Font end noise on bumps (clunk) & Poor handling on sharp(hwy)/left hand turns. HELP!

[Classic3]

Parts replaced this year: (4)struts n springs (senor tac reflex), (4) shock towers, stablizer links front n back(moog), front wheel bearings, right/left control arm (moog) and don't forget alignment(2x). (Done in august and december) ..faulty ball joint on control arm purchased from mazda in aug, replaced both with moog comes with 5yr warranty.



Hello TM3 Users I am having a problem with my 2008 mazda3- 2.0L that I can not figure out, hoping someone has the same or simular problem with a solution. I keep hearing clunk or clunking noise while turning into driveways, speed bumps, uneven or pot hole roads(Front only). My next problem is that mostly on the hwy I'm getting a lot of swaying, coming to sharp corners I gotta slow down like a truck cause it feels like a rollercoast around a tight bend its not really hugging the road as it should ..tilt steering is more like a half a turn on the wheel for me on R/L turns.

" Any help would be great!

Thanks.

[Airman Jack]

that is bizzare... I've heard that the clunking-when-turning can be caused by the spring trying to twist in the mount, which can be exacerbated by bumps (it relieves some pressure on the spring so allows it to rotate and clunk). The swaying at speed doesn't make sense though... unless the swaybar itself has become disconnected or broken?

[carbon3]

FSB bushings maybe?

[Marta]

sounds like a sway bar/ tie rod to be honest.

[eSS]

Are you sure everything was bolted together securly?

[Classic3]

Everything is secure, but when driving instead of tilt steering the car feels as thought its tiping when your changing lanes instead of a smooth weave.

[Classic3]

I got my money on the sway bar or upper mounts, but an alignment cannot be done with shitty tie rods that are loose or bad ball joints as stated above those parts have been changed. Thanks for the feed back(s).

[hzearz]

I have what sounds like the same problem with a late 09 2.0L, but I also have tire noise in the front, and it feels like the car is going to understeer when cornering at hwy speeds (on the speed limit). I can break traction in the wet around corners without any effort...haven't seen the DSC flash on for some time now. I also hear the clunking noise after some gear changes (quite regular), when I get on the gas again.

Have had all new tires put on, alignment, suspension tightened, bearings checked, 2 x regular services etc......still driving poorly, mechanic cant find any problem.

I'm going to have my mechanic perform relentless investigation :) over the coming month, and will share any useful results. Classic3 - Keen to hear if you have any wins with this!

[Classic3]

I have what sounds like the same problem with a late 09 2.0L, but I also have tire noise in the front, and it feels like the car is going to understeer when cornering at hwy speeds (on the speed limit). I can break traction in the wet around corners without any effort...haven't seen the DSC flash on for some time now. I also hear the clunking noise after some gear changes (quite regular), when I get on the gas again.

Have had all new tires put on, alignment, suspension tightened, bearings checked, 2 x regular services etc......still driving poorly, mechanic cant find any problem.

I'm going to have my mechanic perform relentless investigation :) over the coming month, and will share any useful results. Classic3 - Keen to hear if you have any wins with this!


Hey HZEARZ, thanks for the post I'm still monitoring my problem, I haven't fixed anything as yet still narrowing it down so far its driving when it windy car tends to move left/right inthe lane I'm driving in and I have to slow down on sharp turns.You know when you see that yellow sign and the truck looks like its about to tip over? "Turns like that!" but as soon as ifind out the problem I will share it with you all.

[Punkrockjohn]

I've had this problem for about two years now, been ignoring it nothing has happened as of yet:chuckle

I've got an 08', 2L as well

[Airman Jack]

sounding more and more like a swaybar problem..