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SUVs Mazda CX-7 2008 CX-7 AWD Vibration
29 messages, Last post on Oct 21, 2009 at 8:36 AM
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Mazda still refuses to correct the vibration... I'll be pursuing other options for getting rid of this LEMON.  If you own a CX-7 AWD you may have this defect and not realize it... yet. The vibration is evident at all speeds over about 50mph but most evident at 65 to 75 mph. The kicker is, if you typically drive less than a couple hours non-stop you may not have experienced the true problem. Once the vehicle has been driven for several hours non-stop the vibration escalates dramatically until it is almost unbearable. As if you had a square tire. So, if you own an AWD and you sense any constant vibration on smooth roads at highway speeds, you have the issue. And, I'd like so ask for some help. I'd like you to reply to this post so I can determine if there are enough of us out there to qualify for a Class Action Suit. Mazda already admitted to finding one more like mine. Lawsuits are not fun, so hopefully, I can make Mazda aware of enough other cases that it will be an incentive to realize they can't ignore this issue. Ultimately, I will need to get your VIN# to prove to Mazda the cars exist... but that can come later. Right now, they are treating me like I don't exist. So, it appears they have me where they want me... they got my money and they are NOT going to fix the problem. A case of the big corporation showing what they really think of the customer. I am truly glad that Mazda does not make heart defibrillators!! |
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Replying to: maavalous (Jan 28, 2009 1:38 pm)
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Replying to: almatti (Mar 13, 2009 8:54 am) Any vibration unique to the F/awd system would most likely involve the rear driveshaft and/or its U-joints.
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Replying to: wwest (Mar 13, 2009 9:36 am) |
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almatti, Sorry... you have been misinformed. The CX-7 is a F/AWD and virtually all F/AWD use a PTO and some form of controlled clutch in the rear differential. The Audi Quattro system is actually R/AWD and does have an xfer case (Torsen system is the BEST). But, to do that system you have to have a longitudinally mounted engine and most CUV go for latitude to conserve space. Your Pathfinder is actually a 4WD based on a truck design. |
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Replying to: maavalous (Jan 28, 2009 1:38 pm) In most respects I love the car. However, it has a FIERCE vibration between 50-63mph. Smooth as glass below 50. Over 65 a slight vibration that I can live with (after all it is a 4cyl turbo). The vibration was mild and barely noticeable when I bought the car (obviously or I wouldn't have purchased it); now it is truly teeth-rattling - especially under acceleration. When I first reported it, I was told it was because of how badly worn the OEM tires were after only 20,000mi (a whole other issue!) New tires, balancing, alignment, etc., still there. I have just now been told by the dealership that this is "normal" for this car. Bulls***. I am 45 (been driving for 29 years) had have had many cars, some turbo, some AWD. Never had a vibration like this (except, like another poster in a high mileage Pathfinder that had a transfer case going bad) - not even in this car when I bought it. I have less than 29K on my CX-7. |
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Bigmick1, There are a couple of things to check before you give up... Don't worry about driveshaft, if you had a bad one, it would have vibrated from start. A common problem. A quick check of the CV/U joints on the shaft (there's a dozen) is all that can be done there now. There is an issue with the rear wheel bearing and hub that you might check. Not common but possible. If you've done a force balance on tires and checked both tires/wheels for round... did you hit an open manhole lately?... then that's clear. Warped break rotors is a possibility... worth looking at. Otherwise... you may be in deep poo poo. Mazda is buying mine back because they couldn't fix it 
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Replying to: maavalous (Apr 17, 2009 12:52 pm) I just picked up my AWD CX-7 up from the dealership. After they told me the vibration was "normal" and "the same as in a new one off the lot," I took the service agent for a ride with me. He agreed that the vibration deserved a second look. Turns out the technician never actually road tested the car (as I specifically requested) but instead just ran it up on the lift (no load). After my complaint and ride-along with the service manager they ran it up on the lift again, but up to the equivalent of almost 90mph with no load - at which time the vibration manifested itself. Based on those observations they replaced the "Rear Propeller Shaft" which transfers power from the front diff to the rear diff and the flexible joint that connects it to the front. They had the car for nearly a week. Results: It's like Mazda gave me a new vehicle - in fact, I think it rides BETTER than when I first bought it. The transformation was not minimal - it is smooth as glass now; almost unbelievable given how bad the problem had gotten. The work was done under warranty, total cost to me: $0. I've only driven it about 100 miles since then, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for these forums for helping me to keep the pressure on. Mick |
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Mick, I'm a bit surprised... but happy for you  My vibe only got slightly better when they replaced the driveshaft. That was a known problem and they did that to mine on first visit so your dealer tech didn't even go to the Mazda tech site to look or he would have checked that first. Keep an eye on those guys... they clearly aren't paying attention. No road test... geez! Just for clarity, there is no "front diff" or "rear diff" the way you may be thinking from truck-type systems. The front is a PTO (Power Take Off) unit and the rear is a limited slip differential with a magnetic clutch system that engages/disengages the drive shaft. The driveshaft spins 100% of the time, just doesn't provide torque until the magnets lock in (wheel slips somewhere). Good luck... they are great cars when they are working
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