Clavius

Ok first I have done a search on this problem but the only thing that has come up has been a issue with the lug nuts and clicking while turning. The lug nuts after finding a TsB is for those with 18" rims and I only have 16", and my clicking is constant while driving.

The noise is audible to ones ears when driving over 20mph and with the windows down. It sounds like plastic clicking against metal. I've checked the wheels and found nothing hanging off anything at all so part of me is starting to get worried. I've seen a TSB for balljoints and them noting how it can break and cause a crash. Before I go running into my Mazda Service Dept (again) and ask them to check this out. Is there anything else this might be or anyone else experince this before. Again its constant clicking that is spaced out about a click every second speeding up doesnt seem to increase the clicking also, but hearing it over the engine rev'ing is a bit hard obviously. Wish my Mechanic friend was back from Florida because I'd have him put it up on his works lift.

Thanks for any help you guys/gals can give me.

fullsmoke

Sounds dumb, but have you checked to see if all your lugs are tight? Once, somoene tried to steal my wheels but failed because of the lock lug. This caused some clicking noises when driving. Other than that, I'd jack up the car and poke my head under to see if anything was attached to rotating parts...

FS

RX8Maine

I may have the same noise and was about to start my own thread.

I have a repetitive "plastic sounding" popping noise (maybe 8-10 pops per occurrance) that always reliably occurs when initiating a sharp turn, or transitioning from one direction to the other. If I initiate a turn more slowly, there is no noise, even if I eventually end up turning a tight high-G circle at the limit. If I drive 10-15mph and swerve back and forth, it occurs each time the car rocks.

The sound seems to be coming from right on the other side of the dash, so I don't think its the sway bar (which is way up front). Not only that, but it does not sound like a squeeky bushing . . . I have had that before. I feel nothing in the steering wheel when this happens. I already performed the TSB (removed all the black crap from wheels and rotors and torqued to 108 ft-lb)

Any ideas? Steering linkage? Loose motor mount? Shock?

EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x)

There is a know issue with the center wheel cap (front I think?) where they become loose
and click at low speed. It might be something you can fix yourself if you remove the wheel.
I think there is/was a TBS for this or it might be listed under "known issues.."
Sorry I can be of more help...
EBF

PS: A loose motor mount doesn't make any noise and was only an issue while
at a stop and idling. (1st hand experience with my old 04' 8.

Clavius

Noise is gone for now.. AFTER I went to the dealer to have them look at it the day after. Think maybe I knocked whateva was causing it loose after hauling *** outa the dealership. But then again I thought it went away when I first heard it a few weeks ago, then it came back only louder.