Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Suspension - Front: Description
An independent front suspension with MacPherson struts is used on all models except Miata. Miata uses a double wishbone design with coil over shock absorbers. See Figure . Strut assemblies mount between steering knuckle and upper fender panels. Strut assemblies consist of inner shock absorbers and coil springs surrounding outside of strut tube housing.
The steering knuckle is connected to lower control arm and strut. Lower control arm pivots at crossmember and is connected by ball joint to steering knuckle. All models are equipped with a stabilizer bar which attaches to each lower control arm and frame. See Figure - Figure . Some models may also be equipped with Auto Adjust Suspension (AAS). For more information on this system, see ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION article in the SUSPENSION section.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.