Harsh/Stiff Ride (Noises!!)

[jaman]

My dad's got a 2000 LX (ES in US) with the 1.8L engine. Its got about 105k kms (62k mi). I've noticed that the ride, especially over small bumps, or even just road seams, is getting worse. There is a definite cluking/rattling noise coming from the front end. Has anybody had similar problems? Any idea what I should be looking for?

I've already had the front anti-roll bar bushings replaced to solve a clucking that appeared at about 80k kms.

Thanks

ps Comparing to my 2003 P5, my dad's protege seems like its 10yrs old, at least in the quality of the ride, a bit disappointing.

[mazdadan]

Originally posted by jaman
My dad's got a 2000 LX (ES in US) with the 1.8L engine. Its got about 105k kms (62k mi). I've noticed that the ride, especially over small bumps, or even just road seams, is getting worse. There is a definite cluking/rattling noise coming from the front end. Has anybody had similar problems? Any idea what I should be looking for?

Check the sway bar end links for excessive play or breakage. For some reason, Mazda used sway bar hardware (bushings and end links) that are prone to failure. If you do a search, there are many owners with creaking and clunking suspension. The rear suspension seems to be worse than the front for most people.