Suspension "Thump"
 

Yeah that's the best way I can describe the sound. When I hit an expansion joint or drive over any ground that's uneven, my front suspension has this "thumping" sound. Have any of you experienced that? Thanks.

Nope.
Just normal tire noise.


Bad bump stops maybe.....
Do you have an aftermarket setup?

Naw...I know tire noise when I hear it. This is a "thump" when I drive over potholes, expansion joints, broken pavement, etc. and it "thumps" as the suspension travels. I have no idea what a bump stop is...would you explain. Thanks.

Check this out just to get an idea.
http://www.virkki.com/jyri/miata/bumps.html

It could be anything but I remember being in a car with bad bump stops and there was the "thumping" noise over bumps [potholes and such]

Is it giving you any other problems?

What year and how many miles do you have?

Could be a broken sway bar bracket or end link. I once had a similar issue do to a box end wrench being left in the engine bay.

huhmm....after looking at your link to the bump stops, this could very well be what it is. It also looks as if they are something that I can at least look at to see if they are defective. My car is an '04 6 sp. with about 51000 mls. Do you think that this is something that a garage could look at and give a diagnoisis?

51,000 miles...hmmm. Do you have all OEM suspension parts? is anything modified...i.e. any lowering springs?

My initial guess would be that your shocks are shot and with each large bump, you are hearing the full rebound of your spring and tire assembly. Is there any oil or grease buildup on your struts?

If you have any more information, it could be vital in diagnosing.

No everything around the shocks/in the wheel well is clean. No grease, oil or nothing. I have OEM suspension. No modifications. It's crazy.

Yep.

They can pinpoint it no matter the cause.

I'll take it to a garage then. I was thinking that if it's the shocks, shouldn't the car bounce upon rebound? Also, what kind of shocks do ya'll recommend?

i have an 08 with now about 200 miles.. i hear the same thing sometimes when i hot a bump or just start from stop. i guess i'll just let the dealership know since its under warrenty

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1948a.pdf

I've got the "thump" also. I'm going to check front the sway bar end links.