Clunk from axle/diff over bumps?
07-06-2012, 01:41 PM
#1
Clunk from axle/diff over bumps?
Recently I've noticed that my RX8 has developed a clunk in the rear suspension. I'm going through the suspension to ensure that everything is properly torqued, no bushings are shot, etc. Everything looks kosher. While the spring/shock assembly is off, I'm moving the suspension through its travel to see if I can hear the noise. Nothing on the passenger side, but on the driver's side...ah-ha! It seems to be coming from the diff/driveshaft:
...e_gdata_player
Diagnosis? Loose halfshaft? Diff gears going?
I've also *thought* I heard a very very faint whine on the highway, but I can't be sure it's not my imagination. Then again, I thought the same thing about a clunk in the rear suspension last fall.
Diagnosis? Loose halfshaft? Diff gears going?
I've also *thought* I heard a very very faint whine on the highway, but I can't be sure it's not my imagination. Then again, I thought the same thing about a clunk in the rear suspension last fall.
02-26-2014, 04:13 PM
#3
Problem Solved for me.
The noise over small bumps like out of driveways and a minor pavement variation was really irritating. I noticed when autocrossing under sharp corners also an occassional noise.
It got alot better when I changed tires. BUT it was still there.
I took the car back to Mazda to have them inspect all the bushings. They discovered that when they replaced my struts last month the tech didn't tighten the lower bolt on rear passenger side and it was backed almost all the way out. Ooops. Well it didn't hurt anything and the noise is completely gone now. At least the Service Manager was honest about it and of course no charge.
June 13th, 2014 Even better solution found.
I finally totally resolved all rear suspension issues today.
I had the rear springs FE02-28-011 and bumpstops F152-28-1A1A replaced with factory originals. Red paint dot code. Also replaced the top rubber leaf spring F151-28-012A.
They have the same 13.5" free length and red paint dot as my old ones but they pushed the rear of the car up about 1.5" so I can now get less than -2* camber, the car rides great and no more noises when loaded and hitting minor pavement deflections.
**If anyone is psycho enough to want the old springs that can only get a minimum of -2.1* Camber in the back let me know. You can have them for the cost of shipping. They are still painted black here in FL and legal to use in SCCA Street as far as I know being original. They will drop the rear about 1.5" from stock.
It got alot better when I changed tires. BUT it was still there.
I took the car back to Mazda to have them inspect all the bushings. They discovered that when they replaced my struts last month the tech didn't tighten the lower bolt on rear passenger side and it was backed almost all the way out. Ooops. Well it didn't hurt anything and the noise is completely gone now. At least the Service Manager was honest about it and of course no charge.
June 13th, 2014 Even better solution found.
I finally totally resolved all rear suspension issues today.
I had the rear springs FE02-28-011 and bumpstops F152-28-1A1A replaced with factory originals. Red paint dot code. Also replaced the top rubber leaf spring F151-28-012A.
They have the same 13.5" free length and red paint dot as my old ones but they pushed the rear of the car up about 1.5" so I can now get less than -2* camber, the car rides great and no more noises when loaded and hitting minor pavement deflections.
**If anyone is psycho enough to want the old springs that can only get a minimum of -2.1* Camber in the back let me know. You can have them for the cost of shipping. They are still painted black here in FL and legal to use in SCCA Street as far as I know being original. They will drop the rear about 1.5" from stock.
Last edited by twistedwankel; 06-13-2014 at 02:27 PM. Reason: Additional solution found.
10-01-2014, 08:55 AM
#4
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Question for Twisted Wankel
Was the thump that you were experiencing more repeatable when you had a passenger in the back seat or load in the trunk? Seems like I may have the problem that you have. It's very infrequent but still has been bugging me for a few months. My car has been on a lift and struts were inspected - mechanic said they were fine.
The noise over small bumps like out of driveways and a minor pavement variation was really irritating. I noticed when autocrossing under sharp corners also an occassional noise.
It got alot better when I changed tires. BUT it was still there.
I took the car back to Mazda to have them inspect all the bushings. They discovered that when they replaced my struts last month the tech didn't tighten the lower bolt on rear passenger side and it was backed almost all the way out. Ooops. Well it didn't hurt anything and the noise is completely gone now. At least the Service Manager was honest about it and of course no charge.
June 13th, 2014 Even better solution found.
I finally totally resolved all rear suspension issues today.
I had the rear springs FE02-28-011 and bumpstops F152-28-1A1A replaced with factory originals. Red paint dot code. Also replaced the top rubber leaf spring F151-28-012A.
They have the same 13.5" free length and red paint dot as my old ones but they pushed the rear of the car up about 1.5" so I can now get less than -2* camber, the car rides great and no more noises when loaded and hitting minor pavement deflections.
**If anyone is psycho enough to want the old springs that can only get a minimum of -2.1* Camber in the back let me know. You can have them for the cost of shipping. They are still painted black here in FL and legal to use in SCCA Street as far as I know being original. They will drop the rear about 1.5" from stock.
It got alot better when I changed tires. BUT it was still there.
I took the car back to Mazda to have them inspect all the bushings. They discovered that when they replaced my struts last month the tech didn't tighten the lower bolt on rear passenger side and it was backed almost all the way out. Ooops. Well it didn't hurt anything and the noise is completely gone now. At least the Service Manager was honest about it and of course no charge.
June 13th, 2014 Even better solution found.
I finally totally resolved all rear suspension issues today.
I had the rear springs FE02-28-011 and bumpstops F152-28-1A1A replaced with factory originals. Red paint dot code. Also replaced the top rubber leaf spring F151-28-012A.
They have the same 13.5" free length and red paint dot as my old ones but they pushed the rear of the car up about 1.5" so I can now get less than -2* camber, the car rides great and no more noises when loaded and hitting minor pavement deflections.
**If anyone is psycho enough to want the old springs that can only get a minimum of -2.1* Camber in the back let me know. You can have them for the cost of shipping. They are still painted black here in FL and legal to use in SCCA Street as far as I know being original. They will drop the rear about 1.5" from stock.
10-01-2014, 08:56 AM
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Twisted Wankel,
Was the thump that you were experiencing more repeatable when you had a passenger in the back seat or load in the trunk? Seems like I may have the problem that you have. It's very infrequent but still has been bugging me for a few months. My car has been on a lift and struts were inspected - mechanic said they were fine.
Was the thump that you were experiencing more repeatable when you had a passenger in the back seat or load in the trunk? Seems like I may have the problem that you have. It's very infrequent but still has been bugging me for a few months. My car has been on a lift and struts were inspected - mechanic said they were fine.
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