RANT: F* My Suspension

[Colombia28]

The sway bar will rotate and flex with any suspension movement. The only way to 100% rule out sway bar bushings is to disconnect the sway bar at both ends (or remove it completely) and then secure it so it doesn't bang.

Seeing how's it seems to be temperature related, I'm going to put my money on bushings. But don't come looking to collect if it's not!

And Red Line is some quality stuff. I have Red Line fluids in my engine and transmission- and radiator if you count the Water Wetter. Good stuff. I also have Red Line in the transmission of my manual transmission VUE. That fluid change made cold shifting MUCH easier.

I will definitely be looking into the Redline then. And thinking back on it, i bet you are right Tom. I'm now betting on the sways/bushings.

I'm with you Andrew, my car was squeaking and groaning like a mofo yesterday and EVERY bump felt like there was absolutely NO suspension travel. Let me know what Mazda says, I'd like to know as well!
-G-

Sorry to hear you are experiencing the same things. And yep, that is exactly what it feels like, no suspension travel, the car just bounces around. Ill keep you informed.

its the bushings...had this problem in other cars in the past that have poly bushings vs rubber...or performance rubber that is harder. It would be nice to get a fix but I just ignore it for now. But I agree, mazda never had this puppy out in the cold. Its a car-cicle on days like today...clutch is gummy, shifter is gummy, engine barely starts (mine actually died after running for 4 seconds), bushings scream on bumps and the traction control engages too late for snow (and pavement IMO, its more like burnout control...since you can still spin them). Least it handles good in the snow with snow tires

More fire for the bushings. lol. I wish i could ignore it, but it's like it hurts me when it makes that sound .

lolz to the "car-cicle" and the "burnout control" And i agree, with snow tires this car is actually surprisingly awesome.

What others have said...use redline fluid for the tranny, should help a lot. It's not just the MS3 or Mazdas in general that have this problem...many transmissions are not really designed to be downshifted into 1st, no matter the speed. Now if you can't get it in first from a stop, that's another story. And I too think it's more likely to be bushings making the creaking noise than the dampers themselves. Do you experience any bump steer? (Does the steering wheel move when you're going over bumps or is it just noise?) Also, how many miles are on your car? Sport dampers like the ones on the MS3 typically wear out within 20-30k miles, especially being driven on Denver roads. Also, to Mazda's credit I would say that MS3s are not really the type of car designed to be driven in below freezing weather

I understand trany's aren't fond of the cold, and i always take it very easy on the whole car until everything warms up to operating temp, but even with a nice warm trany, its still a POS!

No bump steer when the noise occurs. 14.8k miles.

damn andrew, i haven't seen you this pissed since that time you walked in on me and your mom.

ROFL! Ahh thanks Guido, that was a well needed laugh!

[AIM WO4]

Yep... bushings were squeaking when I went over speed bumps at the post office. And I just had them replaced! No clunking or crunching though...

Definitely check the bushings- there is a TSB on the 5 for cold related noises (same suspension family). Drove the 5 today in the 0 degree temps and is was way squeaky again... d'oh!

For the tranny- switch to synthetic fluid. Redline MT-90 is excellent for better shift feel, esp in cold temps.

Don't worry- it'll be warm again soon!

[jdmsp]

My speed is the noisiest SOB period since day one lol. I know I need to change out all my bushings and I am sure my struts are going if not already out ha. Its just worse in winter. I turn up the radio and enjoy my day lol. Sorry to hear man but like others said it will be spring/summer again soon. But if you can get some free replacements go for it! I need to make the switch to redline also here soon. I have also heard good things about royal purple anyone else?

[Poet-Tek]

I'm hearing the same thing anytime it's below freezing. First noticed it aroun that first Denver snow before Thanksgiving. Any bump just makes a huge noise. At first I thought it was the front bumper or the under cover hitting something, then maybe there was snow in the wheel well...but I think it's just the rubber/poly bushings squeeking like insane freaks.

The noise slowly goes away as the engine bay gets warm. I also hear it from the back, but much less.

It's so loud in the cabin. Sounds like the cowl is going to fall out. The brakes were squeeking and squeeling like freaks as well.

It concerns me that it may be unnecessarily wearing out those bushings or other parts. It does not sound good and we've got at least 2-3 months of low temps to go. I might just try to spray it down with silicone lube.

I wonder if Mazda has a fix or can put the regular MZ3 Bushings on?

Mine's a nearly brand new 2008.5 I just got in August.

Graham

[Roadrnr06]

Andrew, I had to pray that my fat ass car could roll itself out of the driveway this morning. And it didn't. I had to force it into first and practically drive over the front lawn to make an exit. This was after it nearly refused to start. This is preceding last weeks failing to start at all. Long live my battery. And long live my valentine one. Don't ask me. But somehow it happened. And... my trunk locked and refused to open last month and Josh "fixed" it by tearing out the back half of my car. Ask him about that I am sure that he has a few choice words to describe that ordeal. On a side note: the brace in between the trunk and the back seat is very very sharp. Some clips failed to survive that mess. My back seat is back in, but the rattles from who knows where persist. And... I even got to reset all of my presets. I hate winter, its too damn cold.

[Colombia28]

My speed is the noisiest SOB period since day one lol. I know I need to change out all my bushings and I am sure my struts are going if not already out ha. Its just worse in winter. I turn up the radio and enjoy my day lol. Sorry to hear man but like others said it will be spring/summer again soon. But if you can get some free replacements go for it! I need to make the switch to redline also here soon. I have also heard good things about royal purple anyone else?

Yep, i am very curious to see what Mazda has to say, and what they plan on doing about it.

I'm hearing the same thing anytime it's below freezing. First noticed it aroun that first Denver snow before Thanksgiving. Any bump just makes a huge noise. At first I thought it was the front bumper or the under cover hitting something, then maybe there was snow in the wheel well...but I think it's just the rubber/poly bushings squeeking like insane freaks.

The noise slowly goes away as the engine bay gets warm. I also hear it from the back, but much less.

It's so loud in the cabin. Sounds like the cowl is going to fall out. The brakes were squeeking and squeeling like freaks as well.

It concerns me that it may be unnecessarily wearing out those bushings or other parts. It does not sound good and we've got at least 2-3 months of low temps to go. I might just try to spray it down with silicone lube.

I wonder if Mazda has a fix or can put the regular MZ3 Bushings on?

Mine's a nearly brand new 2008.5 I just got in August.

Graham

Sorry to hear you are experiencing the same thing. I personally am not terribly worried about premature wear on the effected parts, but i can see what you mean. My problem is predominately located at the rear of the car, and only hear noise from the front over extreme bumps/imperfections in the road. And at those times the rear is even worse.

I plan to head to Burt Mazda sometime this coming week, maybe tomorrow. I will keep everyone in formed of what they say, hopefully fix... I will also inquire about the possibility of swapping MS3 bushings for MZ3 bushings. Ill let you know.

PS. Congrats on your new Speed! And welcome to the club!

[Colombia28]

Andrew, I had to pray that my fat ass car could roll itself out of the driveway this morning. And it didn't. I had to force it into first and practically drive over the front lawn to make an exit. This was after it nearly refused to start. This is preceding last weeks failing to start at all. Long live my battery. And long live my valentine one. Don't ask me. But somehow it happened. And... my trunk locked and refused to open last month and Josh "fixed" it by tearing out the back half of my car. Ask him about that I am sure that he has a few choice words to describe that ordeal. On a side note: the brace in between the trunk and the back seat is very very sharp. Some clips failed to survive that mess. My back seat is back in, but the rattles from who knows where persist. And... I even got to reset all of my presets. I hate winter, its too damn cold.

Crystal are you still running summers!? I got locked out of 2nd gear tonight once or twice. Kind of frustrating. Whats the matter with your V1? I'll have to ask Josh about the back seat biz, sounds like a good fun story.. lol.

[Poet-Tek]

Thanks for the Welcome. I'd really like to meet up with some of the local Mazda Junkies and find out the reality of some of the available mods. You want to hear something funny? I rode my freaking mountain bike to work today. I work downtown and I live near City Park. It's only 3 miles and 15 minutes on the bike, but it's 45 minutes on the bus or 30-40 minutes driving 2 miles and then walking a few blocks after taking it in the rear on downtown parking fees.

It's a sweet bike and even it has some trouble in the bad cold. The hydralic disk brakes tend to hone/vibrate/stick, it's tough to change gears and of course, it's a "low traction" situation. Read: Insane Situation.

Riding the bike is fastest and cheapest option. Not so much safest or most comfortable. The packed snow provides passable traction, but the light brown slush is a slippery MoFo. I love the ride in nice weather though. I was wearing a face mask clava, helmet, ski goggles, heavy gloves, t-shirt, sweater, fleece and ski jacket today. Still pretty chilly.

It's only my hands that get very cold. On the way back in the dark tonight, it was much colder. About half way, I was kinda concerned about my hands.

Viv La "Arctic Blast"

I think it's hilarious how the TV News Guys say "Arctic Blast" over and over whenever it gets cold in Colorado.

[Colombia28]

Hopefully we will be having a meet sometime soon. What are you thinking for mods for your speed?

I could not even imagine ridding my bike anywhere in these temps! Fing burrrrrrrrrrr. I hear what your saying about the compacted snow being easier to ride on, its also much easier to walk to class in, then say the sheet of ice that's left over after they plow the sidewalks, or the slush.... I just wish they would compact it, or if they are going to plow, fucking plow it right, don't leave a thin sheet left that turns into ice.. err. Winter is awesome, yet at the same time sucks.

[tavisto]

I just want to say that my speed 3 does the same super squeektastic act when it's cold out. I have not experienced any of the transmission problems you speak of when it gets cold, but the squeaking does get irritating.

I thought I had gotten some ice or something in it when I was hauling across the plains states for Thanksgiving. I am glad to hear that I am not alone, although that does mean that Mazda didn't do their homework very well for the cold weather testing.

I am very interested to know what you find out, so keep us in the loop if you go to Burt. I was just there for an oil change and was kicking myself for asking about it.

[Rich]

I don't get suspension noise, but I do have upgraded springs.

[AIM WO4]

I did a wide search and found that it isn't just Mazda. It seems to be the type of urethane bushings used. Maybe it's time to find some after-market parts.

[Poet-Tek]

Hopefully we will be having a meet sometime soon. What are you thinking for mods for your speed?

Awesome Cold Weather Grease and a set of Corksport Silent Ninja Bushings. HA!

Motor Mount almost definately. Maybe a short shifter. I already changed the bushings. I think it would be more fun if the shifting was more confidence inspiring. Driving around town or getting things going on the mountain twisties.

I've been playing with double clutching recently and it's nice to just not even have to think about the shifter.

I'm not real sure it needs more power, maybe more tire, lighter wheels. It's a Mazda and it's not about drag racing. It's a carving machine. There's certainly an added charm about how hard this car pulls though.

[dommo_g]

My solution is to never drive my MS3 in the snow. Haven't yet.

[mOOsE]

and because I might be living in the park in a tent by next Spring.

save me a spot...
it will be harder for the bank to find the car there too