2003 Mazda Protege Suspension Service & Repair

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Schedule Mazda Protege Steering & Suspension Services

When your 2003 Protege’s steering and suspension gives you grief, turn to Firestone Complete Auto Care. From CV joints to coil springs, your Mazda will be in expert hands. Schedule an appointment today.

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Does Your 2003 Mazda Protege Suspension Need Inspection?

During the first few years you had your 2003 Mazda Protege, the ride was probably so smooth that you didn’t even think about it! Lately, though, your ride’s been feeling a little bumpy. Maybe your Protege bounces, pulls to one side, or makes noise whenever you turn or drive over a speed bump. The first sign of problems is a good time to bring your 2003 Mazda Protege in for steering and suspension services. We'll pinpoint the problem.

The technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care will start with a suspension inspection to diagnose your vehicle. We’ll take a look at the front and rear end suspension, shock dampeners, springs, CV joints and axles, bushings, struts, chassis components, wheel bearings, and the power steering system. We’ll get to the root of the issue and, if steering and suspension service is needed, we'll explain all of your options and the potential cost. If your Protege steering or suspension system requires replacement parts, we may also recommend an alignment. Replacing these parts can change the existing ride height and wheel angles.

Mazda Protege Replacement Shocks & Struts

Your 2003 Mazda Protege’s suspension system relies on its shocks and struts to function properly. They influence the control and handling of the vehicle, keeping it from bottoming out. While the struts support the structure of the suspension, the shocks keep the car from bouncing too much. These pieces work together to help dampen vibration and hold the car off the ground. However, there’s no set schedule for when you should replace your Protege’s shocks and struts since many things can influence the wear rate and severity of the wear. Bouncing, swaying from side to side, or rocking forward and backward could all be indicators of worn Mazda Protege shocks and struts. It’s a good idea to have your 2003 Mazda Protege’s shocks and struts regularly checked out by a certified auto technician. Schedule an appointment online and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.

2003 Protege Steering & Suspension Questions

  • What role do tire pressure and tread depth play in my Mazda's suspension? Keeping your tires properly inflated can help reduce strain on the suspension, and also let you know when it's time to replace your tires. A tire that doesn't have an adequate amount of tread can't grip the road or function as well as the manufacturer intended.
  • Why should my Mazda Protege get regular tire rotations and wheel alignments? Regularly rotate tires and adjust wheel alignment. Rotation and alignment are all about making small tweaks that have a big impact. Such services help ensure that the right amount of pressure is being applied to your tires and that the tires come into contact with the road in the way Mazda intended.
  • When does Mazda Protege power steering fluid need to be inspected or changed? Have your power steering fluid checked when you get an oil change or every few months. If your Protege is low on power steering fluid, we can fill it per Mazda's recommendations to help ensure proper suspension operation.
  • Why is my Mazda Protege bouncing so much? Excessive bouncing in your Mazda Protege might be due to damaged struts or shocks that are unable to absorb road bumps effectively, causing your vehicle to feel more like a pogo stick than a smooth ride.
  • Why does my Protege tilt forward when I hit the brakes? The forward momentum and weight transfer to the front wheels during braking can cause your Protege's front end to dip forward. A damaged or faulty suspension system may fail to distribute the weight and force effectively, causing the front end to dip even more.
  • How do I know if I have worn Mazda Protege shocks? If your Protege shock absorbers are worn out, they won’t be able to properly dampen road bumps. You might experience a bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps or rough roads. Your Protege might also feel like it sways or rolls as you turn.
  • Where can I go for Protege suspension repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care inspects, maintains, and repairs Protege suspension systems. Book an appointment today!