I'm going to replace the front struts on my 98 Mazda 626 and was wondering if there are other components which should be checked / replaced at the same time, i.e. that if the struts are shot there is a high likelihood they need replacing as well?
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Bushes - If you've got the front end apart it's probably worth replacing these, unless they have been done recently. It's also probably worth checking the gaiters on the trackrod ends and driveshaft CVs, and any balljoints, easier to replace them while it's all apart too...
IIRC there isn't much else that would wear out, but inspect the suspension arms for any signs of damage while it's apart.
Glossary of above:
Bushes/Bushings: The rubber bits that allow the suspension components to move relative to each other
Balljoints: ball-and-socket type joints between two components. Usually protected by a rubber gaiter.
Gaiter/Boot: A rubber boot over a balljoint to keep the grease in and dirt out.
Trackrod End/Tie rod End: A balljoint on the end of a trackrod (the rod connecting the steering rack to the wheel), adjustable in length to change the toe-in of the suspension.
Driveshaft CV/CV Joint: Constant-velocity joint in the driveshaft. Allows drive to be transmitted through different angles as the steering and suspension change with the motion of the car.
Suspension Arms/Control Arms: The metal arms that hold the wheel onto the car. Joined at both ends with bushes or balljoints to allow the suspension to move up and down.
I can't find a nice royalty-free image to include here, but there's a good explanation here - no affiliation, just found it through an image search...
