Stock rear coil spring questions

[tripppleP]

Can you guys point me in the right direction. I need to replace the rear coil spring in my 2010 Speed3. I am going to switch out the rear with stock springs but wanted to make sure I get the right set. I plan to replace both the left and right rear. I also will replace the spring seat too.

The reason I am not doing a performance spring set is this is my first time working on my car and I don't want to fuss with lowering springs...which may lead to swapping suspension in the long run...and more cost at the moment.

The spring I think I need is part: Moog 81693.
I have tow links below and they are $30 difference and I don't know why when they are the same item.

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-81693
$81

https://www.rockauto.com/en/cart/
$50

The spring seat is part: BP4K28012A
http://www.mazda-parts.com/2010-mazd...4K28012A-item/

Are the above links/items the rear coil spring for the Speed3?
Thanks for any advice and help.

[MSMS3]

Those are for a regular Mazda 3. The springs for the Speed 3 are much stiffer. Not the same.

You need this:

https://www.mazdacitywebstore.com/p/...BN628011D.html

[Jeff23spl]

why do you replace coils at first place ? You can have adjustable camber arm to adjust the camber if it cannot be align right...
On these cars it is usually the shock that break first? Have you checked them too ?
You need to replace at least both side together (as you plan) and the best is usually to have 4 coils of the same wear or from the same kit for best stability.

[tripppleP]

Originally Posted by Jeff23spl why do you replace coils at first place ? You can have adjustable camber arm to adjust the camber if it cannot be align right... On these cars it is usually the shock that break first? Have you checked them too ? You need to replace at least both side together (as you plan) and the best is usually to have 4 coils of the same wear or from the same kit for best stability.

I replaced a shock about 2 years ago that failed. The rear right coil was found on a state inspection and you can hear the right rear rattle over some bumps but is different that when the shock went out. I want to replace both rear to save money from a garage doing the work.

I am wondering if I should swap out all four with some sort of upgrade kit. But, I don't really want a stiffer ride or lower the car as its my only car at the moment and I live in North-East and drive the car in snow at times.

It looks like swapping the rear two with stock springs might cost about $200 for the two springs and spring seats. Yet, a performance spring kit for all four springs seems to run $200-250. So, again, I am willing to research upgrades but might save that for later and just replace the two rear springs as the one is broken and needs fixing sooner than later.

Originally Posted by MSMS3 Those are for a regular Mazda 3. The springs for the Speed 3 are much stiffer. Not the same. You need this: https://www.mazdacitywebstore.com/p/...BN628011D.html

Thanks. I appreciate the link.

[Jeff23spl]

Strange...To point out a coil i would believe it need to be broken, (i mean completely separated in 2 parts with the car lowered on just 1 side.) If it just makes noise it is something else like the seat, link, control arm, shock head or a dry bushing...

Coils compress a bit over time but unless it break apart, ordinary peoples don't change them unless they want to recover comfort, get more stiffness or, these days, rub the tires against the fender.

IMO it would be hard to find a complete aftermarket kit that isn't lowering the car. And be careful as many springs first purpose is to makes the car looking lower in a parking without enough care to ride performances.

[GohanX]

Yeah I'm kind of in the same boat with my 6. My car is running low, I'm not sure if the previous owner cut the springs intentionally or if they're sagging with age. It's the exact height most people seem to want with lowering kits, but it's too low for me and after doing all the research pretty much the only things I can do is either bite the bullet and drop $400 on new OEM springs or get some adjustable coilovers, which isn't happening. Pretty much all the stock height replacements are made for the regular car and not suitable for the Speed.

[Jeff23spl]

You can source a set of used ones if you suspect non oem or cut springs.
It could fatigue a bit but it won't drop few inches, maybe half an inch at maximum...
Do you have a picture of your car showing the wheel gap front/rear with a measuring tape ? i can compare with mine. I'm pretty sure i have oem ones used for 12years and 160 000km for refferences...
i remember seeing some dark red line painted but i'm not sure if it was on the coils or the shocks...Few lowering set aren't black painted but another color. It isn't a proof but...

[MSMS3]

A broken spring would definitely cause that corner to sit lower. Perhaps it is just a broken shock mount. A fatigue crack. They are easy to crack or break if the bolts are over tightened, because the stock mount is aluminum.

[Jakeypoo]

I went through this as well. Rear springs started sagging. Stock = too much $$$. I replaced with Corksport springs because $200 and I had points with them. I actually gained about 1/4” in height with the CS compared to to sagging stock springs. I also replaced the spring seat (insulator).

I wanted to add a 1/4 riser under the spring but I didn’t have the balls to try to make my own and I couldn’t find any.

[tripppleP]

For me the car is not sagging. The spring looks fine from looking under the car. The car does make a bumping sound when you go over bumps.

The garage that did my inspection told me that the rear coil spring was broken. So I don't think my situation is the shock.

Originally Posted by MSMS3 Those are for a regular Mazda 3. The springs for the Speed 3 are much stiffer. Not the same. You need this: https://www.mazdacitywebstore.com/p/...BN628011D.html

Anyone order from this place before? I emailed them days ago and they haven't replied. I wanted to know if the item was one spring or a two spring set. The fact they haven't replied is making me wonder if I should order from them.

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by tripppleP For me the car is not sagging. The spring looks fine from looking under the car. The car does make a bumping sound when you go over bumps. The garage that did my inspection told me that the rear coil spring was broken. So I don't think my situation is the shock. Anyone order from this place before? I emailed them days ago and they haven't replied. I wanted to know if the item was one spring or a two spring set. The fact they haven't replied is making me wonder if I should order from them.

Call them on their phone line. But first, please look at the shock mount and the rear swaybar end link on that side. Those are common sources of noise. A broken coil spring is very rare.

Common usually trumps rare. That is especially true if the car is not lower on that side. It would benefit you to put that corner up on a jackstand, remove the tire and inspect carefully before ordering parts.

OEM springs are sold individually, but ask that dealer when you call. I have not bought from them, but many dealers that have on-line parts sales respond more quickly to a phone call, especially if your email was toward the end of the week. You might not get an email reply until Monday or Tuesday of the next week. Just pick up the phone.

[tripppleP]

The reason's I think it is the coil spring is I brought it to a shop that I frequent and they did the state inspection and told me the rear right coil spring was broken.

The right rear is about a 1/2" lower. I measured today and the tire is closer to the wheel well compared to the other side.

I had the rear shocks replaced a few years ago. It was a similar sound and feel to what I feel now but its a little different. When the shock was broken I seemed to loose traction here and there around corners and now I don't but the feeling/sound is kind of similar.

I have been working a lot and I am not sure what to do. I wanted to order the spring and replace it this weekend if I could. I may take a chance and trust the garage I go to that this is the problem. If it isn't I'm out $200 and have new spring but may need to swap something else. But if it is the spring then I'm good.

Idk. I'm learning. Thanks for the replies!

[Jakeypoo]

It’s pretty easy to take off the rear shock and spring. If the spring is broken you will see it. If you take off the rear shock and it is bad it’s also pretty easy to tell. Not so much with the front.

[Quazz236]

Originally Posted by tripppleP For me the car is not sagging. The spring looks fine from looking under the car. The car does make a bumping sound when you go over bumps.

Is the noise similar to worn out sway bar links? My car was making all sorts of noise from the rear. So i replaced the shocks and sway bar links(both definitely needed replacement) but I still had some noise left over. I almost went for new springs but ended up getting new seats first since the springs looked ok. And after replacing the spring seats its completely gone. So if you're planing on doing both springs and seats, try replacing the seats first. Chances are the noise will go away.

[Jeff23spl]

it is up to you but as explained above it is pretty easy and straight forward to lift the car, remove the tire and check if the coil is cracked or separated in 2 parts once stretched...

IMo the rear of those car is always a bit weak so it won't hurt to change both even if it isn't the main problem.

[tripppleP]

Ok, I got my OEM rear recoil springs and plan to replace both tomorrow. Is there anything I should know. I am doing this with a friend who has done this to his car before.

One question I know I have...Is there set toques for each bolt I need to remove and them put back?

[tripppleP]

Ok. All done. That wasnt too bad.

[Spectrix]

Did it solve the noise?

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by tripppleP Ok. All done. That wasnt too bad.

Was the spring broken?

[tripppleP]

Yes, the right rear spring was broken near the bottom. Both springs were slightly compressed. I swapped both of them out along with the spring seat.

[Anaphra]

Originally Posted by MSMS3 Those are for a regular Mazda 3. The springs for the Speed 3 are much stiffer. Not the same. You need this: https://www.mazdacitywebstore.com/p/...BN628011D.html

The link you posted seems to be dead, you wouldn't happen to have the part number for the rear springs laying around would you, I've been trying to find it with no avail.

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by Anaphra The link you posted seems to be dead, you wouldn't happen to have the part number for the rear springs laying around would you, I've been trying to find it with no avail.

It’s been over a year since I posted the link. That dealer has revamped the website. They are still there. Just navigate a bit, find a phone number and call them.

I have no spring number. I didn’t need a spring. I just looked it up and contributed info to someone in need. You should be able to find their number or fill out their parts form and get a quote.

I have a friend in Chico. She had a rough time there next to Paradise and the fire. I hope things are better now.

[Anaphra]

Ok I'll give them a call and sort things out

I haven't been up there in the last few months. But when I went up last year it was pretty bad. They had a lot of the roads closed still, although they seem to be making moves to get everything sorted.

When all the fires started, Class got cancelled for that day. I got a ride out of Chico from a friend, and then we all got emails about class being cancelled for the following week. So we had a 2 week spring break.