Bad shock

apple

I noticed that even a shallow dip was making the car bottom out in the rear, so I took a look under the car at the rear suspension, which is stock with 7000 miles. I see the driver's side rear shock and spring all covered with oil, so it doesn't take a wizard to figure out that I have a bad shock absorber. Unusual, I thought with so few miles and I have basically treated it with kid gloves. I call my dealer's service department and explain this and he says bring it in tomorrow. I did and after 30 minutes waiting they tell me that I have a bad shock, which they have to special order and for me to come back in 5 days. Hard to believe that they don't keep a shock in stock, but he tells me they have never had one go bad on a Miata.
Oh by the way if anyone hasn't heard, the other Mazda dealer in town, Trussville Mazda, which used to be Roebuck Mazda is no longer in business. I know a lot of people have ordered parts from them in the past.

Thanks for the shocking info.   
Just this morning I was thinking that I am pretty satisfied  with the stock shocks (since I changed to RX8 sways).  I keep toying with the idea of something more, but end up with: quot;If it ain't broke, don't fix itquot;.
Sorry to hear that Trussville Mazda is gone.

I think this is only the second NC shock failure I recall reading about.  Do you have the Bilstein (yellow) or standard (black) shocks?   Are they just going to replace one, as I though they did these in pairs?

I will miss Trussville Mazda and for sure the guy named Marshal. He seemed to be always able to answer any of my questions. Sob sob.


Originally Posted by John Starke
I will miss Trussville Mazda and for sure the guy named Marshal. He seemed to be always able to answer any of my questions. Sob sob.

Marshall can still be found.
You're welcome.


Originally Posted by SPTFIR
I think this is only the second NC shock failure I recall reading about.  Do you have the Bilstein (yellow) or standard (black) shocks?   Are they just going to replace one, as I though they did these in pairs?

I have the standard black shocks. I asked if they would replace them as a pair and was told, no, Mazda would only replace the bad one under the warranty.


Originally Posted by kodaker
I have the standard black shocks. I asked if they would replace them as a pair and was told, no, Mazda would only replace the bad one under the warranty.

Bummer.  Oh well, it's still relatively new so you should be fine.

I had a stock shock fail, but it occured within a week of MS spring install, so I attributed it to rough treatment during the install.  Didn't ask the dealer to warrenty it, since I had the MS springs installed by independent shop.  My Mazda dealer also had to order it.