I know you posted this 4 years ago, but it was very helpful to me yesterday and today. I just installed hood struts on my new CX-5 today. The retaining clips on each end of the struts are kind of a pain but once I figured those out, the job was easy thanks to your video.
I am planning on getting the 2020 CX-5 Signature in a couple months and this is something that I definitely want to add! One tiny thing I might do differently is on that bottom bolt that you had to use the little metal piece to tighten, I would add some Loctite to the threads to make sure it doesnt loosen up as you drive. Great video!
That's a good idea. I don't think it will come loose though as the washer has little teeth on it to ensure the bolt moves with the shock, so it won't turn loose, but rather be safe than sorry ;)
Thanks for the quick guide! Definitely recommend thread locker (Loctite) on the silver pair that go on the body side. I don't trust a downward-facing nut without a lock washer.
Glad my video could help. Yeah, those struts are certainly up to the job at holding that heavy hood up. And it makes routing around under the hood so much easier 😉
I followed Hilton's tip about using a combo wrench to maintain space between the ball joint and the hood bracket edge for the upper strut head's fitting. I had to loosen the 12 mm nut one time, because my combo wrench got stuck during tightening! However, using a combo 12 mm wrench will tend to strip the nut, so it's best to tighten first with a 12 mm socket in a ratchet drive and then push in the strut head. Even if the upper strut ball joint is a little angled, the ball joint will press into the strut head with the piston rod aligning with the bottom connecting bolt.
Hello Hilton. A very practical improvement on fitting the struts and expertly done. Many cars would benefit from the enhancement. A change of car imminent for me soon. I'm collecting a Sept 2018 facelift Hyundai Tucson next week, in Champion blue colour. The excitement is building already ;-)
Thanks Andy - congrats on your new Tucson. They are really good cars and as you know it was the other option I looked at. The face lift is really sexy especially with the LED headlights. I can imagine you must be excited. It's always exciting getting a new car. I'd love to hear how you are enjoying it over your previous model.
Thank you for this video! I received these struts with NO instructions. I installed these on my MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 2.5 L turbo to bring the hood (bonnet) "prop" up to the standards of the rest to the vehicle. I used blue LocTite fluid on all 4 bolts' threads. Since it is a "near luxury" vehicle with great handling, steering feel, upscale interior and decent speed it deserves a few upgrades. ->Next my garage is installing my CORK SPORT Oil Catch Can to collet blow-by from the positive crank case ventilation (PCV) system to attempt to keep the back sides of my intake valves cleaner. (BTW, this may well be the most spendy upgrade considering the $120./hour 2 hour labor charge and the $300. parts cost.) On this direct injection system there is no fuel vapor coming in from the intake ports to clean the intake valves. Then every 15,000 miles I'll get the valves cleaned at my dealer with a special solvent system system (BG Platinum solvent). Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance HINT: I've discovered that 100 octane "racing fuel" gives the CX-5 turbo at least another 10 HP. But at $8./US gallon I only use 25% racing gas in my tent, the other 75% is 91 octane.
(Gen 2) MAKE SURE the upper bracket is pulled as far forward as it can go before you torque it down. If you don't, the hood bracket bolt will grind against the strut and push it off the ball, causing it to decompress in your engine bay and hit something. Everyone says these are easy but they really should come with instructions to avoid returns and damaged cars!
Super nice job. Thank you so much. My other car (G37) has an aluminum hood, & it's eye-opening how heavy the CX5's steel hood is... & the extra deadweight the Mazda carries around above its roll axis. Thanks again. (PS I'd consider losing the music track in future vids.😄)
Thank you. I’m a grandmother and was able to fit these in a matter of minutes to my 2022 cx5. Couldn’t have done it without your video. Have you got one for light and bonnet protectors?
Glad you liked it. Strange, when I had the CX-5, I didn't get any views on my videos and now that I traded it for another Jaguar, suddenly the views are flooding in ;-)
@@carfanfan I found this kit on eBay for 20$ and checked on CZcams to see if there was a tutorial and found your video But I do like a Jaaaggg (Jeremy Clarskon voice) lol
Mooie instructie video. Jammer dat je dit op you tube moet zoeken, terwijl er feitelijk een handleiding in de verpakking had moeten zitten of in ieder geval in de verpakking een verwijzing naar you tube.
I would think a light coating of something like white lithium grease might be advisable on the ball joint heads..... Got a set for our '22 CX-9 to install this weekend if it stops raining....
Nice video & explanations. Mazda does have easier method installing hood shocks. I have a Rogue and it came with metal top brackets. Now wonder if just using the Mazda kit would work on a Rogue. I did not use the long metal strip to screw on bottom nipple. Did not know what it was for and no install guide. Would of been nice to see what you meant that you just pull the metal strip out. Does the nut break away? Will look at mine since is still have the left over items. Thanks and good to see how another type of SUV has to install hood shocks. I like having shocks and probably only Rogue around with them.
I'm with you there Steve. Mazda said they concentrated in quality and ride rather than little luxuries. But to me hood struts is not a luxury. They actually designed it for hood struts and decided to let aftermarket suppliers supply them to owners. All I know is it's a pleasure to check my fluids now. 😁
For safety you want a prop rather than struts. Have you ever heard of a prop failing? I have known people who have gotten konked on the head when a gas strut failed. I would venture that there has not been a reported case of a metal prop failing if used properly.
@@robertparis4698 I feel like every strut I’ve ever had has slowly failed so you know when they are weakening and should replace them before you crush your hand.
Maker dont fit strut because of safety... if the hood accidentlly open during driving, its weigh will hold it down...but if you install strut it just will open and block your view...
Hey Alvaro - I see now I was a total idiot - I forgot to put the link in the description. Here's a link to where you can buy these: www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-Engine-Cover-Supports-Struts-Rod-Front-Bonnet-Hood-Lift-Hydraulic-Rod-Strut-Spring-Shock-Bar/32956710872.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.14.2ab43ac7hHAQKL&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536_10902,searchweb201603_51,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=00279dc6-ea13-4314-8def-92e97e07dc9f-2&algo_pvid=00279dc6-ea13-4314-8def-92e97e07dc9f
I sold the car since but during the time had it, they worked like a charm. They are stronger than normal struts which only have around 396nm of pressure, these have 425nm so they will do the job.
You sure can. Here's a link for the 2017 and up www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003533976259.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.15.526eygi1ygi18B&algo_pvid=a426ad39-3362-448c-802d-fa5c5efc2a2e&algo_exp_id=a426ad39-3362-448c-802d-fa5c5efc2a2e-7&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21ZAR%211088.95%21664.25%21%21%21428.89%21261.62%21%402103895417236998976387759ecbcf%2112000026201209155%21sea%21ZA%21166061242%21X&curPageLogUid=htiZwMfPptZE&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
These are essentially the same as the link I sent below, but cheaper www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001320686337.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.5.4eb16433DgxrLV&algo_pvid=8c828c96-afdf-4062-a2dd-f7ab969919fd&algo_exp_id=8c828c96-afdf-4062-a2dd-f7ab969919fd-2&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21ZAR%21542.34%21379.58%21%21%2129.99%2120.99%21%402103890117237000044994950e4d76%2112000015685461549%21sea%21ZA%21166061242%21X&curPageLogUid=vexJrvBKyjUA&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
@kat-ry1bo that's odd. Did ge have the bonnet stay up perhaps? The struts should simply allow one to push the hood down. If you're able to push the hood down but it won't shut as per normal then the incorrect holes might have been used which means the operation of the struts would ve impeded.
Not really. These came from China and China have odd brand names. They also change names so frequently. Just get a set and install them. They definitely have enough push tk keep the hood up. But will probably only last a few years.
@@carfanfan Thanks! They'll be here Thursday. It's funny - there's a company in the US that sells them for around $89. The reviews list the exact same complaints as the Chinese ones. What I'm going to do is install the bottoms first and then the tops then put the struts in. Excellent video!
Hydraulic bonnet struts should be standard on a $50K+ car. I'm shocked the Mazda 6 still has a manual strut. My wife's 2012 Passat has automatic struts.
I agree. I was stunned by the absence of such a rudimentary item on a car. When it went in for its first service my dashcam caught the surprise of the technician when the hood lifted up so easily and they could immediately get to work. 🤣
If the struts didn't want to move, then they could have been installed upside down. the black cylinder must be at the top with the arms facing downwards. The pressure in those struts is pretty high because the hood is so heavy and they need to last for quite a few years still ;)
@@carfanfan Excellent video, but now I'm confused. Your comment above says the black cylinder must be at the bottom but at the end of the video, it clearly shows the black cylinder attached to the hood. Looks like it works well attached to the hood, not the bottom. I have a pair of these struts but haven't mounted them yet.
@@alanmudge1781 Sorry, I made a mistake. The black cylinder must be at the top because the thinner arm has been slightly bent connector that fits on the fender side of the assembly. Sorry about that.
@@carfanfan Thanks for the quick reply. No worries, just wanted to confirm. I hope to get these installed soon. It's amazing they don't come with instructions. Again, excellent video!
I just installed a set tonight and bam, the struts are so strong, I am unable to close the hood so I removed them. I am contacting the seller. How did you make out?
@OYATca I have since sold it but can say they are solid reliable cars. Well built and the quality of all materials down to clips and fixtures are of the highest grade. Better than the luxury brands Audi and Jagaur.
Helmut, this is not a Chinese scam. The hood struts work very well and Mazda clearly had the holes under the hood for hood struts but decided on leaving them off due to cost cutting. The lifting force of these struts is actually very good because that CX5 hood is very heavy.
I know you posted this 4 years ago, but it was very helpful to me yesterday and today. I just installed hood struts on my new CX-5 today. The retaining clips on each end of the struts are kind of a pain but once I figured those out, the job was easy thanks to your video.
I'm glad my video could help you ☺️
Appreciate the instructions, great to start the job knowing exactly where everything goes instead of figuring it out on the fly!
I am planning on getting the 2020 CX-5 Signature in a couple months and this is something that I definitely want to add! One tiny thing I might do differently is on that bottom bolt that you had to use the little metal piece to tighten, I would add some Loctite to the threads to make sure it doesnt loosen up as you drive. Great video!
That's a good idea. I don't think it will come loose though as the washer has little teeth on it to ensure the bolt moves with the shock, so it won't turn loose, but rather be safe than sorry ;)
Thanks for the quick guide! Definitely recommend thread locker (Loctite) on the silver pair that go on the body side. I don't trust a downward-facing nut without a lock washer.
Fitted a pair to my CX5 this morning. Very helpful video, made the fitting very easy. Pleasantly surprised at the quality of the struts as well.
Glad my video could help. Yeah, those struts are certainly up to the job at holding that heavy hood up. And it makes routing around under the hood so much easier 😉
Thanks a lot, just installed hood struts following your instructions and it works great on CX-5 2023 :)
What trim on your 2023? Where you get the struts, link doesn't work.
@@dogsarefun2 mine is Homura trim sold in EU. Search for High Flying CX-5 struts
@@dogsarefun2 my trim is Homura available in EU. I ordered it from Amazon - high flying cx-5 struts
@@salalucas thanks!
@@salalucas Thanks again, ordered them!
Thanks Hilton! Excellent instructions. As you've commented, its now a joy to open the hood. Best regards.
Glad it helped Paul 👍😉
I followed Hilton's tip about using a combo wrench to maintain space between the ball joint and the hood bracket edge for the upper strut head's fitting. I had to loosen the 12 mm nut one time, because my combo wrench got stuck during tightening! However, using a combo 12 mm wrench will tend to strip the nut, so it's best to tighten first with a 12 mm socket in a ratchet drive and then push in the strut head. Even if the upper strut ball joint is a little angled, the ball joint will press into the strut head with the piston rod aligning with the bottom connecting bolt.
Thanks for this helpful video! Mine went on like a breeze. I did put Loctite on the ball studs however.
I did apply thread locker back in 2019 when I did this for my CX-5. Just to make sure the torque holds.
Great video! Helped me with my install this weekend.
Glad it helped. 😊
Just installed mine , thanks for the tutorials. Bought mine on ebay :)
Hey thanks a lot that helped very much. Can't believe they didn't come with instructions.
Hello Hilton. A very practical improvement on fitting the struts and expertly done. Many cars would benefit from the enhancement. A change of car imminent for me soon. I'm collecting a Sept 2018 facelift Hyundai Tucson next week, in Champion blue colour. The excitement is building already ;-)
Thanks Andy - congrats on your new Tucson. They are really good cars and as you know it was the other option I looked at. The face lift is really sexy especially with the LED headlights. I can imagine you must be excited. It's always exciting getting a new car. I'd love to hear how you are enjoying it over your previous model.
Will do Hilton. Definitely keep in touch. One more sleep to go before collection :-)
Thank you for this video! I received these struts with NO instructions. I installed these on my MAZDA CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 2.5 L turbo to bring the hood (bonnet) "prop" up to the standards of the rest to the vehicle. I used blue LocTite fluid on all 4 bolts' threads. Since it is a "near luxury" vehicle with great handling, steering feel, upscale interior and decent speed it deserves a few upgrades.
->Next my garage is installing my CORK SPORT Oil Catch Can to collet blow-by from the positive crank case ventilation (PCV) system to attempt to keep the back sides of my intake valves cleaner. (BTW, this may well be the most spendy upgrade considering the $120./hour 2 hour labor charge and the $300. parts cost.) On this direct injection system there is no fuel vapor coming in from the intake ports to clean the intake valves. Then every 15,000 miles I'll get the valves cleaned at my dealer with a special solvent system system (BG Platinum solvent). Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance
HINT: I've discovered that 100 octane "racing fuel" gives the CX-5 turbo at least another 10 HP. But at $8./US gallon I only use 25% racing gas in my tent, the other 75% is 91 octane.
Worked like a charm ✨️ thanks for the video
Heaps thanks mate... helps me a lot since there are no instruction manual too my struts that I just bought ... :)
(Gen 2) MAKE SURE the upper bracket is pulled as far forward as it can go before you torque it down. If you don't, the hood bracket bolt will grind against the strut and push it off the ball, causing it to decompress in your engine bay and hit something. Everyone says these are easy but they really should come with instructions to avoid returns and damaged cars!
Super nice job. Thank you so much. My other car (G37) has an aluminum hood, & it's eye-opening how heavy the CX5's steel hood is... & the extra deadweight the Mazda carries around above its roll axis. Thanks again.
(PS I'd consider losing the music track in future vids.😄)
very detailed and good tutorial.Thank you
Very clear. Everything was covered. Thanks
Thanks for the detailed install video fella!
Great video Hilton.
I bought mine from Amazon,
Great video. Thank you you are a great teacher 👍
good job, easy and clear
Thanks for posting.
Very good product💪 Helpful video from you! Thanks 💪
Thanks a lot bro. It helped me a lot.
Thank you. I’m a grandmother and was able to fit these in a matter of minutes to my 2022 cx5. Couldn’t have done it without your video.
Have you got one for light and bonnet protectors?
excellent tutorial, Helped me alot. Thanks alot buddy!!!
Thanks for the great tutorial
Glad you liked it. Strange, when I had the CX-5, I didn't get any views on my videos and now that I traded it for another Jaguar, suddenly the views are flooding in ;-)
@@carfanfan I found this kit on eBay for 20$ and checked on CZcams to see if there was a tutorial and found your video
But I do like a Jaaaggg (Jeremy Clarskon voice) lol
Mooie instructie video. Jammer dat je dit op you tube moet zoeken, terwijl er feitelijk een handleiding in de verpakking had moeten zitten of in ieder geval in de verpakking een verwijzing naar you tube.
Dankie. Ja, ek het geen instructie gehad, maar ek hoop die CZcams video het gehelp. 😉
about to buy a Mazda3 G25 Evolve. Can't believe that Mazda has not included hood struts as standard equipment on this model. Hood is extremely heavy.
Great videos. Thank you!
Thanks for this video!
Great job 👍😃
I would think a light coating of something like white lithium grease might be advisable on the ball joint heads.....
Got a set for our '22 CX-9 to install this weekend if it stops raining....
Mine came pre-greased inside the ball joint.
Well explained! Thx!
Nice video & explanations. Mazda does have easier method installing hood shocks. I have a Rogue and it came with metal top brackets. Now wonder if just using the Mazda kit would work on a Rogue. I did not use the long metal strip to screw on bottom nipple. Did not know what it was for and no install guide. Would of been nice to see what you meant that you just pull the metal strip out. Does the nut break away? Will look at mine since is still have the left over items. Thanks and good to see how another type of SUV has to install hood shocks. I like having shocks and probably only Rogue around with them.
Thanks, 20 minutes for my turbo signature... I hate those hood prop rods.. you would think manufactures would do this, would cost them 5 - 10 bucks!
Forgot to mention, I used thread locker to secure the bolts.
@@dogsarefun2 definitely needed as vibration can runt them loose over time 😁
zabardast
Its amazing that the struts are not fitted at the factory. A heavy bonnet like that is a safety hazard.
I'm with you there Steve. Mazda said they concentrated in quality and ride rather than little luxuries. But to me hood struts is not a luxury. They actually designed it for hood struts and decided to let aftermarket suppliers supply them to owners. All I know is it's a pleasure to check my fluids now. 😁
For safety you want a prop rather than struts. Have you ever heard of a prop failing? I have known people who have gotten konked on the head when a gas strut failed. I would venture that there has not been a reported case of a metal prop failing if used properly.
@@robertparis4698 I feel like every strut I’ve ever had has slowly failed so you know when they are weakening and should replace them before you crush your hand.
Maker dont fit strut because of safety... if the hood accidentlly open during driving, its weigh will hold it down...but if you install strut it just will open and block your view...
Thank you for watching from Saudi Arabia🇸🇦❤️
Thank you
How did you remove the metal strip/plate after you tightened the bolt on the bottom?
That metal strip is attached with tape. Once your bolt is secure, you just pull like hell and the metal strip pulls away ;)
Great job! Could you add the link to buy it? Thanks for the video
Hey Alvaro - I see now I was a total idiot - I forgot to put the link in the description. Here's a link to where you can buy these: www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-Engine-Cover-Supports-Struts-Rod-Front-Bonnet-Hood-Lift-Hydraulic-Rod-Strut-Spring-Shock-Bar/32956710872.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.14.2ab43ac7hHAQKL&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536_10902,searchweb201603_51,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=00279dc6-ea13-4314-8def-92e97e07dc9f-2&algo_pvid=00279dc6-ea13-4314-8def-92e97e07dc9f
How are they holding up? Thinking of buying them for my Venza on AliExpress
I sold the car since but during the time had it, they worked like a charm. They are stronger than normal struts which only have around 396nm of pressure, these have 425nm so they will do the job.
How do you clean the engine bay?? Looks soo clean!
Lol, the car was pretty much brand new. I hardly drove it in the rain either because it doesn't rain much here 😜
Wow more time to mingle with the cx5
Would that work with CX-9 ?
If it has MZD connect absolutely
Hi can you get theses for a Mazda 2023 2.2 diesel thanks
You sure can. Here's a link for the 2017 and up www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003533976259.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.15.526eygi1ygi18B&algo_pvid=a426ad39-3362-448c-802d-fa5c5efc2a2e&algo_exp_id=a426ad39-3362-448c-802d-fa5c5efc2a2e-7&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21ZAR%211088.95%21664.25%21%21%21428.89%21261.62%21%402103895417236998976387759ecbcf%2112000026201209155%21sea%21ZA%21166061242%21X&curPageLogUid=htiZwMfPptZE&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
These are essentially the same as the link I sent below, but cheaper www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001320686337.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.5.4eb16433DgxrLV&algo_pvid=8c828c96-afdf-4062-a2dd-f7ab969919fd&algo_exp_id=8c828c96-afdf-4062-a2dd-f7ab969919fd-2&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21ZAR%21542.34%21379.58%21%21%2129.99%2120.99%21%402103890117237000044994950e4d76%2112000015685461549%21sea%21ZA%21166061242%21X&curPageLogUid=vexJrvBKyjUA&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A
@@carfanfan thank you very much 🙂👍
@@carfanfan hi my dad fitted the struts but the bonnet won’t move (go down) 😞 do you no what could have gone wrong? Thank you ☺️
@kat-ry1bo that's odd. Did ge have the bonnet stay up perhaps? The struts should simply allow one to push the hood down. If you're able to push the hood down but it won't shut as per normal then the incorrect holes might have been used which means the operation of the struts would ve impeded.
Is there a particular brand that you recommend?
Not really. These came from China and China have odd brand names. They also change names so frequently. Just get a set and install them. They definitely have enough push tk keep the hood up. But will probably only last a few years.
@@carfanfan Thanks! They'll be here Thursday. It's funny - there's a company in the US that sells them for around $89. The reviews list the exact same complaints as the Chinese ones. What I'm going to do is install the bottoms first and then the tops then put the struts in. Excellent video!
Did you leave the original prop rod on?
Yeah I did. Just in case the gas struts fail in future, it then has a backup with the prop rod 😉
Hydraulic bonnet struts should be standard on a $50K+ car. I'm shocked the Mazda 6 still has a manual strut. My wife's 2012 Passat has automatic struts.
I agree. I was stunned by the absence of such a rudimentary item on a car. When it went in for its first service my dashcam caught the surprise of the technician when the hood lifted up so easily and they could immediately get to work. 🤣
I purchase one , i got it installed but hood woudnt come down like supposed too the strust alone dont move , need suggestion anyone thanks
If the struts didn't want to move, then they could have been installed upside down. the black cylinder must be at the top with the arms facing downwards. The pressure in those struts is pretty high because the hood is so heavy and they need to last for quite a few years still ;)
@@carfanfan Excellent video, but now I'm confused. Your comment above says the black cylinder must be at the bottom but at the end of the video, it clearly shows the black cylinder attached to the hood. Looks like it works well attached to the hood, not the bottom. I have a pair of these struts but haven't mounted them yet.
@@alanmudge1781 Sorry, I made a mistake. The black cylinder must be at the top because the thinner arm has been slightly bent connector that fits on the fender side of the assembly. Sorry about that.
@@carfanfan Thanks for the quick reply. No worries, just wanted to confirm. I hope to get these installed soon. It's amazing they don't come with instructions. Again, excellent video!
I just installed a set tonight and bam, the struts are so strong, I am unable to close the hood so I removed them. I am contacting the seller. How did you make out?
Will it fit a 2021 Cx-5
Absolutely it will
Link not working.
Go to Aliexpress and search Mazda hood strut kit. You will find many available and can choose the cheapest price including shipping
Is it same height as the regular hood holder?
It's a little lower than the hood support, but only slightly. There's more than enough room to service the engine and check things under there.
@@carfanfan 👍
@@carfanfan do you still have the Mazda? How’s it holding up?
@OYATca I have since sold it but can say they are solid reliable cars. Well built and the quality of all materials down to clips and fixtures are of the highest grade. Better than the luxury brands Audi and Jagaur.
@@carfanfan thank you, thinking of getting one, people recommend 2017-2018 model for reliability
Would this work on a Mazda 6?
Yes but you must buy the kit specifically for the Mazda 6. Just search Mazda 6 bonnet struts on AliExpress and you will find them 😉
Thank you.
The music made me shut it down!! Sorry
Sorry, can't cater for everyone's taste in music.
Chinesische Verarschung!
Helmut, this is not a Chinese scam. The hood struts work very well and Mazda clearly had the holes under the hood for hood struts but decided on leaving them off due to cost cutting. The lifting force of these struts is actually very good because that CX5 hood is very heavy.
This is not a boot it is a bonnet. Get you facts correct.
Where did I call it a boot Barry?