Clunking noise from driverside front has mechanics stumped

[August West]

Clunking noise seems to come from drivers side front. First mechanic heard the noise on test drive and put it on his lift but couldn't identify what could be causing the sound. So I brought it to the dealership (bought used literally 2 weeks ago. 118k miles. No warranty, but dealership is working with me). Here's where it gets strange. They put it up on a lift with a guy in it running the engine. He can hear the noise. The other service techs standing directly under the car can't hear the noise. It does not make the noise when idling, wheels must be moving. Bearings, tie rods, ball joints and cv axles all check out in good condition. Vehicle drives and handles well. No other discernable issues, just the noise. Anyone have any ideas?

2015 CX-5 AWD

 

[wlong01]

Did they check motor mounts?

 

[August West]

Did they check motor mounts?

They claim they have.

 

[wlong01]

What year/trim is the vehicle? Did you check for any TSB's that reference the problem?
Search this site, see if there's any similar problems that might have a solution.
I take it you did not buy the vehicle from a Mazda dealer.

 

[sm1ke]

Lower control arm bushings? I had to replace mine just a little while ago, I could hear a clunking noise from inside but it wasn't audible from outside. With the wheel off the ground, I could pull and push it and see a little bit of play in the bushings.

 

[August West]

What year/trim is the vehicle? Did you check for any TSB's that reference the problem?
Search this site, see if there's any similar problems that might have a solution.
I take it you did not buy the vehicle from a Mazda dealer.

2015 as it says in the title of the post. Grand touring. Purchased through a used car dealership, not mazda specific. I've been searching this site and the cx5 subreddit as well as general internet searches. Nothing has panned out so far unfortunately.

 

[erhayes]

Read sm1ke remarks above. Could be your problem but, YOU need to do the checking. We can't do it for you.

 

[wlong01]

2015 as it says in the title of the post. Grand touring. Purchased through a used car dealership, not mazda specific. I've been searching this site and the cx5 subreddit as well as general internet searches. Nothing has panned out so far unfortunately.

Missed the year in the title. If you can't resolve you may be forced to take it to a Mazda dealer although sm1ke's post sounds promising.

 

[August West]

Read sm1ke remarks above. Could be your problem but, YOU need to do the checking. We can't do it for you.

Lower control arm bushings? I had to replace mine just a little while ago, I could hear a clunking noise from inside but it wasn't audible from outside. With the wheel off the ground, I could pull and push it and see a little bit of play in the bushings.

When I brought the car to my local mechanic he put it on the lift after driving it. I was under the car with him as he inspected everything. He even used a pry bar to see if there was any play in anything, including the lower control arm. Neither one of us could find anything. Visually, everything checked out also. The dealership also said they looked at everything and checked everything, but I wasn't there with them when they did, so I guess I can't 100% verify that. They seem reputable and have excellent reviews so I have no reason to doubt them. They also had the car for 4 days, so they had plenty of time to be thorough. It is a good thought, though. I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[August West]

Read sm1ke remarks above. Could be your problem but, YOU need to do the checking. We can't do it for you.

I'm not sure why you felt the need to say that I need to do the checking. Obviously you or anyone on the forum can't do it for me.

Either way, the control arm is a dead end. I was under the car with the first mechanic as he used a pry bar on damn near everything including the control arm. No play detected and everything looked good visually.

 

[sm1ke]

Hmm.. when it was on the lift, did they try putting it in gear while the wheel was off the car? If it only happens while the wheel is spinning, and everything else appears tight, it seems like the issue should be related to the wheel, wheel hub, or maybe the brake/rotor somehow. Maybe CV axle, but your techs said it was fine. You'd think that techs would have been able to hear the noise from under the car if any of the above were the case. Does it only happen in Drive? What if you put the car in Reverse, or put it in Neutral and spin the wheel manually on a lift?

Is it possible for you to post a video of the clunking noise?

 

[N7turbo]

Is it a metallic clunk? I got one when the rubber spring isolator was not properly seated.

 

[Mazdacx5gt]

It's a long shot, but it could possibly be the cowl bolts. This video may be helpful.

 

[sm1ke]

It's a long shot, but it could possibly be the cowl bolts. This video may be helpful.

While under the hood, it would be a good idea to check the strut tower nuts as well.

 

[bmninada]

Have someone put car on drive while brakes are pressed. Then ask that person to press gas really hard (RPM shoots up to almost 6 or 7) and then release and pulse few times. You should watch the engine from the top. if it shakes and especially the mount point - that's your issue.