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View Full Version : I need a recommendation for a suspension shop/ mechanic


justAlex13
07-31-2021, 01:07 PM
Hello all!

I have installed a Corksport rear sway bar and lowering springs on my 2015 Mazda 3 and now there is a clunking/ rattling noise coming from the rear suspension.

I lubricated the sway bar using the ports and checked that everything is tightened to correct torque specs so I am a bit lost on what is causing the noise.

My local mechanic recommended getting a stiffer strut/ shock installed to reduce the amount of travel in the suspension (and thus hopefully eliminate the noise). I am considering this as an option.

I am also considering going back to the stock setup and seeing if the noise persists.

I need some advice or a recommendation for a good mechanic who can help me troubleshoot this and get it rectified. I understand there might be some noise coming from the sway bar and the lowered nature of the car but this noise seems far outside of the ordinary and I would like to have it fixed. I can upload a quick video on YouTube of me driving the car around to replicate the noise if that helps at all with a diagnosis.
S.F.W.
08-01-2021, 08:38 PM
Where are you located ? Some good options are Street Performance, or APH in Markham, Altech in Etobicoke, or Reddie1337 's shop in the way out West.

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G ~ MINI
08-03-2021, 11:29 AM
https://www.juliansgarage.ca/
justAlex13
08-05-2021, 08:43 PM
I am in Durham but I am willing to take it to anyone knowledgeable who can fix it.

I have brought it to my dealership as well as Jimmy in Markham. Nobody has been able to fix it as it stands and the only advice I got was to get a stiffer shock to reduce the travel.
G ~ MINI
08-06-2021, 10:02 AM
I am in Durham but I am willing to take it to anyone knowledgeable who can fix it.

I have brought it to my dealership as well as Jimmy in Markham. Nobody has been able to fix it as it stands and the only advice I got was to get a stiffer shock to reduce the travel.

I used to have that clunking noise when i upgraded to CS rear stabilizer bar.
The oem rear endlinks were becoming loosened even with loctite ... i upgraded to whiteline endlink ...no more clunks for me.
Could be the issue...
Lowering springs ...incorrect install or worn stops can create a gap where this clunk or metal on metal click noise
hope that helps.

Another suggestion is Gilman Auto Service, owner Raymond , (mention Joe with white Mazda 3), he time attacks and tracks alot and is pretty knowledgeable
about suspension set ups . https://www.gilmanautoservice.com/
Call first ... he gets really slammed with work unexpectedly.
justAlex13
08-06-2021, 06:26 PM
I used to have that clunking noise when i upgraded to CS rear stabilizer bar.
The oem rear endlinks were becoming loosened even with loctite ... i upgraded to whiteline endlink ...no more clunks for me.
Could be the issue...
Lowering springs ...incorrect install or worn stops can create a gap where this clunk or metal on metal click noise
hope that helps.

Another suggestion is Gilman Auto Service, owner Raymond , (mention Joe with white Mazda 3), he time attacks and tracks alot and is pretty knowledgeable
about suspension set ups . https://www.gilmanautoservice.com/
Call first ... he gets really slammed with work unexpectedly.

THANK YOU!

I was also advised to replace the end links as well but did not know where to start. Thank you for your suggestion I will do some research on these and see if that helps my issue.

I don't think I did the springs wrong, they seemed pretty straightforward. I am worried I made a mistake cutting the bump stops and reinstalling the rear springs. That is why I am considering just replacing them altogether, hoping that will eliminate some noise as well.

If I can't get this sorted out with my own brain and resources I will start enlisting some of the mechanics recommended here.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I am glad this board is still pretty active!