Rear Jack Point for 2003 Mazda Protege 5: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to replacing your rear struts and springs, having the right information can make all the difference. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of installing front struts and springs on a 2003 Mazda Protege 5, including troubleshooting tips for common issues that may arise.

The first step is to prepare your tools. You'll need a 17mm wrench on one side, a 17mm socket on the other, as well as either a big breaker bar or hollow steel pole to use as a lever. It's also a good idea to have a 12mm socket and wrench handy.

Once you have all your tools, it's time to remove the little nuts and bolts that hold the strut in place. This is where things can get a bit tricky, so be patient and take your time. Remember to reinstall the top strut mount in the same orientation as before, making sure the pink/white dot is facing the correct direction.

Next, you'll need to break loose the four 14mm nuts surrounding the center of the strut using a 17mm socket. This may require some elbow grease and swearing, but trust us, it's worth it. Once these nuts are loose, you can remove them completely and set them aside.

The next step is to raise the hood and break loose the top end of the strut. You'll need to use a pair of pliers to wiggle out the endlink, which may be stuck due to rust or corrosion. Don't worry if it takes some time – this is all part of the process.

Once you have the endlink removed, you can focus on breaking loose the brake and ABS line clips using a 12mm socket. This will give you access to the strut bolts, which are secured with big, stubborn nuts that require a lot of force to loosen.

To remove these nuts, we recommend using a breaker bar or hollow steel pipe as a lever. This will give you the extra torque needed to break them loose without damaging your tools or the surrounding components.

As you work on removing the strut bolts, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you encounter any seized-up bolts, don't be afraid to take your time and use some penetrating oil to help loosen them.

Once all the bolts are removed, you can begin the process of installing your new struts and springs. This may involve some trial-and-error, as well as a bit of swearing and cursing (just kidding – or am I?).

In any case, with patience and persistence, you should be able to complete the installation in about 2-3 hours. If all your bolts are seized up, it may take longer – but don't worry, it's worth the extra time.

Finally, we recommend using a compressor with an impact gun or air wrench to make the job easier. While this isn't necessary, it can certainly help speed up the process and save you some frustration.

In conclusion, replacing your rear struts and springs on a 2003 Mazda Protege 5 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can get the job done in no time. Just remember to take your time, be patient, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Rear jack point 2003 mazda protege 5