Does anyone else have a problem with horrible rattling and squeeking when they go over bumps in thier MP3?? My front shocks squeek and creek every time I go over a speed bump. And it sounds like my struts are loose in the back or something. Whenever I hit even the smallest bump in the road, it sounds like there is a dead body bouncing around in my trunk. Almost like the bolts holding my struts to the frame are loose or something. I haven't searched around a whole lot, but I don't see where the struts mount. My MX-6 had easy access to the struts in the trunk but I think maybe in the MP3 they are under the rear deck where the speakers mount... Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had any problems with their suspension or if anyone has any ideas. I'm not trying to take my car to some rip off mechanic. Hopefully I don't have to drop a bunch of cash on new struts either. Any info you guys might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot.

 

Forgot to mention: 2001 Protege MP3 , I bought it used from a dealership. Some 18 year old punk kid owned it before me but I am almost positive that the suspension and everything is all stock. So it shouldn't be a problem with someone putting in springs that are too small or not tightening the bolts down... Oh, I found where the struts mount under the rear deck. Its great how difficult Mazdsa made it to get to them. I didn't try to remove the seatblets to mess around in there but from what I could see, everything looks tight. Shrug..I'm no mechanic.

 

Chances are it's the infamous rear sway bar, or rather the end links, that are clunking. I'd take a look at that. Also, the rear struts are fairly easy to get to. You don't need to touch the seatbelts, there are 3 bolts or clips, I don't remember, and the whole rear deck slides forward. I'd bet on the end links though.

 

yeah MP3 suspension is notoriously clunky and noisey. However it's mostly from the rear. You're saying you have front strut noise??

I would suggest dropping the strut assembly out of the tower and spray it down with a Lithium grease or vaseline. Sometimes you just get a little metal on metal and need something to lubricate it.

 

Thanks for the info. Hopefully it's something as easy as the end links. It seams to be a common problem from what you guys are saying. So what is the trick to fixing it? Do you have to replace the end links completely or is it as easy as just replacing the bushings? I figure if it happens alot there must be a diagram somewhere or some instructions on how to fix the problem. Yeah, only the rear end clunks. Up front, the strust just make a squeaking noise when I go over speed bumps and stuff. They probably just need to be lubed up or something. If you you guys could post a link to more info on the strut bar it would be a great help. Thanks for your info.

 

If it is the endlinks, then yes, you will need new ones. You should get the updated parts from the dealer by now. What Roddimus Prime was referring to up front was dropping out the whole strut/spring assembly, nothing to do with the strut tower bar. Anyways, good luck with your solving the problem!