Mazda Protege Center (Drag) Link Replacement at your home or office.

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda Protege Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $377 with $272 for parts and $105 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$669.25Shop/Dealer Price$813.72 - $1228.21
1991 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$649.25Shop/Dealer Price$793.73 - $1208.24
2001 Mazda ProtegeL4-2.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$649.25Shop/Dealer Price$793.73 - $1208.24
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.5LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$649.25Shop/Dealer Price$793.71 - $1208.20
2000 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$649.25Shop/Dealer Price$793.75 - $1208.27
2003 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$649.25Shop/Dealer Price$793.73 - $1208.24
1999 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$669.25Shop/Dealer Price$811.20 - $1223.80
1995 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$669.25Shop/Dealer Price$811.57 - $1224.46
Show example Mazda Protege Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

  • In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
  • Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
  • One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective center drag link is removed
  • The new center drag link is installed
  • The vehicle is removed from jack stands
  • The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

  • Vibration while driving
  • Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(182)

Rating Summary
168
5
1
1
7
168
5
1
1
7

Matthew

11 years of experience
136 reviews
Matthew
11 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Window Regulator Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Las Vegas, Nevada
The experience I had with Matt diagnosing my car and fixing it was very good. He was very focused on the problem he diagnosed and didn't look for other things that could have been wrong to get more services out of me. I asked him a lot of questions and I'm a little mechanically inclined so I listened very carefully. He's very smart and crafted at what he does. He was very practical in my goals I was trying to achieve. He was very respectful of my concerns and ensured whatever needed to be done that it would get done. He delivered without disappointment. I have a list of quotes for my car I'm going to get done next year and I hope that Matt will be around as I'd like to appoint him to them. Thank you Yourmechanic.com and Matt!

Jose

25 years of experience
64 reviews
Jose
25 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Vallejo, California
I really love this service, and Jose was the best very helpful , courtesy, and did a wonderful job finding the problem ! He went the extra mile and we appreciate it. Will use again and again. Thank you very much Jose !!!

Mathew

6 years of experience
79 reviews
Mathew
6 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Car is not starting Inspection - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fixed my car quick and easy.

Ross

18 years of experience
54 reviews
Ross
18 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.6L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Santa Rosa, California
Great

Excellent Rating

(182)

Rating Summary
168
5
1
1
7
168
5
1
1
7
Number of Mazda Protege services completed
2002+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
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