Clicking noise from right front of car

[Chrishaas]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new member and I have a 2009 Mazda 5 Grand Touting with about 53,000 miles on it. I bought the 100,000 mile extended warranty. (My husband is also a member and has a 2009 Mazda Speed 3) about two months ago I had my shocks, breaks, front wheel bearings and tires replaced. Just recently my car started making noises in the right front area by the wheel. (?)
When I turn full to the left or right and the wheel comes back to the middle it makes a pop/click noise that I can sort of feel in the steering wheel. When turning right or when weight is applied to the right front wheel it makes a clicking sound, it also happens sometimes while I'm driving. It makes a click / pop noise, (like bike spokes) if the road is not smooth or when I first start to accelerate, it sometimes will make a "pop" sound.
What do you think the problem could be? CV Joints, End Links, wheel bearings, engine mounts or something else? If it's NOT covered under warranty how much should I expect to pay? I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Can anyone recommend a good repair shop for my Mazda 5 & and for my husbands Mazda Speed 3? ;-)

Thanks for the help!
Christina Haas
(aka Chris)

 

[Davicho]

Without seeing your car and solely going by your description it sounds like you may have two problems. I'd take a look at your right axle (CV joint) and front sway bar bushings.

 

[Chrishaas]

Thanks! I'm going into my local Mazda dealer on Tuesday to have
Them take a look. I hope this is covered under my extended warranty.

 

[Chrishaas]

One more question.. Do you think that's covered under warranty and
Is it a common problem for my vehicle?

 

[thaxman]

I'm voting for bad sway bushings. They are troublesome at best, and when they are beginning to fail (like my new ones, with <5,000 mi on them) they make a pop/bump sound. If you do need bushings, spend the extra $ and get poly bushings that way you won't be replacing them almost immediately like I will be. Also, beware, you may need endlinks, too, since its all one system. Endlinks shouldn't cost more than $10-$15 each and you can DIY with a jack and good ratchet set.

 

[Chrishaas]

Thanks! Is it safe to drive for a few more days?

 

[Robotazky]

Let me guess. It makes the noise while turning the wheels with the car sitting still?

 

[rat240]

Let me guess. It makes the noise while turning the wheels with the car sitting still?

my car just stared this whats the cause
also when going over bumps i hear a loud bang sound it sounds like a bad ball joint

 

[Robotazky]

my car just stared this whats the cause
also when going over bumps i hear a loud bang sound it sounds like a bad ball joint

Strut mount. It happens all the time when people have the shocks replaced because the idiot mechanics don't know what they're doing. You can't be a dumb teenager with a wrench thrown into your hand and get it right anymore. It takes skill.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Strut mount. It happens all the time when people have the shocks replaced because the idiot mechanics don't know what they're doing. You can't be a dumb teenager with a wrench thrown into your hand and get it right anymore. It takes skill.

I'll take your strut mount and raise you strut bearings (bearings in strut mount), especially if this occurs when the car is NOT moving and you are only turning the wheel. Google "Mazda3 strut bearing".

 

[Robotazky]

I'll take your strut mount and raise you strut bearings (bearings in strut mount), especially if this occurs when the car is NOT moving and you are only turning the wheel. Google "Mazda3 strut bearing".

That's what I mean. The entire assembly. The bushings would click. If you're going to do bearings you might as well get the rubber bushings replaced by doing the whole nine yards.

*EDIT* bushings would NOT click. They may pop, but not make the uniform clicking sound the bearings make.

 

[rat240]

Fixed the clicking sound
The coilover strut mount was very lose the damper knob was holding the nut in place

 

[Robotazky]

Well, happy endings are always nice to hear. Congrats!