Too bad the previous owner didnt take better care of my car. Needs suspension (front half on the way) tires, brakes, alignment terribly, oil change and not to mention what ive done in the three months ive had it.

Anyways does anyone run the Koni str.t's with a pro kit? Cause thats what my plans are as of now.
Any suggestions on brakes?

And one more question, at idle there's a ticking? sound, any ideas as to what it could be?

the tick at idle could be the injectors (normal), oil draining out of the lifters or timing change tensioner(if previous owner did not change oil frequently enough), low oil level (ask shadow) or something on the belt drive.

SecondGenPAt wrote:the tick at idle could be the injectors (normal), oil draining out of the lifters or timing change tensioner(if previous owner did not change oil frequently enough), low oil level (ask shadow) or something on the belt drive.

My car has oil consumption issues. Still not sure where it is going. However, if the oil gets low and you take a sustained hard corner, you will get a ticking sound. When Pat diagnosed it, it corresponded to the timing chain tensioner running out of oil. Best to not let it get that low...

Also, I am running the pro kits. Currently have stock struts on front and yellows in the rear. Like the set up. I would get the adjustable camber arms for the rear. I went twith the SPC brand and ordered from THMotorsports.

Shadowden wrote:My car has oil consumption issues. Still not sure where it is going. However, if the oil gets low and you take a sustained hard corner, you will get a ticking sound. When Pat diagnosed it, it corresponded to the timing chain tensioner running out of oil. Best to not let it get that low...

Also, I am running the pro kits. Currently have stock struts on front and yellows in the rear. Like the set up. I would get the adjustable camber arms for the rear. I went twith the SPC brand and ordered from THMotorsports.

how much did the arms run you? and is it necessary?

Unless you enjoy buying tires frequently due to severe rear camber wear on the inside edges, or like the look of folded-in wheels....

_AlexTM wrote:how much did the arms run you? and is it necessary?

I think I ended up paying around 120 for the pair. I have the receipt at home still. You can also look into stock mazdaspeed camber arms. They will bring the camber closer back to sepc on a lowered MZ3 from my understanding, but they aren't adjustable.

Looks like they are listed at 123/arm on THMotorsports at the moment.

EDIT: These look awesome. http://www.jamesbaroneracing.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=43_56

180 for the pair.

The joys of owning an older used car. You pay less for the car, but you pay more in maintenance. My Miata is paid off, but it seems like one thing after another needs attention. Granted it's 14 years older than your 3, but still, I know how you feel having one maintenance expense after another.

erod550 wrote:The joys of owning an older used car. You pay less for the car, but you pay more in maintenance. My Miata is paid off, but it seems like one thing after another needs attention. Granted it's 14 years older than your 3, but still, I know how you feel having one maintenance expense after another.

luckily after these items are out of the way ill be set. Im at 110k so its only normal everything needs to be replaced but its inconvenient.

AA - thats how mine are already haha. suspension and tires are my biggest concern at the moment.

Ps, has anyone ever installed shocks/struts themselves?

Yes, but I work in a shop so I don't count

AuroraAxela wrote:Yes, but I work in a shop so I don't count

by the way, i think your left side brake pads are due for replacement......

Mazda 3 struts are not hard to replace. you will need a spring compressor and the know-how to use it for the front. the rear is simple.
you will also need a 4-wheel alignment afterwards

SecondGenPAt wrote:by the way, i think your left side brake pads are due for replacement......

Mazda 3 struts are not hard to replace. you will need a spring compressor and the know-how to use it for the front. the rear is simple.
you will also need a 4-wheel alignment afterwards

Is that a big guy joke or a shop joke...maybe both...

I did my own spring install. Although straight forward it is time consuming. Especially without a lift. You can rent spring compressors at the auto parts store. They charge you the cost of the tool but refund it upon return...check with them to see how long you can keep it.hardest part for me was getting the strut out of the a arm. Ended up using a block of wood and a bottle jack...worked great. Using air tools on the spring compressor speeds that along.don't over torque the bolts on the top of the strut tower. The rears are straight forward. With all the talk of springs shooting out, I was overly cautious. Didn't hurt. The camber arms are a pia due to a little box. M3f has a good write up on the install.

You can get a set of spring compressors at Harbor Freight for like $20. And yea use air tools on it if you can. Takes for ever to hand crank those things.

I'm gonna attempt to install the koni str.t's on the front next week once I have a day off, we'll see. One of my buddies is gonna come help me. Hopefully I'll be able to order the rears this week as well. Being a server my money is so inconsistent, it's a pain. Also, im a complete noob but when I got the package there's only shock absorbers? I thought I ordered both shocks/struts. Same thing or??

Are you coming out to the meet tonight? If you do, bring your stuff and I can give you some tips on how to do the job. It would be cool to see your 3 anyways.

By the way.... I thought yours was already lowered?