Strange intermittent (shuddering) noise when turning while cold

[SashaPave]

Hi all,

2008 CX-9 Touring AWD

When I'm just starting out with a cold car, and I make my first turn (left or right) I can sometimes hear a "shuddering" noise come from the left (drivers side) wheel. It lasts about 1/4 - 1/2 seconds. Very brief but very noticeable.

I can feel a vibration through the steering wheel. It's almost as if traction control is kicking-in for that wheel only. Or, kind of like the brake pads vibrating and catching on the disc for a second.

Very strange. Haven't brought it to the dealer yet. I don't think they would be able to replicate it. It's infrequent, probably 1-2x per week.

Thanks!
Sasha in Oakland

 

[table5511]

Rear differential going bad worst case. Not sure. Hard to say.

 

[easter36@aol.co]

I have the same vehicle and have almost 80k on the car. I have just had to spend $4k repairing a long list of items at a local dealer - drive shaft or propeller, brake bearing, wheel bearing, etc. The list is long and I'm not happy with Mazda's response to this issue. There are known issues with the transfer case (multiple dealers have acknowledged this but Mazda USA denies). Service Manager admitted his transfer case replaced 4x and still not right. Drive shaft issues are also well known and dealer manager tells me he has to replace these all the time. Symptoms - vibrating between 30-40mph, scaping noises, etc. After a few internet searches, I've found hundreds of posts of the drive shaft and transfer case issues. Frankly, these are safety issues and Mazda USA refuses to acknowledge. Take your car in and get it looked at ASAP. If it still occurs, find a different dealer and have them look at it.

 

[table5511]

Toot toot.... front wheel drive is where its at. I think awd systems on any vehicle are maintenance heavy. Anything involving a transfer case and rear diff invites extra maintenance.