Klunk explained

[Micaspeed!]

SPDCR,

Tried to go to Racing Beat's page for more info, can't seem to get to it? Help? Would like to read what they say. That is somewhat of what I was thinking for the "fix". Had no idea they had come up with that. Has anyone tried it in regard to the klunk? I would do a different bushing and mount though. But I think they realized the same thing. Thanks, I do not want to infringe on what they are doing. I do think I could offer something a bit less elaborate for those wanting to simply elim. the noise.

As far as the race bar, I agree in a bit over 25mm and hollow with clamp on splined ends. I have done these for other cars. Below are the end links I did.

Godspeed!
Dave

 

[girth]

This has been one of the first informative threads in the MSP section for quite some time. Great posts - keep them coming.

 

[1sty]

Racing beat designed the mazdaspeed protege suspension back in 2001. More correctly they designed it for the 2001 protege MP3 and mazda carried there hacked version into the MSP.
Mazda in 2001 revised racingbeats design (pre MP3 production) as you see it above to what is now in the cars. That bracket was originaly intended to be in the MP3, mazda had other ideas and tied racingbeat back from making them for the aftermarket.

 

[Little Beavis]

Not arguing, but why can't Racing Beat make them. . .it would seem odd, but yet, I'm sure Mazda can dangle "future business" in their face. . .any other manufacturer would probably go ahead and make them.

If this solves it, heck I'd almost make them. . .Beavis Brackets. Could do, but damn, I'm so short on time these days. . .

 

[PaulMP3]

Beavis Brackets

i like the idea.... i wish i could weld.

I have always wanted to learn, maybe i will make this my first project.

 

[1sty]

Mazda retains all rights to the parts created for the car.

 

[Little Beavis]

Bastards!

I took mine in for the clunk. . .new endlinks. . .clunk is a little better, but still there. . .they didn't replace the bushings. . .those sound terrible, but the clunk was really bad. . .oh well.

 

[TheMAN]

I hope what is said is true and will fix the problem! Note that "A" in the pic is the stock mounting location.....

Do you mean something like this sway bar mounting bracket from Racing Beat?

The explanation and more pics can be found at http://www.racingbeat.com/FRprotege.htm

I agree with you 100% as to that being the cause of the clunk.

As far as a race bar, I've tried a modified version of the AWR bar and thought it wasn't big enough. I think the car could use a up to 25mm bar in the rear.

 

[Little Beavis]

That isn't the stock bushing though, right?

 

[1sty]

It may be the stock bushing, but in the proper loaction.

 

[PaulMP3]

it looks like the stock bushing/bracket.

 

[scott42]

god bless whoever makes this happen...actually I think Benjamin Franklin will bless him/her...

(thumb)

 

[BlackMSP]

awesome. good job sir!

 

[Kooldino]

SPDRCR is dead on. We found out that the misplaced bushings/brackets were the problem some time ago, but no one stepped up to make them.

 

[1sty]

I'm taking a welding class to make some of my own if thats any consolation

 

[scott42]

*in homer simpson voice*Ooooooo, I hate Mazda so much more now, 'cause I know they know!"

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

The explanation is great and the fix looks good so who is selling it. I want that race bar kit now that is sweet.

 

[FrozenMazda]

Micaspeed!,

Nice explanation. Pulling statics and a little dynamics in there too. You got a free body diagram showing all the forces and stuff?

j/k. I've been studying for the FE and all I can think of is that crap right now. (bang)

I am interested and if these are made, you will be receiving many thanks from myself and the dead presitents in green that will be coming your way. (thumb)

 

[jrodhotrod]

Micaspeed, you are the man. Thanks for stepping up to the plate and bringing your experience to the Mazda crowd. Keep us updated!

 

[Newf]

If some of you Mazdaspeed guys weren't so lazy, you would have known all this over a year ago by SEARCHING the MP3 section....geez

Micaspeed is right. Mazda knows this. Racing Beat also knows, I know because it was me that contacted Racing beat, sent down a sample bushing with pics of my car to Racing beat, that got this whole fix thing started in the 1st place. Racing beat was astonished to see the bushings out so far from their design

Why MAzda refuses to use the Racing Beat fix. Apparantly it does not meet some required engineering specs for ride stiffness on passenger cars.

Yes, 1sty is right in the sense that Mazda has done nothing but release "just another bushing", and that like any major corporation, they looked for a quick fix first....then a few times more then realized it wasn't going to work. I have had the advantage over most of you guys to see what they have attempted to do to fix the problem, although I've never been at liberty to say at risk of ruining my relationship with MAzda Corporate or Racing Beat. But, what if they do get it right? Free Warranty replacement, done, all over.

Now, if they don't ever get it right.... where do I sign up for this part dave? You will be a true hero to many. Heck, sell your design to Mazda...then again don't, as they would probably change it again.

btw, it's clunk, not klunk