Knocking or worse on Mazda 5.

aaronb88

I purchased a used 2007 mazda 5 about 6 months ago. Up until the past week I'd had no issues. I noticed at first the battery was draining and then the last two days it had needed a jump. Yesterday, on my way to work, it started to tick like it was low on oil (oil change was scheduled for today), just before getting to work it shut off and acted like the battery was dead (sluggish turn over etc). I got a jump, it started just fine, but sounded terrible. Knocking and clanging in the engine compartment and showed no oil on the stick. I've never noticed a leak, I check the oil regularly (weekly) and its never been low. Having no other choice I dropped oil into it to show good on the stick and drove home (10ish miles). It will start and run now, but the tapping/clanking noise is ever present if the car is running now. I'm not familiar with the engines in these cars, so I'm looking for a place to start or an idea of what I may be facing.

Mr_Shiftright

Doesn't sound good. I'd stop driving it and have it towed to whatever repair shop you trust and get an evaluation. If it's lifter noise this might be a bearable expense but if the engine noise is coming from the "bottom end" (crankshaft or pistons) then you'll have to consider a used engine.

You never know. Maybe just some accessory came loose and is banging around in there. The important thing is to not cause further damage.

aaronb88

Kind of my thoughts, it sounds like its coming from the top end so I am hoping it isn't too crazy. Sounds like my thoughts though on not dealing with it myself.

d4dc00ks

I own a 2006 Mazda 5. I had similar issues, I wont tell the whole tale here but the end result for me was washed out bearings for the engine counter balance shaft. Had to replace the engine with 107,000 miles on the clock.