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#98 of 101 Re: 2011 Mazda3 Rear End Clunking [branstone] by drliccione

Sep 17, 2011 (9:25 pm)

Replying to: branstone (Aug 31, 2011 9:23 pm)

This is identical to my experience with my brand new 2011 Mazda 3s hatchback. After about 1000 miles, the vehicle developed a clunking/clanking noise emanating from the rear when going over bumps, sewer lids, and irregularities in the road. The noise was apparent mainly at speeds of no greater than 35-40mph, for some reason, at higher speeds, the noise didn't occur (or was minimal). When driving with the rear seats folded down, the noise was especially apparent. Thanks to the members who have posted on this site, I was able to learn about the problem, so as to be better prepared in case the dealer wasn't familiar with the issue. When I brought the vehicle into the dealer and explained the noise, and mentioned that there were quite a few posts on Mazda forums regarding this, he acknowledged that it is a known problem with the Mazda 3. I test drove the car with the service adviser, and after hearing the noise, he was confident that the rear sway bar linkage was the culprit. The mechanic then re-secured the rear sway bar links, and this solved the problem. Here is the notation in my work order: “Inspected, adjusted and re-secured rear sway bar links. Road tested; the noise is gone.” The car now drives without that annoying clunking sound over bumps! I was beginning to feel discouraged about my purchase; the Mazda 3 has great reviews regarding performance and handling, but those rave reviews were beginning to fade in the face of this early problem and I began to question the quality of Mazda. I feel much more satisfied with the vehicle now, and it is so much more pleasurable to drive without that noise! ) I would like to thank those who have posted about this problem, as it gave me peace of mind, and the knowledge to dispute the dealer in case they denied any issue. However, the dealer was well aware of this relatively common issue, and was cooperative in fixing the vehicle. (Thanks to the mechanic and service adviser at Mazda of Lakewood in Lakewood, CO for handling this issue quickly and correctly). For those who desire to work on vehicles themselves, if repair manuals are consulted, the rear sway bar is also known as the rear stabilizer bar. For instance, the Mazda 3 Haynes Repair Manual refers to it as the rear stabilizer bar, and details all linkages that interface with it. For those with the same problem, don't worry, it seems to be an easy fix if brought into a good dealer or mechanic, or can be fixed at home for those who are mechanically inclined.

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#99 of 101 Re: rattle coming from rear of 2010 Mazda3 [m3touring] by edin06

Oct 05, 2011 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: m3touring (Jun 28, 2010 11:16 am)

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#100 of 101 Re: 08 Mazda 3 Touring S 5-door hatchback [psato] by rachael_12345

Sep 24, 2012 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: psato (Sep 02, 2007 12:46 pm)

Replies to this message:

• RiceBurner3 (Sep 25, 2012 6:49 am)

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#101 of 101 Re: 08 Mazda 3 Touring S 5-door hatchback [rachael_12345] by RiceBurner3

Sep 25, 2012 (6:49 am)

Replying to: rachael_12345 (Sep 24, 2012 7:13 pm)