Front suspension noise; need help identifying problem

[Listers]

I have a rattling/clunking noise when I go over bumps/holes that are medium sized. The dampening of the strut is still good and I don't get the wheel wobble one would expect from a blown strut. It kind of sounds like if a porcelain dish being used for the top hat of the strut and it is wobbling around.

When I go over small bumps I generally dont get a noise unless I'm going slow, when I go over big bumps the strut just dampens and reacts like its supposed to with no abnormal noise. The medium bumps or collection of bumps really gets it making noise. The noise is more likely to occur when going slower (non-highway speeds).

Steering is tight and nothing else out of the ordinary.

I am disappoint!

 

[Steve00]

I have the same problem... replaced sway bushings as they were the cheapest common culprit, that was not it. Will be replacing the strut bearing and mount in a couple weeks (ordered parts yesterday).

I will let you know how ti goes.

 

[spdjnke]

does it make a popping or clunking sound when you turn the the wheel right or left?? if not then it's not your strut bearing/hat...likely the sway bar bushings indeed.

 

[Listers]

I have the same problem... replaced sway bushings as they were the cheapest common culprit, that was not it. Will be replacing the strut bearing and mount in a couple weeks (ordered parts yesterday).

I will let you know how ti goes.

does it make a popping or clunking sound when you turn the the wheel right or left?? if not then it's not your strut bearing/hat...likely the sway bar bushings indeed.

These seem like 2 very likely culprits.

 

[Domino81]

I've been hearing (now that I'm lowered) a small clunk. Usually when I take off, now sometimes when I turn in. Slow speeds. 5-15 mph.

 

[MS3 GT]

i be hearing some weird noise too when i go over the bump...so its the sway bar bushing??

 

[spdjnke]

if it's a clunk and depending on mileage of your car, good chance it's the front sway bar bushings but it's easy to check, just jack up the car on both sides and pull on the sway bar back and forth, right and left and see if it pops or clunks...if it's the strut hub or bearing just have 1 person put their hands on the strut bolt and turn your wheel left and right and see if it moves ....if it does then chances are you need to replace the HAT and Bearing assembly.

 

[Domino81]

I know the bearing noise when that's going, That's fine. Though I've never heard of a sway bar bushing go. Not that it's impossible... just not common among the parts I sell everyday.

 

[Listers]

I know the bearing noise when that's going, That's fine. Though I've never heard of a sway bar bushing go. Not that it's impossible... just not common among the parts I sell everyday.

and you work for a Mazda parts dept or....?

 

[Domino81]

http://www.unitedautosupply.com/

 

[spdjnke]

Well my parts guy at the local mazda dealer told me they sell atleast a set or two a day...supposely it's a common problem with the 3's.

 

[Domino81]

I'm finding there's a lot of little things that's common among the 3's.

 

[Listers]

im guessing these bearings are part of the top hat and that ordering a new top hat is the fix when these bearings start making noise.

 

[spdjnke]

Techs told me before I put my suspension in to get all new strut bearings but not the top hat, they said ONLY if your suspension has issues with the bearings, which is the #1 cause for ovaling the top hat hole...otherwise your golden with OE hat, but definately get new strut bearings even if they look good...just to be on the safe side...especially when your already going to take the damn thing apart so why not.

 

[spdjnke]

They are 2 seperate components....strut bearings (aka strut bushings @ dealers) is a completely sealed unit...if the bearing assembly comes apart when the suspension is broken down then you DEFINATELY need new ones..sides they are only 25 bucks each so better safe then sorry.

im guessing these bearings are part of the top hat and that ordering a new top hat is the fix when these bearings start making noise.

 

[ohioan]

Kinda funny to me...
Seems so many things are cheaply built in this car and so many others are solid. When I replaced my struts, I dropped, what I think was the hat, and all the little ball-bearings flew all over the place! I found all but three bearings. I cleaned em up ok. Put some grease on em. Put it back together...
To this day, not a thing sounds or feels wrong.
But the sway bar bushings, on the other hand, seem to be made to be replaced.

 

[Domino81]

I don't have any issues with strut mount noise. When I'm driving to work on the worst roads on earth here on the west side of the city of Syracuse, it sounds like something is loose. All other times, the ride is perfect. No odd sounds.

 

[Listers]

well i checked the right sway bar bushing and it is loose when i shake the end link. i still think the strut bushings need replacing too because the noise comes from both sides and equally as noticeable/strong.

 

[kitchenmatt]

Caliper clip

These seem like 2 very likely culprits.

Its your caliper spring clips not installed the right way. check them well. that was my problem before

 

[dcomiskey]

Reviving this thread in hopes someone has found the problem. I had the Koni FSDs put in by the dealer yesterday, along with new strut bearings. I also had them check the sway bar brackets, as I was convinced one of them had come loose again. I leave the dealer and the clunking is STILL there! Argh! I don't know if maybe it's an exhaust rattle, but it only happens when either of my front wheels hit a bump. It's really aggravating.