Clunking on my 2006 Mazda 3 with 85K miles...

[ducatiduke]

I have been reading a lot about other 3s with front end clunking I have read a few different fixes swaybar link, bad strut, motor mounts, inner tie rods, end link.

My symptoms are when of drive over bumps it clunks (it definitely is the right side and sounds like the front) Also, when I drive 65 on the freeway it seems to rattle also even on new asphalt freeway i.e. real smooth.

So, does anyone have a suggestion where to start?

~DD

 

[06zoomzoom]

It could be your CV axel. If you here/feel it on the right side it's your left CV axel... If you here/feel on the left side it's the right CV axel.

Best way to check is jack the front of the car up. (make sure it is secure and wont roll back) Grab the CV axel and see if there is any play in them. There should be zero play in them. They should be completely sturdy.

I had to change my driver's side CV axel at around the same mileage. Your symptoms sound familiar to what I experienced.

 

[ducatiduke]

Excellent!!!! Zero play, eh? I will try this and let you know... Thanks a bunch!

 

[06zoomzoom]

No problem. If not check around, there might be a loose bolt on the endlink or a loose bolt somewhere.

 

[superdoughboy4]

This actually just started happening to me today. ****. But it's whenever I get off the gas pedal. When I brake, it stops, but when I just let the car go off on its own, it starts to clunk.
2008 sedan with a little over 40k miles now.