013 Mazda3
2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
1999-2003 Protege
2000-2006 MPV
2006-2013 Mazda5
2007-2013 Mazda CX-9
1999-2005 Miata
2001-2011 Tribute
2003-2014 Mazda6
2006-2013 Mazda MX-5
1999-2002 626
2011-2013 Mazda2
2013-2014 Mazda CX-5
2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
DESCRIPTION
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is
present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the
shaft seal.
Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a
failure of the shaft seal.
Page 1 of 5
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
Bulletin No: 02-001/13
Last Issued: 01/14/2013
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
SERVICE INFORMATION
1. Inspect the shock absorber by using the following guidelines to determine if shock absorber replacement is
necessary or not.
- If it is oil seepage, the shock absorber does NOT need to be replaced.
- If it is oil leakage, the shock absorber needs to be replaced.
NOTE: Warranty claims submitted for oil seepage shock absorbers will be denied or subject to debit.
CAUSE OF OIL SEEPAGE
Oil seepage is caused by the following factors and is not a problem:
• A small amount of oil seeps outside through the dust lip during normal operation.
• The oil film thickness is uneven due to production variation of rod and seal.
When the rod (A) receives input from the road and extends upward, most of the oil (B) on the rod is scraped
off by the main lip (C) and some remains inside the dust lip (D). When the rod extends further, then most of
the remaining oil (E) on the rod is scraped off by the dust lip, and a small amount of oil seeps out (F).
CAUSE OF OIL LEAKAGE
Oil leakage is caused by the following factors and is a problem:
• The rod is damaged (dent, etching, rust, or foreign substance).
• The lips are damaged.
Page 2 of 5
Bulletin No: 02-001/13
Last Issued: 01/14/2013
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
SYMPTOM
STRUT
DESCRIPTION / REPLACEMENT
CRITERIA
•
•
•
Oil seepage comes out below the
bump cap (A) and may run down
the sides, but does not run past
the spring seat.
The surface appears dirty due to
oil and dust, but it is not wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
The damping function is still
performing correctly.
Dealer action: Clean and dry the unit
as much as possible. NO
REPLACEMENT NECESSARY.
SHOCK ABSORBER WITH SPRING SEAT
•
•
•
Oil seepage comes out below the
bump cap (A) and may run down
the sides, but does not run past
the spring seat.
The surface appears dirty due to
oil and dust, but it is not wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
The damping function is still
performing correctly.
Dealer action: Clean and dry the unit
as much as possible. NO
REPLACEMENT NECESSARY.
Page 3 of 5
Bulletin No: 02-001/13
Last Issued: 01/14/2013
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
SHOCK
•
•
•
Oil seepage comes out under the
dust cover (A) and covers not
more than 50% of the outer
cylinder (B) length (L).
The surface appears dirty due to
oil and dust, but it is not wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
The damping function is still
performing correctly.
Dealer action: Clean and dry the unit
as much as possible. NO
REPLACEMENT NECESSARY.
STRUT
•
•
Oil leakage comes out below the
bump cap (A) and runs down the
sides past the spring seat.
The surface appears wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
Dealer action: REPLACE THE UNIT.
Page 4 of 5
Bulletin No: 02-001/13
Last Issued: 01/14/2013
© 2013 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
SHOCK ABSORBER WITH SPRING SEAT
•
•
Oil leakage comes out below the
bump cap (A) and runs down the
sides past the spring seat.
The surface appears wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
Dealer action: REPLACE THE UNIT.
SHOCK
•
•
Oil leakage comes out under the
dust cover (A) and covers 50% or
more of the outer cylinder (B)
length (L).
The surface appears wet with oil
dripping / running down the sides.
Dealer action: REPLACE THE UNIT.
Page 5 of 5