2008 Mazdaspeed 3 "clicking / tinking sound" from front wheels area...

[Kmarc86]

OK! I have a 2008 MS3 with 65,000 miles. I'm ready to start modding this car but, before I start, I've gotta figure out what this damn sound is! I need some help... Basically, I have a small intermittent "clink" that is coming from the front wheel area of the car. It is coming from both sides but at different times. I first noticed it when starting to move forward in 1st gear or backing up in reverse. However, I realized it is not related to letting off of the clutch or pressing the brake. I've read a few threads that state it is a matter of lubing the back of the brake pads / pad retainer clips, or it is clicking valves within the struts, springs rubbing, end links, etc.
So far, I've taken both wheels off, lubed the back side of the pads, tightened everything down, inspected the springs and struts, inspected the sway bar end links, and all seems to be functioning. I've tested alot of the theories I've seen on threads and so far, no solution. If anyone has dealt with the issue, please let me know. I'm ready to hear any new suggestion so I can investigate it. I'm in need of this community's experts.
I've got an FMIC picked out and this is the only thing preventing me from pushing the "proceed to checkout" button.

 

[5port]

Brake pads are moving in their mounts. No biggie. Some people live with it...some people are bothered by it. I live with it.

 

[Sporty3]

I have this exact same noise and it's driving me crazy! I was thinking it was suspension related or something to do with the motor mount, but after reading 5port's post, I guess it's a common issue. I brought my car into the dealer for this issue but since my car was out of the manufacturers warranty, they wanted to charge a $100 diagnostic fee. Before they told me this, I had taken a tech for a ride so he could hear the noise but he didn't really seem to "hear" it as loud as I did. This made me weary of the fee since it was non-refundable and if the tech couldn't find anything wrong, I'm out a hundred bucks.

 

[Russm]

Check your CV joint for play with front end lifted.

 

[ohioan]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123795843-rear-brake-rattle-over-bumps&highlight=

It's both rear brakes... Still haven't found a fix for this. I've tried so many things. Even the stuff you kneed and becomes hard as steel. Bugs the crap out of me.

 

[ohioan]

Look @ 3:40 is that the fix we need?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAwV0wd92A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[5port]

That shim very well could be the fix for the clicking sound.

 

[ohioan]

Just put a little piece of aluminum between the pad and where it sits in the bridge and the bridge. Let's see if that stops it. Took about 15 minutes to do both sides...

 

[fasteract]

Brake pads not having hi temp grease on the slide area notches particularly in dry, sandy areas (San Antonio?) will wear down the corresponding area on the aluminum "bridge" mentioned above, particularly since the pad plates are steel. New bridges..not that expensive..or shims (a temp fix as they get chewed up)...Permatex antisqueal blue stuff will help if play not that great.

Good luck

 

[LostViper]

I had the clicking issue. It was my left front axle. Replaced under warranty, no more clicking!

 

[supersuckers]

I had to have the splines on my front axles re-greased in order to eliminate a clicking noise. The dealer tried to blame the noise on my non-Mazda brake pads. But as usual, they were wrong. The work was completed by the dealer under warranty. I'm surprised Mazda hasn't issued a bulletin for this yet.