Well it is a cozy 30* and has been for a few days now. I've had some squeaking suspension noise that seems like it is the strut. At first I thought it was related to the steering linkage but I can push down on the f. drive's fender and replicate the noise.

I know the cold does weird stuff to suspension but just wanted to see if anyone is having the same issues. This didn't happen last winter. 16k on the R3.

 

IMO this is normal. Any time the temp starts dropping, the bushings along the entire suspension start to get a bit harder, thus making more noise. This happens to my car too, after a few minutes of driving though the noise goes away.

 

That is what I figured but it never goes away. O well...

 

Take the wheel off and make sure that every nut and bolt you find is good and tight

 

You might also put synthetic grease or wrap teflon pipe tape where the swaybar pivots on the D-bushings. This will require unbolting a d taking the bushings off. You will not need to unbolt the swaybar at the endlink conndctions.

.

 

Team8, grease'in it up was what i was thinking as well. I had to do that from time to time on my last car.

Temp rose and this morning at 48* it was more or less gone. Regardless, a little lube never hurt anyone.

 

thank you OP for making this thread, I was just wondering about the noise this morning!

 

Yeah some rubber grease on the sway bar bushes might help...they are greased from factory, but can dry out and require re-lubing....design and style is many decades old.

 

everyone I've ever taken off was drier than a dead dingos donger ...

 

lol..

Yeah, funny that...Mazda remove and replace info tells us to use it.

 

I have similar problem
In the mornings when weather is cold below than 3 degree
If I start to move, turn the steer wheel more than %40 strance noise (like a hammer hitting)
After 5-10 km car is going to warm, noise stops

ASH8 if it same problem can you explain your drawing where i must use rubber grease
Thanks

 

In the inside of #5 of sway bar bush (rubber).

BTW...Extreme cold is an issue for all most of todays cars with knocking noises, stiffness.
Materials used can sometimes be a compromise by car makers, a rubber bushing that will give/flex more in extreme cold with be too soft in 'normal' average temps.