Tonight while leaving the movies with the gf I went over a very small speed bump in the parking lot at a very slow pace. I had just pulled out of the parking spot, went over the bump and I heard a scrapping/thunking sound when I passed over it. It seemed very odd I could bottom out on something like that especially at that speed.

Looked underneath and noticed nothing damaged/hanging or leaking. But as I passed the second speed bump I started noticing a very feint tapping sound...as if something was loose. The sound only occurs when going over a bump.

As I said, it seemed very feint and I had to be in complete silence to really here it. The gf agreed and said she had heard something as well. Thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated, I'm debating bringing it to the Dealer but I'm affraid they'll call me paranoid and take their $80.00 minimum for inspection if nothing is found wrong.

 

If your dealer has an $80 minimum for inspections, I'd say take it to another dealer. Every dealer I've ever been to has had free diagnosis.

 

^agreed. espeacially if your car is under warrenty still.

 

Well not sure if the Mazda department does or doesn't. I had bought a VW from that dealer 5 years ago and I recall having to pay 1 hour of labor if nothing was found that was covered by warranty but I could be wrong. I'll give them a call, but this is something I should probably take to them huh?

 

You might as well. Ask about free diagnosis before you take it in, and raise a stink if they say they're going to charge you.

 

I had a 'rattling' noise when I would go over expansion joints in the road, or other small, abrupt bumps. Took it to the dealer (had less than 20K at the time) and they said rattles and squeaks are only covered for the first 6 months. Turned out to be a broken center cap on one of the factory wheels.

 

Problem solved,

Cause:
RR Strut Int Failure.

Rear Strut replaced, no more thunking.

 

Interesting

 

strut failure and you only noticed it going over bumps? you must have some nice, smooth roads.