Top of the list is Mazda’s base U.S. model, the Mazda3, which has a comfortable interior and good handling. Not only does the Mazda3 come with top-level engines, but it also has a comfortable interior.
Although the price of a Mazda3 is greater than its economy counterparts, its high-end components mean its value is better than other automobiles. Nevertheless, every vehicle has disadvantages, and the Mazda3 is no exception. In particular, Mazda3 suspension problems have received a lot of attention from buyers.
The biggest issue in recent times has been Mazda 3 suspension difficulty, with camshaft imbalance and sway bar failure, and cracking noise, being some of the more common issues.
Don’t worry, we have meticulously created this guide to give you a more methodical approach to fixing Mazda 3 suspension issues. Besides, after reading this, you will have a better understanding of what might be happening before you bring it to the auto repair shop for treatment.
Mazda 3 Suspension System Basics
Do you have any idea about the suspension system used in your Mazda 3? If not, it’s good to start with the basics before you deal with suspension issues. Well, Mazda 3 features a MacPherson strut front suspension, with cogged coil springs and a transverse anti-roll bar.
Whilst, the rear suspension is a Ford-designed “E-link” multi-link suspension, with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on cogged coil springs that sit behind the outer shock absorber to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo space.
However, if you’re among those who aren’t in need of a Mazda 3 Suspension option for abusive tracks, you can also equip your vehicle with an Air Suspension, which is yet another good option.
These kits are most commonly used in street or show vehicles, yet their degree of power is also suitable enough for light track use. It’s hard to beat the potential of the Mazda 3’s height adjustability when going on coilovers or air suspensions. For most of us, Air suspension is an appealing suspension solution.
Common Mazda 3 Suspension Problems
As far as we have found from our research, Mazda 3 suspension problems are mostly centered on unusual noises. These distinct noises often indicate some other internal issues. However, we’ll go through discussing suspension noise issues and other components-related issues.
1. Cracking Noise from the Suspension
If you hear a noise when you start your car and pass a speed bump on your Mazda 3, and it’s a whirring or cracking sound, it is almost certain that your suspension part is the source of this.
Maybe the old suspension cups are responsible for this. They have resilient rubber (silent block) that acts as a shock absorber and buffer for the upper part of the suspension that does not function as intended during minor bumps that compress the suspensions.
To determine if this is the issue worrying you, consider traveling over a worn road and paying attention to the noise of your wheels as you traverse the holes. If it does in fact relate to the cups, consider replacing them as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car or other parts of the car.
2. Loose Stabilizer Bar Linkages
Mazda’s 2004 to 2015 Mazda3 cars with at least 9000 miles, during which there was a loud rattling noise from the rear of the automobile. Faulty Mazda3s were released by Mazda between 2004 and 2015, excluding the 2013-year model Mazda.
While the 2010-2012 models had TSBs, Mazda dealt with any of these issues on 2014 to 2016 cars, even if I still had warranty coverage on it. The torque of the rear stabilizer control link nut was expected to fall below the 31.8-44.8 pounds-feet threshold by the TSB. If the linkage is excessively worn, it must be replaced to ensure driver safety. Fortunately, the repair is inexpensive, approximately $100.
3. Leak in Rear Shocks and Front Struts
Mazda 3 rear shock absorbers are prone to leakage, which can lead to the rear of the car feeling loose and bouncy while driving over bumps. At higher mileage, the top shock absorber mount could also fall apart, and the shock mount could come both separately and together with the shock absorber.
Replacing the shock absorbers does not require any VIN authorization; it can be completed in less than an hour and is not very expensive, costing approximately $130 to $170 for replacing one side.
In addition, front struts may leak if they have not been cared for in time. Replacing front struts is somewhat more pricey than the lost labor of part replacement, at $300-400 per side.
Lower control arms can also deteriorate, which often leads to replacement costing between $480 and $620. In most cases, the tire alignment will have to be done as you replace any of these suspension components.
4. Squeaky Noise Over Bumps
This is another significant suspension issue faced by Mazda 3 owners. The stabilizer bar may be the culprit if you have squeaks in your car when it knocks over a speed bump. To be sure, abnormal wear on the stabilizer bar can generate abnormal friction that may in turn give rise to this squeaking noise.
Take the time to assess the condition of your car’s paint beneath the wheels which will reveal if there is any friction. The second possible cause could be your stabilizer devices that are gritty and make noise, indicating you need to replace them in the cradle and grease them; this could successfully solve the trouble.
More resources: Pros And Cons Of Coilovers – Learn Before You Invest
Diagnosis of Mazda 3 Suspension Issues
To resolve any kind of issue, the first and foremost duty is to diagnose the root cause. The same goes for Mazda 3 suspension repair as well. Follow the things mentioned below for an effective diagnosis.
- Inspect Your Tires Properly
For issues relating to the suspension, the best idea is to approach the tires first. To start, the suspension is endeavoring to keep the four contact patches firmly on the road at all times and under all circumstances. Reading the tires informs us as to the suspension’s performance.
You can discover awful struts or shocks if your tires are cupped. If they are badly worn around the inner surface, then it’s probably an indication of a camber issue, along with possibly damaged control arms.
However, if the vehicle’s body shows uneven wear, it may be indicated that the tie rod ends are worn out, or you may have a faulty strut or shock. Discerning the sorts of tire wear that vehicle suspension problems cause can be very helpful in your diagnosis.
- Think Deeply about Unusual Noises
Another thing that can help you in diagnosis is unusual noise, even though these are also considered concerns. If the noise you’re hearing has evolved over time, it may point to a problem with the aged elements.
On the other hand, if the noise began up shortly after upgrading some portion of the car’s suspension, then you need to double-check the work and see to it that everything was correctly installed.
- Check Other Components
Just check each component of your front suspension to be sure you found the potential root cause. Shake, inspect, and analyze each component. If everything looks and feels tight and there are no rattling or clicking noises, there might be an underlying issue.
So long as you don’t dodge the cracks in the pavement, you haven’t experienced any concerns. Besides, An excellent idea is to make certain that all parts to which they work are adequately tightened.
It is possible that your torqued parts are loosened up. Each part has its own specifications, so you’ll be able to use them just by searching when in doubt. Pay attention to sway bar end links and shock mounts, in addition, to tie rods.
Tips from Experts While Repairing Mazda 3 Suspension Problems
The vast majority of garages are there to take all they can from you for as little effort as possible. Do not take them at face value because they rarely strive to provide a money-worthy service. So, always pay attention to their work yourself, if possible, and examine the outcomes.
It is also recommended to request they validate your work together with you prior to paying them any cash and verify the preceding problem is fixed before anything else is done.
For example, if they assert that the noise is due to the failed component, have them show you the failed component while it is still attached to the vehicle. Doing so they don’t extract an entirely different failure component from the backroom to show you.
Purchasing a $20 aftermarket sway bar bushing for your brand-new vehicle will probably leave you with a poorly performing ride. However, reputable, well-recognized names also do not always fare well.
Your mechanic may perform an electrical charge analysis to determine the source of the squeaks that are driving the car parts operationally. If the problems are limited to the inside of the vehicle, you may also do the task yourself.
Watch the video for your convenience.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you might have got a more clarified idea about Mazda 3 suspension problems. This guide was intended for people who already owned Mazda 3 cars as well as for those who intended to purchase a new or used Mazda 3.
No matter to which group you belong, be aware of the above-mentioned issues as well as stick to all the troubleshooting and diagnosis tips.
