Brake pad/rotor noise?

[SallySpeed3]

Ok, so I'm at about 46k miles and am still using the stock brake pads. I know I know, crazy and I should have replaced them by now. BUT I just checked out my front pads and there is still some life in them but I will be replacing them soon. So here's my question, could never having anyone work or look at my brake system cause a weird clunking sound coming from the front end? It happens when I hit the brakes sometimes, but also when I'm not. Usually at slower speeds, going over bumps, but also can be heard while cruising. I thought maybe it was an exhaust leak, it still could be but it would have to be a really small one. I checked my test-pipe connections last night and it seems pretty snug, felt for any leaks with my hands while car was running, didn't feel anything. At a loss really. So frustrating because it makes my car sound like a POS even though it's running fine.

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

Noise

There was a recall for strut tower bushings about a year ago.

I wonder if you have debris on the rotor. This will result in a slightly vibrating pedal and a similar noise that you describe. The best way to rid yourself of this problem is to heat cycle the brakes, for example when you bed in new brake pads, (eight to ten runs, accelerating from 20mph to 50 mph and braking hard to @ 10mph). There will be a heavy brake smell, sometimes smoke puffs and the new/old pad material will bond to your rotors.

The only other problem I can think of is that you have uneven pad wear and contact with the rotor that is making the noise. Changing the pads are easy with the right tools and information. I will be using Hawk plus pads when mine are ready to change.

Hope this helps

 

[SallySpeed3]

I only thought maybe it was the brakes because I thought maybe old brake pads make those kind of noises. I like the strut idea but after paying closer attention to the noise, it doesnt really happen going over bumps. It does happen when I'm coming down my driveway which has a bump. While accelerating I don't notice it, but maybe cause of the noise thats created by doing so. I notice it while cruising at a constant rpm and also while slowing down in gear. very noticeable at low speeds. And it also does it at idle right after I've stopped. I know from what I'm telling you guys its almost impossible to tell what it is. Thats whats so frustrating. I have a feeling I'll never figure out whats causing it.

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

Noise

I think its time for a friend with mechanical experience or who owns a Mazda take a ride in the car with you to try and figure this noise out. A trip to the dealer would be another way to go however, probably the most expensive.

Usually whenever I have a friend or a dealer technician drive around with me the noise miraculously disappears and I look crazy and/or stupid. But maybe your at the point where the noise is just glaringly obvious.

I believe we have a 5 year/50,000 mile drivetrain warranty too.

 

[SallySpeed3]

Yeah I know I'm going to eventually have to take it somewhere. I would like to avoid the dealer is possible. When I had it in for an oil change I asked the place to take it for a drive and see if they could hear the sound I'm talking about, of course their only response was "all we heard was a whoosh, and that would be from your turbo-charger". Gee no s***. Thanks for your replies bigdaddy

 

[Design]

There has been discussion that the OEM Ferodo's run a very soft layer next to the backing plate to reduce brake noise. So what looks like a perfectly normal pad may actually be fully worn. I'd start by removing and inspecting the front pads.

Hard to tell what the clunking noise could be without isolating where exactly it's coming from. Best thing to do is double-check each and every bolt you've touched in that area, from the brake calipers to the test pipe. I agree that it might be time to engage your local mechanic. GL.

 

[SallySpeed3]

Well as it turns out it was a combination of an exhaust leak and the corksport exhaust hanger rubbing onto my frame. Brake pads surprisingly have some life still left on them but I'll definitely be ordering some Hawk pads asap. Got everything taken care of, the sound is gone and car runs much better. thanks for the help