Suspension Noises/Rattling in Front of 2008 mazda 3 sedan

[wmusgrave]

So I wanted to try this to see if it helps me any Hi everyone. well It was time to trade in my Sunfire so I wanted this time a better looking and nice car, So I went with a 2008 Mazda 3. 4 Door sedan. Not sure if its the 2008 or 2008.5 model.

Only 2 things I really noticed that the used car shop where I bought it were not able to replicate the problem but its quite noticable when I am driving it.

1. Sounds like a clunking or light banging in the front. Sounds/feels like its from the front passenger side. I thought it was suspension or strut related but they assured me they checked all of that and found nothing wrong. Im not sure what it is. I only feel/hear it when driving between 10-50 km/hr. Nothing at high speeds, but its very annoying and feels bad. Maybe even the sound of the windshield banging or rattling against something?

Since I know they checked the suspension very well, maybe it could be something under the hood moving or something but Its driving me nuts!!!

2. Belt noise when car is turned on in morning. ONly lasts for 30 min or so/ Like a squeeling sounds....and I hear other mazda 3 with same noises.

Suggestions????

[mzkaye729]

Not sure about the first as my first guess would be the shocks/struts as well. I had that on mine and it went away after I got new ones installed.

Second one sounds like belt tensioner needing to be replaced.

[Donutz]

Any mods on your car? Does the clunking happen when you are on / off the gas, like during acceleration or braking?

Is the noise in the morning a hissing or shushing noise?

For 1. I vote loose end link, broken strut, broken passenger motor mount. If it is a clacking rattling noise I vote for loose windshield cowel.

For 2. I vote for new belts. Often times a belt tensioner will continue to make noise if its bad, or just blow apart seemingly out of the blue. Belts are cheap (like $75 for parts) so try replacing them first. If that doesn't work then replace the tensioner.

[wmusgrave]

Thanks! Well the rattling happens at speeds lower than 70 km/hr, I dont notice it at high speeds. Like Windsheild rattling. After doing some research online...seems to be very common issue with this car and need some bolts replaced at windsheild cowl? Not sure what that is but its the same sound I have.

The belt noise gets louder as I use more gas, only hear it in the morning when i first start the car, it goes away after 10-20 minutes but curious if replacing the alternator belt will get rid of it but seems to be just a slight annoyance in the morning. I can deal with that but the windshield rattling is awful.

I have a 4th apartment to the dealer where I bought the car. IM going to suggest what i found out online and hope they can fix it this time.

The brakes are making some awful noises too, gonna get them to check that too. So far, I wish I did not buy this car.

[Donutz]

Flapping at speed could be the shield under your engine.

[mike_popovici]

is it a clicking noise ..like metal on metal ?