Whomp Whomp Whomp

[Zotaga]

I know it's been awhile but I decided to refrain from posting stupid shit on this forum so I've been MIA for awhile.

I do need some help with something as you guys are more knowledgeable, I think, than Google or YouTube..

A few days ago, I noticed my front right strut was shot so yesterday, I decided to replace both the front left and front right struts (bought Monroe assemblies). So after a lot of FML moments, I was able to get the end links off, the new struts on, the new end links on and I thought I was good to go.. I took the car out for a spin and there is a major "whomp whomp whomp" noise in the front left/center of the car.. I spent the last 8 hours trouble shooting it and can't figure out for the life of me what it is.. my brother thought it was the CV shaft on the left side so we replaced that but the problem persists.. I'm honestly baffled as I didn't touch anything but the struts. I put the car up in the air and put it in drive and it's still making the noise so I was able to rule out the tires (rotated the tires to, changed between winters/all-seasons as well), the wheel bearings (it doesn't squeal at all except for when I hit the brake; but that's because I need to service them; that won't be until Sunday), the boots (all of them are intact and tight).. the only thing that I'm not sure on is the CV shaft.. before and after the install, the shaft moved up and down and made a small clanging noise.. but again, it did that before and I never had this whomp whomp noise so I don't even know if that's it.. I'm freakin' stumped! Would this be an alignment issue by any chance?

So recap:
- Replaced LH/RH Strut Assemblies
- Replaced LH/RH Sway Bar End Links
- Replaced LH CV Shaft

Problem:
- Car makes whomp whomp noise going in a straight line at low speeds (on the ground or up on stands, same deal)
- When the brake is applied, the noise increases for a few seconds and then stops.

Your help is much appreciated!

[Thrizzl3]

did you check the wheel bearings?

[Noisy Crow]

Rotor not seated properly?

[Zuluwun]

Subbed. I have a similar noise, no recent suspension work, last thing done with the wheels was a rotation near the beginning of winter, noise seemed to materialize over the course of the season.

My noise doesn't change with brake application and is speed sensitive (ie. whomps get faster as I speed up but is not apparent at higher speeds).

I planned to ask Jimmy about it next time I go in for an oil change but that's not for another month or so. My guesses so far are wheel bearings, rotor wear or tire wear (I have ~–2° camber all around) but I haven't done any real troubleshooting yet.

[r4BBiT]

Did you pre-load the suspension before tightening everything?

I'm pretty sure you supposed put the car on the ground before tightening the suspension bolts. At least that's why I did when I lowered my previous car (shocks + springs) and that was recommended so the bushings don't get twisted once you put it on the ground.

[Zotaga]

Subbed. I have a similar noise, no recent suspension work, last thing done with the wheels was a rotation near the beginning of winter, noise seemed to materialize over the course of the season.

My noise doesn't change with brake application and is speed sensitive (ie. whomps get faster as I speed up but is not apparent at higher speeds).

I planned to ask Jimmy about it next time I go in for an oil change but that's not for another month or so. My guesses so far are wheel bearings, rotor wear or tire wear (I have ~–2° camber all around) but I haven't done any real troubleshooting yet.


Rotor not seated properly?

The rotors were removed from the LH side along with the caliper and it was still making the noise. As soon as I gave it some gas, it would go "whomp whomp"..


did you check the wheel bearings?

Yup.. the noise wasn't coming from there. TBH, it was really hard to pin point the sound. From inside the car, it sounds like it's coming from the LH side to the center of the vehicle (behind the console, in the engine area).

[Thrizzl3]

I had the same noise on my sedan. Have you replaced it before and how many kms are on your car?

[Zotaga]

The top of the struts were tightened once the car was on the ground.

I followed a tutorial online on how to do this..

Step 1: Remove End Link from strut
Step 2: Remove clip that's holding brake line and move it out of the way.
Step 3: Remove bolt at the back of the strut
Step 4: Hammer down on the metal that's connected to the strut to remove the strut
Step 5: Remove top bolts and remove the strut
-- Re-install the opposite way


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5QPfPGgm4s


Subbed. I have a similar noise, no recent suspension work, last thing done with the wheels was a rotation near the beginning of winter, noise seemed to materialize over the course of the season.

My noise doesn't change with brake application and is speed sensitive (ie. whomps get faster as I speed up but is not apparent at higher speeds).

I planned to ask Jimmy about it next time I go in for an oil change but that's not for another month or so. My guesses so far are wheel bearings, rotor wear or tire wear (I have ~–2° camber all around) but I haven't done any real troubleshooting yet.


Rotor not seated properly?


did you check the wheel bearings?


Did you pre-load the suspension before tightening everything?

I'm pretty sure you supposed put the car on the ground before tightening the suspension bolts. At least that's why I did when I lowered my previous car (shocks + springs) and that was recommended so the bushings don't get twisted once you put it on the ground.

[Genpu_Mz3]

can you get a sound clip of the noise and post it here?

[Zotaga]

I can't.. the sound isn't really there anymore.. I had two guys look at it today and we couldn't re-produce it.

They did however find that the inner tie-rod is broken so I am going to replace that and get an alignment done.. then service my brakes.

I'm hoping that'll fix the problem. Right now I just hear whomp whomp when I hit the brakes.. I'll update once I know more.


can you get a sound clip of the noise and post it here?

[McGuyver_3]

tie rods can have play but they will never be broken other wise you would not be able to drive. Did you possibly twist the brake line? When you apply the brakes does the car abnormally pull to one side?

[mazdaspeeding]

wheel bearing

[Zuluwun]

Update to my noise, I switched over to my summer rims and tires and the noise is now gone. Confirms my suspicions that my noise had something to do with the wheels/tires.