Well, I'm the infamous clunk guy.
Here's the latest on my story. For the rest, search for my name or the words CLUNK or STRUTS, or BUSHINGS ( for you newbee's)
The last time I said the district Manager for MAzda had been in to see my car, as well as some other big shots. They suggested two things to cut down on some noises.
1. Powder Coat the Rear swaybar to make it thicker, hence making the bushings fit tighter.
2. Getting my strut mounts replaced to reduce the squeaking noises in the rear. Protege's and P5 have a strut mount problem.
Well, the powder coat idea didin't sound right to me, or my dealer. So, we got a hold of the mechanic in Halifax, who came up with the idea, and he suggested that he should call the original MP3 owner that he tried this with to see if it was still ok. He hadn't heard from him in a long time, so he thought the car was ok and that the powder coat idea worked. But, when he called, the MP3 owner said, " Glad you called, I've been too busy to try to get a hold of you lately, the car is clunking again and I need another appointment".
So, the powder coat idea don't work. But, he did get 7000 kms out of it before the clunking started again.
I'm getting it done anyhow....why not, I'm not paying for it. 7000 kms would last me until MAy-June. Don't drive the mp3 much in winter.
AS for the strut mounts. Got them put on yesterday. I hate to jinx myself...but so far so good....sssshhhhhhh. don't say that loud. But, realistically, it hasn't been that cold out today. But it ain't warm either, and I would usually hear those noises....but not today. Too good to be true?
The new struts still feel good too. One thing is for sure, I have the newest suspension of all MP3 owners..... since it's been completely replaced.
I'll update as soon as I hear the noises again....yes, I have no faith.
Good news is that the District Manager is now calling my dealership regularly to check on me......imagine that.
Here's the latest on my story. For the rest, search for my name or the words CLUNK or STRUTS, or BUSHINGS ( for you newbee's)
The last time I said the district Manager for MAzda had been in to see my car, as well as some other big shots. They suggested two things to cut down on some noises.
1. Powder Coat the Rear swaybar to make it thicker, hence making the bushings fit tighter.
2. Getting my strut mounts replaced to reduce the squeaking noises in the rear. Protege's and P5 have a strut mount problem.
Well, the powder coat idea didin't sound right to me, or my dealer. So, we got a hold of the mechanic in Halifax, who came up with the idea, and he suggested that he should call the original MP3 owner that he tried this with to see if it was still ok. He hadn't heard from him in a long time, so he thought the car was ok and that the powder coat idea worked. But, when he called, the MP3 owner said, " Glad you called, I've been too busy to try to get a hold of you lately, the car is clunking again and I need another appointment".
So, the powder coat idea don't work. But, he did get 7000 kms out of it before the clunking started again.
I'm getting it done anyhow....why not, I'm not paying for it. 7000 kms would last me until MAy-June. Don't drive the mp3 much in winter.
AS for the strut mounts. Got them put on yesterday. I hate to jinx myself...but so far so good....sssshhhhhhh. don't say that loud. But, realistically, it hasn't been that cold out today. But it ain't warm either, and I would usually hear those noises....but not today. Too good to be true?
The new struts still feel good too. One thing is for sure, I have the newest suspension of all MP3 owners..... since it's been completely replaced.
I'll update as soon as I hear the noises again....yes, I have no faith.
Good news is that the District Manager is now calling my dealership regularly to check on me......imagine that.
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