Car Help (Mazda3 front end noise)

Greenmtnphantom · 01-26-2012, 08:16 AM

My car recently started making a noise. At first I pegged it as just some ice buildup in the wheel wells but there isn't any ice anymore and it's still happening. It's not constant, grinding, rubbing noise like what I would expect from ice buildup, but only there between 0 and 25-30mph.

Car is an 05 with just over 100k on it, I've only had it about 4 or 5 months, I had the wheel barrings replaced mid-late November.

I'm going to put it through the car wash today I think to try to rule out any rocks, grime in the front end but it's been going on for about a week now so I fear that if that was the issue it would have worked it's way out by now.

Any ideas on the cause?

shadawg · 01-26-2012, 08:22 AM

Possible CV joint wearing out. Your front wheel drive has two half shafts one for each wheel. There is a joint located on both half shafts that is packed with grease and covered with a rubber boot. These boots can tear or the joint can wear out. Sometimes they make a clicking noise, sometimes a grinding noise. Take a look and inspect the boot for any tears exposing the innards.

Greenmtnphantom · 01-26-2012, 08:47 AM

Thanks man. It's been a while but I thought that CV joints only made noise when turning? I must be thinking of something else in there.

It's been years since I've had front end issues and I get my wires crossed on what noise is what now.

PistolRogue · 01-26-2012, 09:42 AM

Not necessarily only when turning. The problem with noises in the drivetrain at speed is that they're not easy to duplicate where they can be observed and easily traced. Can you maintain the noise by staying in the speed range you describe? If so, does it go away if you make steer relatively hard to either direction while moving?

Greenmtnphantom · 01-26-2012, 09:51 AM

Pistol Rogue - Yes to your first question. To the second one I haven't noticed. It doesn't seem to happen in Reverse.

dukie · 01-26-2012, 10:38 AM

get a flashlight and check to see that your front coil springs aren't snapped. Causes the front end to make some very strange grindy noises. Also tends to take out tires in a very exciting way.

MX-3's had this problem, and I think they are closely related to the rest of the 3 series. They had a recall on it.

happened on the wifes car on one side without a tire going. Supposedly wasn't within the recall........ happened on the other side ( taking out a new tire) 2 days later. last GD mazda i will EVER buy. Not within the recall, yeah right.

R_Os · 01-26-2012, 11:36 AM

Check the condition of the dust guard on your brake discs. This can get hit by stuff and bend it into the disc. It can also corrode and lose it's shape, also the disc can build up a flaky thick rust mess on the edge of the disc. You'll be able to see any of these with the wheel still on by looking through the wheel or turning it all the way in one direction and having a look from in behind or in front of the wheel.
If it is rusty and nasty looking, you can take the wheel off and use some blunt force and a hard object (like a hammer) to smash the rust off the disc, or smash the dust cover off the car. Just hit the edge of the disc brake with the hammer until all the rust is gone. You will also want to make sure there is no lip on the rotor, and also check the condition of your rotor's surface and pad depth while you're in there.

If you look in there and don't see what I have described, you can check the boots on your inner and outer cv's. Look for obvious tears, cuts, abrasions, or other signs of contact or wear damage. Look for the telltale 'wet' looking rubber boot as this is a sure sign something is leaking out of em. You can also feel the boot, it should be packed with grease and feel like it. If it feels like nothing is in it, or there is movement in the joint, you should look at replacing it or finding someone with greasier hands than you to take care of it. Good luck!

Greenmtnphantom · 01-26-2012, 11:47 AM

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Yellow5 · 01-26-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R_Os

Check the condition of the dust guard on your brake discs. This can get hit by stuff and bend it into the disc. It can also corrode and lose it's shape, also the disc can build up a flaky thick rust mess on the edge of the disc. You'll be able to see any of these with the wheel still on by looking through the wheel or turning it all the way in one direction and having a look from in behind or in front of the wheel.
If it is rusty and nasty looking, you can take the wheel off and use some blunt force and a hard object (like a hammer) to smash the rust off the disc, or smash the dust cover off the car. Just hit the edge of the disc brake with the hammer until all the rust is gone. You will also want to make sure there is no lip on the rotor, and also check the condition of your rotor's surface and pad depth while you're in there.

You just described my '06 Mazda3 with eerie accuracy, though I didn't know the cause or potential solutions...

Greenmtnphantom · 01-26-2012, 05:10 PM

Jacked it up it, my money is on Ball joints. Pushing on the top and bottom of the wheel there is an awful lot of play/slop

01-26-2012, 09:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
PistolRogue WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jackson, NJ	Not necessarily only when turning. The problem with noises in the drivetrain at speed is that they're not easy to duplicate where they can be observed and easily traced. Can you maintain the noise by staying in the speed range you describe? If so, does it go away if you make steer relatively hard to either direction while moving? __________________ Jay AKA Rogue Reservoir Dogs Scenario Paintball Team- Our $#&* is RIGOROUS! Check Out My Mod Threads : Pirate DSG - SA17 Mods - Simple/Cheap/Free TPX Mods - The 'Big Damn Hero' DRV FEEDBACK

01-26-2012, 10:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
dukie more gooder Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kitchener, Ontario	get a flashlight and check to see that your front coil springs aren't snapped. Causes the front end to make some very strange grindy noises. Also tends to take out tires in a very exciting way. MX-3's had this problem, and I think they are closely related to the rest of the 3 series. They had a recall on it. happened on the wifes car on one side without a tire going. Supposedly wasn't within the recall........ happened on the other side ( taking out a new tire) 2 days later. last GD mazda i will EVER buy. Not within the recall, yeah right. __________________ The 5Th Run DSG Sales Thread DRV's in stock DSP frames in stock My Feedback

01-26-2012, 11:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
R_Os \m/ (><) \m/ Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nova Scotia	Check the condition of the dust guard on your brake discs. This can get hit by stuff and bend it into the disc. It can also corrode and lose it's shape, also the disc can build up a flaky thick rust mess on the edge of the disc. You'll be able to see any of these with the wheel still on by looking through the wheel or turning it all the way in one direction and having a look from in behind or in front of the wheel. If it is rusty and nasty looking, you can take the wheel off and use some blunt force and a hard object (like a hammer) to smash the rust off the disc, or smash the dust cover off the car. Just hit the edge of the disc brake with the hammer until all the rust is gone. You will also want to make sure there is no lip on the rotor, and also check the condition of your rotor's surface and pad depth while you're in there. If you look in there and don't see what I have described, you can check the boots on your inner and outer cv's. Look for obvious tears, cuts, abrasions, or other signs of contact or wear damage. Look for the telltale 'wet' looking rubber boot as this is a sure sign something is leaking out of em. You can also feel the boot, it should be packed with grease and feel like it. If it feels like nothing is in it, or there is movement in the joint, you should look at replacing it or finding someone with greasier hands than you to take care of it. Good luck!