I've attempted a search and not found much information that is helpful.
Does anyone know exactly what is causing the thumping racket from the rear suspension when passing over bumpy roads? I've taken everything out of the trunk including the spare tire, jack and tools. I've found the woofer loose and is free to bounce in its cage holder, but it does not appear to be the noise I hear.
What else could it be? Please provide case histories based on your experience with corrective measures that were successful.

 

You my friend are suffering from the dreaded clunk.

Your rear bushings are kaput. Mazda will be happy (or not) to replace them for free on your next visit.

Let them know when you book your apointment so that they will have the parts on hand when you go in.

 

yup yup

 

is the end link issue only related to the msp? or is this a 3rd gen prob?

 

MP3 and MSP only

 

This information is taken from the Technical Service Bulletins section of TheMAN's FAQ.

There is a replacement bushing set from Mazda for the rear stabilizer bar designed to eliminate the "clunk". The part no. is: BN7H-28-156E. Make sure you have the dealer order these "E" bushings for you to prevent future problems.

 

Mines makes this clunk too, but it's not an MSP & as far as I've found they don't make an MP3 in 2003 - mine is sometime of hybrid mutt.

 

cant type today... "didn't" and some kind geez.. must be time to go home.

 

check your sways...are they black?? or red ??

 

black, unless someone painted the red ones black :P Mine doesn't *clank* every time... even if going over the same bump.

 

I'm about to get my 2nd set of 156E's

Damn I love my warrantee

 

Whoa, the MP3 had this prob too? I've got that, 60k on it, if its gonna happen it'll happen soon. Sounded like the color of sway bar made a difference, I've got the red ones? They squeak, but no clanks or clunks yet. Am I on the sh$tlist for this problem?

 

possibly...if you arent getting a clunk though, best think to do is get some lube for those sway bar bushings and that should cure the squeaks

 

Do you know precisely how these sway bar bushing fail?
Is there a permanent correction so they don't need replacing again in the future?

 

The bushing fail because they are localed too far towards the center of the vehicle. The bushings are suppose to support the sway bars and only allow them to turn. When they are not close to the ends of the bars, the bars not only turn but twist and exert lateral forces on the bushings, breaking them apart.

By greasing the bushings only silence the noise temporarily. The bushings need to be replaced. When the bushings are broken you might as well take your sway bars off, because they are not doing the job they were meant to do.