Donald.Clabaugh

I found a couple different topics on some older threads, but I really don't think that its the same problem. I could be wrong.

Starting out with the front wheels slightly turned, ie going over a speed bump, or flat terrain, feels like the rear differential is shifting back and forth as im progressing forward. Could this be the front brake sliders? Or something else.
I refuse to take it to mazda, because of a million and one things. When I told them about this 2 weeks after I bought the car in 06, they said things were just wearing in. Then again I told them 2 weeks after that, and they said I had uneven wear on my clutch, and if they took it apart and they found it was my fault it would be in excess of 3800$ to fix. I personally don't think its uneven wear on the clutch but I could be wrong. Thanks for any help.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Does this occur during the clutch release? Is it a strong shudder during the release of the clutch? Or is the rear end itself shuddering as the car is turning?
Try this. Go to a parking lot and stop the car with plenty off room around it. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and slowly start to roll like you were making a turn. What does it feel like and does it make any noise. Repeat the process in the other direction and see if it does it then.

Donald.Clabaugh

Ok, so I did quite a few random starts. Was not very loud today at certain times, heat related? (88degrees).

Flat Straight start - Nothing
Flat Left start - Nothing
Flat Right start - Nothing

Downward Straight start - Nothing
Downward Left start - Nothing
Downward right start - Nothing

Upward (speed bump) Straight start - rumble (metal on metal light rattle)
Upward (speed bump) Left start - rumble (metal on metal heavy rattle)
Upward (speed bump) Right start - rumble (metal on metal heavy rattle)

Slight Upward Straight start - slight rumble (metal on metal light rattle)
Slight Upward Left start - slight rumble (metal on metal light rattle)
Slight Upward right - slight rumble (metal on metal light rattle)

It does occur during clutch release but also after clutch is fully out... The car feels like the rear is shuddering. One thing I didn't try is to have the rear wheels on the speed bump and to start from that point. What's next?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Does the sound/feel come from the rear of the car? Do the rear tires chatter when this occurs? Say you were turning left, does the tire stutter as it turns ? If it does I would consider changing the differential fluid. Does the car still have warranty? If it does have the dealer do the diff fluid change. That way if there is any metal in the rear end they will see it first hand. I lost a diff at 3300 miles in my 8. It can happen.

Donald.Clabaugh

It does sound like its coming from the rear of the car. But the whole car seems to feel the effect, I don't think its still under warranty, shes at 48k,(Ive been driving it like this for 47k). Mazda changed the whole warranty a while back but im not sure if that covered drive train. I was going to do the change myself in about a month, after my summer classes finish. Is there a big flashing sign that says your differential is gone bad? Im assuming its normal to see a few small shavings in the differential, but if I get a handful im sure there's something major wrong. Did you replace your diff with stock or upgrade it?

Razz1

Since it does it on an incline... sounds like you need practice with the clutch.

Donald.Clabaugh

booo.. haha, no I seriously doubt that is my problem. Its not that type of sound/movement, more like the whole back axle is violently jumping up down and side to side. A great reason why its not my shifting is even when the clutch is fully out it still does it for a few seconds while the wheel is turned. I can go over a speed bump then around this turn about 35 feet with the clutch out and it does it. it really bugs me ! slash people like to give me weird looks when they are walking by

Lacheex

I have this problem. I know exactly what you're talking about. Except when it happens to me, its only after I've been driving it for atleast 20 minutes at highway speeds. Then, when I get off an exit, it does it bad, and I feel the car shift, and can here and feel a grind from the back end. i took it to te dealership and they said they couldnt find anything when they test drove it. My shifting is good too, so its not that.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like the diff to me. Take it to the dealer and have them do a fluid change. Your warranty is still good. At 48,000 miles. I'll bet the drain plug (which is magnetic) comes out with a ton of metal on it.
Remind them (dealer) that this has been ongoing since the car had 1000 miles on it. Take the tech with you on a test drive and demonstrate what is occurring.
Same goes for you Lacheex.

Lacheex

yeah im gonna try to take it in tomorrow, because starting yesterday I've noticed a loud clicking noise when i'm at idle (the clicking is in sync with the idle, goes faster when i give it gas). I'll have them look at the differential too, and replace my sun visors since I'm having that broken joint recall problem. I'll let you know what happens.

Donald.Clabaugh

Yeah, come to think of it, it only really happens after the car is warmed up for a while. WHICH would explain why it wasn't such a loud chatter today. I only drove it like 3 or 4 miles to test it out, top speed 35? 40?. Well, if I take it to the dealer im gonna have to find one that doesn't like the dealership I bought her from. I called and complained several times about them, miss information, poor service, etc etc. I have been doing alot of the work on her lately, as well as other cars in the house so if it is as simple as fluid change that shouldn't take too long. Im one of those "If a man built it, I can fix it." kinda guys. When you take it to the dealer lacheex get a good description of the issue, run the car HARD before you take it in that way you know its gonna be nice and loud. Ha, if it is a differential problem looks like I get to pull my car apart! Sweet.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

I believe Drivetrain Warranty is 60,000 miles these days.

Lacheex

I took it in today, and ran it HARD before I got there, but the bastards were too busy to look at it, so I had to make an appointment for Monday. I'll let you know how that goes.

Donald.Clabaugh

any news!?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

So what's going on with you guy's? Anything new? Find the issue?

Donald.Clabaugh

Im waiting to hear from lacheex, I think he forgot about this thread. Or he hasn't been on since the 8th. Im going about it another way right now till I hear from him. Or until I can get enough time to change my diff fluid.