Clunk Updates

[PA_MP3_Man]

I think there's some truth the the distance between the cross-member theory. Even when i get my bushings replaced If I still hit the right bump or just at the wrong angle I still get the clunk. That's only very very seldom untill the bushings wear out again. In which case it would make sense that it clunks more since there's a lot more space for the sway bar to move and hit the cross member.

And also this past time I only got my bushings replaced. The first time it was the end links and bushings and when I got my car back that time the back end felt a lot tighter than just the bushings. We've seen pictures of how crappy those things are, just plastic, does anyone know of any endlink replacements? I might be interested in changing mine to a stronger material.

 

[Newf]

Here's food for thought. i drove around for near 2 months...with no bushings. that's right, none, the sway bar was just there, free to move at will, and you know what????

NO NOISE WHATSOEVER.

So, if you really want to get rid of the clunk, just reach under take out one bolt on each side, and take the damn things out

Of course, I'm not serious.

 

[MrMp3]

HAHAHAHHAHAHa heck I might do it just to have it quit, you dont need a swaybar anyhow

 

[Kooldino]

I think there's some truth the the distance between the cross-member theory. Even when i get my bushings replaced If I still hit the right bump or just at the wrong angle I still get the clunk. That's only very very seldom untill the bushings wear out again. In which case it would make sense that it clunks more since there's a lot more space for the sway bar to move and hit the cross member.

And also this past time I only got my bushings replaced. The first time it was the end links and bushings and when I got my car back that time the back end felt a lot tighter than just the bushings. We've seen pictures of how crappy those things are, just plastic, does anyone know of any endlink replacements? I might be interested in changing mine to a stronger material.

AWR makes replacement endlinks.

 

[DooMer_MP3]

AWR makes replacement endlinks.

Somebody on protegeclub mentioned that they rusted after 2 weeks .

Chris

 

[Pmpkinhead]

"I called the dealer and received the number for the aftermarket bushings authorized by Mazda. They are Polyurethane with grease fittings. Summit Racing # ENS-9-5157G (Akron/ Talmadge, Ohio)" #1244 (mspo)

These are still working for me (installed in late March)! Has anyone else tried these yet? Newf, Anybody? I haven't re-greased them yet. Probably in a week or 2 when I hit 3.5K miles (I did my 1st oil change at 500 mi.) Castrol and Fram (same stuff I used on my 88 turbo w/ 155k mi.)

 

[o.g.sk8er]

I did a search at the summit site and could'nt find anything with that part number. Could you provide a link?

Thank you,

Patrick

 

[Pmpkinhead]

Worth a shot

"I called the dealer and received the number for the aftermarket bushings authorized by Mazda. They are Polyurethane with grease fittings. Summit Racing # ENS-9-5157G (Akron/ Talmadge, Ohio)" #1244 (mspo)

I would recommend calling my dealer, ask for Mazda Service. Ask them for the info since its "factory authorized". They may even take a card number and ship em to ya. These people are great!!! Mazda of Bedford, Cleve, OH (440) 439-2323 They have a few Speeds left too (O and B).

 

[DooMer_MP3]

Very interesting. I emailed Energy Suspension about making a properly sized 20mm greasable bushing for us (which they don't have) and never heard back. Might have to give your dealer a call and get those babies.

Chris

 

[MrMp3]

Man, so nobody has heard nothing from mazda about this new fix crap???

Damn,


:wtf:

 

[Toronto_Raj]

Man, so nobody has heard nothing from mazda about this new fix crap???

Damn,


:wtf:

Well I dont think they will come up with a fix unless they start to look at the real problem!! They are still focusing on bushings (which is not a primary issue; its a side effect of some other problem). Mine doesnt make any noise now. I have my bushings installed around 4 months ago and it was driving me nuts as I was driving out of the dealership, then I went back to the dealer and told him to F*** Mazda and work with me to fix the problem. He told me to wait for a couple of weeks to see what Mazda says. Not impressed there was no response from Mazda so he called me and informed the situation. I went there my car was on the hoist for 2 days trying out different struts and springs. Finally, its almost a month now with 2K on it after the fix no noise yet (note that I still have the 4 months old bushings with almost 7k on it). If you guys are really interested in fixing it, do it your self take the shocks apart and try to install some spacers, this car has numerous issues including the springs being loose (at least in my car) which I suspect causing most of the damage. I cannot elaborate on it more and give you guys more in depth due to my dealers warning about the situation. Just try it out on your own risk. But definitely Mazda is looking at the wrong place to fix the problem; they should first trace out the root. (Mine dont make any noise, feel stiffer and the handling is great).
Good luck guys.

 

[INiTiAL33]

Well I dont think they will come up with a fix unless they start to look at the real problem!! They are still focusing on bushings (which is not a primary issue; its a side effect of some other problem). Mine doesnt make any noise now. I have my bushings installed around 4 months ago and it was driving me nuts as I was driving out of the dealership, then I went back to the dealer and told him to F*** Mazda and work with me to fix the problem. He told me to wait for a couple of weeks to see what Mazda says. Not impressed there was no response from Mazda so he called me and informed the situation. I went there my car was on the hoist for 2 days trying out different struts and springs. Finally, its almost a month now with 2K on it after the fix no noise yet (note that I still have the 4 months old bushings with almost 7k on it). If you guys are really interested in fixing it, do it your self take the shocks apart and try to install some spacers, this car has numerous issues including the springs being loose (at least in my car) which I suspect causing most of the damage. I cannot elaborate on it more and give you guys more in depth due to my dealers warning about the situation. Just try it out on your own risk. But definitely Mazda is looking at the wrong place to fix the problem; they should first trace out the root. (Mine dont make any noise, feel stiffer and the handling is great).
Good luck guys.

is it possible for you to tell you dealer to give my dealer a ring and tell them about this?

i like my dealer and they've helepd me alot...but they simply wont do anything to my car unless it is a TSB from MC or told by other techs in Mazda...

 

[Newf]

there is an issue that we have known for a while with some MP3's and MSP where there is some space on the struts, and this causes them to "slip" if you will, and cause a similar noise like the clunk.

as for your clunk situation, this is interesting, you might be just lucky, not sure, how warm is it in TO since this noise has stopped? Drive on many bumpy roads lately?


On another note, my district rep guy is coming in again in two weeks, I'll try to get something new from him, something more positive then what I have been getting.

 

[Newf]

There's a rumor that there are new part numbers for the Mp3. I'm trying to find out through my Mazda rep what they are, once I know, I'll post it.

I'm expecting that this is just something unlrelated


Want to hear something ironic? I was offered a job at my dealer last week...Service Manager...imagine that. I said no, but, it's been on my mind all weekend.

 

[saided18]

WHAT? take the job. do some under cover work for us.

 

[1sty]

Newf, I think we are all willing to kick you some funds to keep things in our interests .

 

[Newf]

I was seriously considering it, but, I did a lot of training, and spent alot on IT schooling. If I went to be the service manager, i'd be throwing all that away. Besides, I know I can do both jobs, but I feel like I do IT well and I enjoy it. Money is one thing, but being happy with my job everyday is another. I don't know if I could listen to mad customers every day for the rest of my life.

....then again, it was salay + free car/gas...that's tempting in it's own, and I obviously love cars.

take care guys

 

[1sty]

With the IT industry in the current state, I would highly suggest doing anything to get experience in another field that you can at anytime fall back on.

Thats why I am a car audio installer aswell as a programmer. INstallers are always in big demand and I now have 2 years of expeirence to fall back on if my other job falls through. But you are right that you have to do what makes you happiest.

IT school isn't a waist at all as you can get a good job but you neeed to have more then one tallent these days.

 

[Newf]

Believe me, I have more then one talent

 

[MrMp3]

Hey being a male stripper dont count newf