Mazda5 Suspension
nissmazlover
Member Posts: 162
in Mazda
Hey, all!
I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the following: My Mazda5 produces an ugly sounding crunching, grinding noise from the front suspension whenever it is cold outside and I go over a large bump of some sort like a speed bump or a deep undulation where the suspension really articulates. It only happens when it's cold out, and since I live in NYC and we're in winter it gets cold out here.
I took it to my Mazda Service Center - and my 5 is still there - and they have checked everything out and said that everything is fine with the car and that they didn't find anything broken or worn or anything in the front suspension. Of course, I asked: "Then why is it making such a noise?" They explained the same thing to me that they explained the first time I took it a couple of months ago (see, I was growing worried since the noise was very disconcerting to me), which is that the type of suspension that the 5 has (E-type) can make noise in the cold whether when the rubber components rub against the metal components and in the cold it makes a harsh noise over larger bumps.
They said that whenever I go pick up my car that they will put it on the lift for me and take me under it to explain what they mean. I look forward to that, but in the meantime I wonder if any of you - especially the ones in Canada where it's really cold - have experienced this.
On a side note, my car has a strange tapping noise emanating from the dashboard anytime I go over any size or type of bump on the road at at least 20mph. The tapping is not obviously heard by passengers not familiar with the car unless you pay close attention to it, but it drives ME and my wife absolutely INSANE - especially at night when I like to drive in peach and quiet and all I hear is tap, tap, tap over any road irregularity. They are taking my dashboard apart to try and find the noise since one of their "technicians" finally heard it when I took him along for an umteenth road test. Previously, they thought I was crazy since they weren't able to hear anything, but this time around the tapping/clicking noise was pretty obvious. Anyone experience this?
I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the following: My Mazda5 produces an ugly sounding crunching, grinding noise from the front suspension whenever it is cold outside and I go over a large bump of some sort like a speed bump or a deep undulation where the suspension really articulates. It only happens when it's cold out, and since I live in NYC and we're in winter it gets cold out here.
I took it to my Mazda Service Center - and my 5 is still there - and they have checked everything out and said that everything is fine with the car and that they didn't find anything broken or worn or anything in the front suspension. Of course, I asked: "Then why is it making such a noise?" They explained the same thing to me that they explained the first time I took it a couple of months ago (see, I was growing worried since the noise was very disconcerting to me), which is that the type of suspension that the 5 has (E-type) can make noise in the cold whether when the rubber components rub against the metal components and in the cold it makes a harsh noise over larger bumps.
They said that whenever I go pick up my car that they will put it on the lift for me and take me under it to explain what they mean. I look forward to that, but in the meantime I wonder if any of you - especially the ones in Canada where it's really cold - have experienced this.
On a side note, my car has a strange tapping noise emanating from the dashboard anytime I go over any size or type of bump on the road at at least 20mph. The tapping is not obviously heard by passengers not familiar with the car unless you pay close attention to it, but it drives ME and my wife absolutely INSANE - especially at night when I like to drive in peach and quiet and all I hear is tap, tap, tap over any road irregularity. They are taking my dashboard apart to try and find the noise since one of their "technicians" finally heard it when I took him along for an umteenth road test. Previously, they thought I was crazy since they weren't able to hear anything, but this time around the tapping/clicking noise was pretty obvious. Anyone experience this?
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I had a similar problem with my Mazda3 till I replaced the OEM wipers with an aftermarket wiper.
It was really strange. Almost seemed like the OEM wiper blades was too light.
By the way, what does OEM mean?
Now, where did you find out that Mazda is aware of this problem and that they are doing something about it in order to fix it?
And you are right, my Mazda service center is always very nice and accommodating, but I always leave empty handed since they always say that my car is totally fine. And you are right about the cold mornings and rainy days. That's exactly when I have the noise problem. It may not be anything important, but it sure does sound like something's broken. Thanks so much for responding to this. If you hear anything new about our problem, PLEASE keep me posted. Thanks!
Click on the "5 Suspension, Rims and Tires" forum. There you will see the thread entitled "Front Right Suspension Crunching". You will find that we're not the only ones having this problem.
I have heard the suspension noise a few times, but haven't worried about it. I live in a warmer climate than NYC.
The steering rack on the Mazda5 is electric, so sometimes you'll be able to hear the electric motor humming during a turn or just after the turn.
But it was a nice day today. Wife, two kids and the dog drove to a dog park in Virginia. Got lost a few times but that tight turning circle makes a breeze out of u-turns (should've got the nav
I understand Mazda is working on a solution for it - my 5 is in the shop today for this very problem, and they are replacing a number of parts in the hopes that it will be fixed.
I also have heard the suspension noise when going over small bumps, again it's only when it's colder out. Other than that everything else is great.
They still haven't figure out the acceleration hesitation problem though. Can't win them all.
Bob
I just wanted to inform everyone that my Mazda Service center has FINALLY taken care of this grating noise that my, and others', Mazda5's suspensions have. I am SOOOO HAPPY!
Some time ago, someone here posted a work order of what their service center had done to fix the suspension noise on their 5, and what I did was print out that work order along with all the posts in here about the noise and I took it to my dealer. I let them know that others have been experiencing the same noise and that I have a work order of a service center who took care of it. My dealer proceeded to do the same thing that was performed at the service center the work order came from. I got my 5 back and I am even MORE in love with it!
My 5 feels even newer now, like I just drove it off the lot. They replaced the bushings with the new redesigned ones and they replaced the stabilizer bars as well. The car feels FANTASTIC and BEST OF ALL there is NO NOISE coming from the suspension EVEN in LARGE potholes, bumps or dips in the road. This morning, I took it over a large speed bump in my neighborhood at speed and it felt AWESOME and didn't make ONE noise.
If you remember, I also complained about an annoying tap coming from my dashboard. They took apart my whole dashboard and told me they tightened up some things that seemed to be a little loose. That seemed to do the trick since I haven't heard it either. I am SOO happy about that since that noise annoyed me even more!
I'm so glad that my car isn't making any weird noises anymore and I just wanted to share this with y'all! If your car is making the same noise, please go to your service center and have them replace the bushings and stabilizer bars and you'll have a smoother riding, tighter handling, noise free perfect little micro minivan!
I have a similar problem, except that the noise/clunking is coming from the rear suspension.
I took it to the dealer and they said it was the right rear shock, they replaced it but the noise is still there. It almost sounds like a loose tool moving around and it annoys me to death.
Anyone have this problem?
What I need to know is whether there is an actual service bulletin and where I might find this.
Thanks
I'm not sure why they would not do the fix for all as it seriously compromises the image they are trying to project of a quality car. It is a known problem with a known fix. Perhaps Transport Canada needs to get involved?
Be aware that Canada does not seem to be included in Mazda North American Operations Service Bulletins or at least that's the excuse I got.
http://www.mstore2000.com/PDF_Files/02-007-06-1675.pdf
David
I recall reading the Montreal post and thought I would try to email him and find out exactly what they did and how receptive they were to making the changes.
I haven't heard from my Service Manager as yet but it is early in the week.
Where's Phil Edmonston (Lemon-Aid) when you need him - I hope he is reading these emails.
Unfortunately the problem persists. Now with temps in the single digits we are hearing loud crunchy noises from the rear end of the van. The dealer said this is normal and their is no fix for this problem. I will be taking the van in to the dealer on 2/12/07 armed with the TSB to at least deal with the rumbling noise from the suspension.
Bill
I will keep you all posted and do my best to provide you with any information or progress that gets made ...Hopefully it will be positive.
"hey trish, where in canada are you? i' in toronto and am having the same problem with my mazda dealer -- agincourt mazda.
they claim that i must have hit a large "pothole" and that since the car has 17" wheels, it is more susceptible to suspension damage... i wasn't buying it, and as soon as i mentioned seeing TSBs online, they changed their tune and did the grease job.... which did nothing. both my front and rear end creak sooooo loudly! it is especially embarassing to drive to school in my brand new mazda5 and have people walking by on the street turn around to see what is making such a loud groaning noise...
have you heard from mazda canada? are they going to do the "permanent" fix?? i am absolutely angered about this because i even shelled out an extra $1400 for the premium extended warranty!"
As soon as one of us gets the problem fixed (in Canada) and tells us what the fix was then we can go with evidence. :mad:
I will need to find the link for the service bulletin, but in the meantime, here is the text from the pdf file:
Page 1 of 9
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Subject:
SQUEAKING NOISE FROM SUSPENSION WHEN PASSING OVER A BUMP
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Service Bulletin Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
2006 MAZDA5 - SQUEAKING NOISE FROM SUSPENSION WHEN PASSING OVER A BUMP
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2006 Mazda5 vehicles with VINs lower than JM1 CR**** ** 111238 (produced before November 1, 2005) for
stabilizer bushings.
2006 Mazda5 vehicles with VINs lower than JM1 CR**** ** 120197 (produced before January 27, 2006) for
lower arm.
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeaking or unusual noise from the front suspension or rear suspension when
passing over a bump at a low speed. This is may be caused by one of the following:
- The front or rear bushing of the front lower arm.
- The front/rear stabilizer bushing.
SQUEAK
FRONT
BUSHING
UNUSUAL NOISE FROM
REAR BUSHING
LOWER ARM 1589a
STABILIZER
BUSHING
1675r
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 2 of 9
To stop the noise, the following mass production changes have occured.
- The shape of the front lower arms along with the attached bushings has been changed.
- The stabilizer bar bushing rubber was made harder and the amount of wax that is included in the front/
rear stabilizer bushing has been increased.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern, specifically the location of the noise and root cause component, then move on to
the procedures that apply.
2. Verify each repair when finished.
FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM
1. Replace front lower arm. Refer to appropriate Workshop Manual section 02-13 - FRONT LOWER ARM
REMOVAL / INSTALLATION.
2. Perform toe-in inspection and adjustment. Refer to appropriate Workshop Manual section 02-11 - FRONT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
FRONT STABILIZER BUSHINGS
1. Raise the vehicle in the air.
WARNING: Before working on the vehicle, make sure the vehicle’s engine and exhaust are cooled down.
NOTE: Do one side at a time, otherwise the stabilizer bar could shift out of position and make the repair
more difficult.
2. Reach in through the access area just behind and in front of the cross-member and locate the front stabilizer
bar bushings.
1675i AREA TO GAIN
ACCESS
LEFT STABILIZER
BUSHING & BRACKET
RIGHT STABILIZER
BUSHING & BRACKET
1675j
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 3 of 9
3. Remove the transverse member to make access easier to the left and right stabilizer bar brackets and bolts.
4. Remove the two bolts for the right front stabilizer bracket.
5. Remove the right front stabilizer bracket.
4 LARGE BOLTS
1 SMALL
BOLT
1675q
1675k
RIGHT FRONT
STABILIZER
BRACKET BOLTS
1675l
RIGHT FRONT
STABILIZER
BRACKET
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 4 of 9
NOTE: It may be necessary to use a screwdriver to pry the bracket off.
6. Remove the right front stabilizer bushing.
NOTE: It may be necessary to lightly push or pull on the side of the stabilizer bar where it meets the stabilizer
control link to allow clearance.
1675m
1675n
RIGHT FRONT
STABILIZER
BUSHING
1675o
LIGHTLY
PUSH
AND PULL
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 5 of 9
7. Clean the area on the stabilizer bar where the bushing goes.
8. Apply a light coating of locally sourced white lithium-soap based grease to the inner cylindrical surface of the
new front bushings.
9. Install the new right front bushing.
10. Install the right front stabilizer bracket.
11. Align and install the bolts for the right front stabilizer bracket.
Tightening torque: 40.3-53.9 Nm (29.8-39.7 ft-lbf)
NOTE: It may be necessary to lightly push or pull on the side of the stabilizer bar where it meets the stabilizer
control links to allow clearance.
12. Repeat steps 4-11 for the left front bushing.
13. Install the transverse member (if removed) and install the bolts.
Tightening torque: four larger bolts to 36.3-53.9 Nm (26.8-39.7 ft-lbf) and one smaller bolt to 7.8-10.8 Nm
(70-95 in-lbf)
1675p
BUSHING
AREA
WHERE TO GREASE
1675h
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 6 of 9
REAR STABILIZER BUSHINGS
1. Raise the vehicle in the air.
WARNING: Before working on the vehicle, make sure the vehicle’s engine and exhaust are cooled down.
NOTE: Do one side at a time, otherwise the stabilizer bar could shift out of position and make the repair
more difficult.
2. Locate the rear stabilizer bar bushings.
3. Remove the two bolts for the left rear stabilizer bracket.
REAR STABILIZER BAR
BRACKETS AND BUSHINGS
1675a
1675b
LEFT REAR
STABILIZER
BRACKET BOLTS
Bulletin No: 02-007/06
© 2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc.
Last Issued: 11/03/2006
Page 7 of 9
3. Remove the left rear stabilizer bracket.
NOTE: It may be necessary to use a screwdriver to pry the bracket
For Mississauga, it was discounted in a way by my dealer as it is a North America TSB (which BTW Canada is not included :confuse: ). Anyways, you may be the first to win the Survivor: FIND THE FIX prize now that there are three of you in Ontario Canada, (2 Torontonians) I am looking forward to seeing who finishes first. There has to be some humour in this, though I sense that most of us are not finding this funny at all.
I have not heard from my service manager :mad: -though I did contact Mazda Canada by email. Might be a good idea for you and the TO people to email them as well. Just checked my emails - OHHH Mazda Canada will be contacting me shortly I am anxious to hear what they have as a fix - maybe I will win :shades:
Received a fax from my dealership today ; but all it said was (paraphrasing) sorry you're having a problem, there is no corrective action at this time :P , but we can do a temporary fix (replace the affected bushings which is the cause of the noise) that won't work, but if that will make you happy come on down; otherwise wait for awhile to see if there is a fix later. PS. it is not a safety problem and is not creating any damage (sic to my car). Well at least I have that in writing for later on down the road.
Someone at work told me he had a paper machae (sp?)lemon made and a sign and attached it to the top of his car (another make). :lemon:
It is the same car whether in US or Canada with the same problem so a rational person would conclude if there is a permanent fix it applies to all cars of the same model.
I will have to wait until March to take the regional manager for a ride and with any luck it will still be cold out.
Winnipeg has MAJOR potholes and my car only has 2006 kms, but the dealer never suggested it was "the potholes fault" which of course is untrue, and a bit condesending.
At my first service check (when all this happended) I couldn't figure out why the seat belt light kept coming on when I had correctly secured my seat belt - thought ohoh electrical system problems - service tech said it was due to improper seat belt connecting by owner!!!!! I've been driving longer than he has been alive. As I figured out (coming from a 1993 van) when I put my heavy briefcase on the passenger seat, it thinks it is a person without their seat belt connected. Duh duh But the response was customer error...
Please note that not all dealers are willing to apply the same "fix". I was offered replacement bushings only. Why is this? Cheap for Mazda Canada - a time waster for me and the dealership because I would be back and they admitted in writing that I would not be happy. This is throwing the ball to me to help them help me by going up the ladder which I did - YOU MUST COMPLAIN TO MAZDA CANADA regardless of what they do Please.
Just got finished replying to someone from Manitoba (finally) who has the same problem. See below what they did for her (not for me though they don't want me coming back time and again)
"On ours they replaced the front sway bar bushings but that didn't help so I am going back today so they can hear the crunching sound again. I'm getting a little tired of making these trips for the same problem - especially since they always want to hear it - well, it's making the same noise it was making the last time you heard it!
Like others have said - it is way more pronounced when the temp. is cold. Here it has been in the -30's with windchills reaching up to -48 at night so it has been especially bad. Sounds like the car is going to fall apart everytime I go over the slightest bump."
Ahhh another with the "sounds like the car is going to fall apart" that's not a minor squeak...
Please update me as to what happens and what is done so I can take that back to my dealership. Thanks
"also I have looking everywhere and reading alot about this problem and somewhere along I read a post from a guy in Montreal who said he got his car fixed with what the dealer said were the new redesigned parts"
I am searching (though not efficiently) to find the Montreal post so that I can email and find out what the redesigned parts were that were used to fix his/her car. Anyone out there recall when or who that poster is form Montreal??? It is this kind of evidence that is needed to force other dealers to act on the problem.
Front Squeak and Rear Crunch GONE! A New Lease in Life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -
I gave a copy of this TSB, http://www.mstore2000.com/PDF_Files/02-007-06-1675.pdf, along with a printout of the related discussion here as well as at Edmunds.com to my dealer's service manager. A week later they called me to say that the parts have arrived. I promptly brought my 5 in at 8:30am, left, came back at 5pm and all my problems GONE. Right away I felt a big difference in the ride especially at the front. So I guess the "front lower control arms" apart from the bushings were redesigned not solely to fix the squeaks but maybe to address the harsher ride (I'm just guessing here). It felt like the front had real "rubber" tires now as against before where I felt like I had wooden tires. The rear crunching noise that I had since I took delivery of the car is gone as well. Of course it's not a real test yet as it hasn't stopped raining since the fix was made. The true test would be on dry weather for the rear as it is the only time when it acts up. Overall, I am extremely happy and loving every minute of my drive. Thanks to all who have contributed. If not for this forum, I would still be suffering.
This is from B.c Canada post #134 page9
apparrently all the dealers have a different story ,the parts are still being redesigned or its on back order... Now who is lying and who is telling the truth ? If the fix is in the U.S why are we not getting it here ?
The link is at post #7 on page 2 of this very forum , from pages 3 and up ther is alot of interesting reading..
I still plan to go to my dealer - take the 2006 Mazda5 demo for a ride (my salesperson knows about this) - if that car does not sound the same as mine, I will have to assume that the demo has been properly fixed. There is no way they would take potential buyers out in a car sounding like mine or others with the problem. I understand the position the dealership is in - they sell the cars, Mazda warranties the cars against defects. In the USA, it it clear that there was no cost to the owner for these repairs under the TSB; there seems to be "goodwill" gestures in the form of cash/vouchers for some repairs that caused inconvience to owners for a variety of repairs.
I am in the process of considering whether I want to waste my time and the dealer's sevice department in accepting their offer to apply the "non-fix" to my vehicle or not. If I don't accept this offer, have I breached anything that might give Mazda Canada any reason to not apply a permanent fix in the future? :confuse: Have to think about this.
Before you decide to go the legal route (which may cost you alot), check out the CAMVAP web site - http://www.camvap.ca/eng/consumers_guide.htm
It is an "either or" option - either you go traditional legal route OR you let CAMVAP take it on for free.* you must follow the process for disputes that is published in your owner's handbook first before going through CAMVAP.
Call Mazda Canada Inc. 1-800-263-4680
Also you have a Consumers Association in Ontario as well (looked at their web site last night).
Transport Canada - roadsafetywebmail@tc.gc.ca or call 1-800-333-0371 to report a possible "safety" problem or call Transport Canada general number 1-800-333-0510 to see if they can do or recommend anything.
Contacting media or investigative shows like Marketplace (which I did) may help if there are enough people complaining.
Someone posted on another forum that the North American Operations in the USA oversees customer service for USA and Canada - however, you can't email them or register with them because you don't have a ZIP code, but you can call them. :mad:
If anyone else has a suggestion, please post.
"We bought our Mazda5 from XXXXXXXXXXXXX Mazda on XXXXXXXXXX and at first they replaced the front sway bar bushings at no charge and have now ordered the lower control arms."
If I were a dealership and someone had a problem and as a dealer I didn't offer to fix it or couldn't fix it, I would be very embarassed for that customer to take it elsewhere to get it fixed by a competitor :confuse:
Planning on going in for the "fix" probably next week - with my luck the weather will warm up so I won't be able to tell if it is "fixed" or just hiding out until the cold weather returns.
I will keep you all up to date once i hear from the G.M..
It is frustrating to owners, but at least the acknowledged the problem instead of saying it was normal and attempting to passive owners.
It is nice here today (afternoon) so the noise has not presented itself. Tonight when it gets cold again, it will be back. Keep us posted please. :shades:
Service advisor acknowleged the 'suspension noise when cold' and told me to bring the car in anytime. The TSB shows that my car's VIN is not in the range of 'affected cars'. But still I'm having the noise (rubber grabbing noise).
Anybody knows the reason for the TSB? I mean why do they need to replace those parts? Is it for the noise? Or is the TSB also intended to fix another problem such as 'handling', etc? Because if it is only to fix the noise, then they should have only done replacement of rubber bushing and maybe lubrication.
Will be nice to hear from mechanics in the forum.
You can call any of the above to ask the question.
I am waiting for my parts and only after they are installed will I know if there is any difference.
I do occassionally feel a bit of a "sway" in the rear end that I had not noticed earlier in mid-October through mid-December.
You are not alone with this problem.