The Car that Goes Crunch........

[kevducridr]

no longer goes crunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woooooohooooo! I had my updated front bushings installed on my MSP last night and let me tell you the drive to work this morning was all quiet. The part number suffix was 156A, I'm guessing the A is the ECI designator in this case. The temps here in Michigan were a balmy 4 degree low last night and a high of 15 degrees for today. I will keep you all posted in the future as to how they are holding out, but right now they are quiet with no lubage used. (drinks) (boobs) (beer) (thumb)

[No.5]

Questions:

(1)Is your car parked in a garage overnight? (2)If you take your car to work, is it parked underground or above ground? (3)Who's your Dealership?

One day may be too premature to start partying....wait a bit.

[Go Mifune]

Was this warranty work done by mazda? That crunch is driving me insane!

[kevducridr]

Number 5, in answer to your questions:

1. My car is parked in a garage everynight that is not heated, also prior to the new parts being installed. The garage temp this morning was a balmy 18-19 degrees. The crunch was there in any temps below 40-50 degrees previously, worse in sub freezing temps.

2. My car is parked in a parking garage above ground everyday in approximately the same location everyday. I drive to and from work on the same 5 mile stint everyday and there are about 10-12 spots along the route that cause the "crunch" everyday it is cold. The parking garage is very open and it is cold, "digital temp gauge" at home so no measurements for you.

3. My dealer is Cook Imports in Farmington Hills, Mi. They have not gotten any MSPs in for this repair or complaint, mine was the first. I used to be a Nissan service writer/asst. service mgr. there before going to work for Toyota Tsusho in a corp. gig. In light of this, I have a bigger listening ear than the average customer may. My recommendation when/if you take yours in is to take them for a ride with you OR leave the car overnight with them and be sure to specify that it happens only in cold temps. The more info you give them, the better chance they have of finding/duplicating the problem. Don't let them brush you off either. Also don't mention that you heard it on the internet that there was a problem until after you give them an "honest" opportunity to check the car out based on your input. Most dealers and techs don't like to hear "I heard it on the internet" because often times people don't educate themselves or trouble shoot fully on things they read before they make sure the problem applies to their model/year/etc. Good luck everyone, hopefully you have access to a better than average dealer.

The repairs were done totally under warranty. I ordered these bushings over 3 weeks ago and they had been on backorder. I assumed that the b/o was due to the ECI. We shall see.

I consider myself more analytical than the average joe, so I planned my trip this morning as a test. The test will be concluded this afternoon when I leave as there is a large rise in/out of the parking garage that made the suspension "crunch" everytime in and out of the garage. I will post more findings later tonight. In the temps we are getting right now here in Michigan (zero degrees forecast tonight as the low before windchill) the crunch really didn't go away even with extended driving. It gets better as the suspension warms up from usage.

[Stormtrooper77]

kevducridr: I had my front bushings replaces as well. Just for the hell of it to see what the dealer would say or do. I knew that this was just a lube issue, but I had to find out. Anyway, they replaced the bushings no questions asked. I drove off and about 10 minutes into the drive...crunch. Oh well, I got new bushings. But maybe your dealer lubed them as well. If not, wait a couple of days.

[No.5]

Oh, there's no dispute about producing the sound for my Dealership...they know it exists (they've heard it). Up until this point I've been more concerend about the rear, but the E's so far have been quiet for me. So, now target the front, which I've brought to my Dealer's attention, but I'm going to suggest possibly your route, but I need more than 1 day testing to be sure.

How did your dealership (or you) come to the determination that the 156 A's were going to be the replacement?

[kevducridr]

Stormtrooper77 wrote:
kevducridr: I had my front bushings replaces as well. Just for the hell of it to see what the dealer would say or do. I knew that this was just a lube issue, but I had to find out. Anyway, they replaced the bushings no questions asked. I drove off and about 10 minutes into the drive...crunch. Oh well, I got new bushings. But maybe your dealer lubed them as well. If not, wait a couple of days.

Check your paperwork and verify the p/n they used. They used no lube as I stood by and watched the entire repair, about 15 minutes because of the tight location compared to the rears. I also had the rears replaced 3 weeks ago and have about 2500 miles on them with no reoccurance of clunking.


No. 5 wrote:
Oh, there's no dispute about producing the sound for my Dealership...they know it exists (they've heard it). Up until this point I've been more concerend about the rear, but the E's so far have been quiet for me. So, now target the front, which I've brought to my Dealer's attention, but I'm going to suggest possibly your route, but I need more than 1 day testing to be sure.

My statement is general and not directed at you specifically regarding whether it exists or not. Trying to help the masses. :) I agree that 1 day is not enough, I will continue to monitor the situation. As far as determining that they are the replacements, autoparts is what I now do for a living. ECI's are common and letter designators such as A, B, C or in the case of the E on the rear bushing denotes each following ECI for that specific part number. Now if a part is completely washed and they redesign it significantly then they supercede the p/n to a "replacement" part number. In this case the A denotes a first revision and the backorder was due to the ECI.

I was just happy that late last night after leaving my car outside in 10-15 degree weather for 4 hours and then driving it with no crunching and then driving in to work today again in sub-freezing temps with no crunching was a positive thing.

Like I said, just trying to help out other MSP owners that may be having this problem and that there is a possible solution for it. Just crossing my fingers like the rest. ;)

[No.5]

Cool, kevducridr please keep posting updates as to your situation.

Sounds like a glimmer of hope.....

[kevducridr]

Well No. 5 drove the car home, still no crunching. I think we have this thing licked. I will do follow up later next week. :)

[Fast lane]

i ve got those same bushings on my car and the mazda dealership order them for me when i purchased the car and put them on when they came in and i havent had the squeek/crunch noise in about a month..i live in NJ were it hasnt been out of the 20's for weeks now.

[doctor]

I have had the new bushings for about 2 months now and no noises have returned. I live in balmy Vermont where the temp. hasn't been above 15F for about a month. It was -38F last weekend and I drove it with no squeeks or klunks. Maybe my ears were frozen!

[No.5]

Originally posted by Fast lane
i ve got those same bushings on my car and the mazda dealership order them for me when i purchased the car and put them on when they came in and i havent had the squeek/crunch noise in about a month..i live in NJ were it hasnt been out of the 20's for weeks now.

Really, well with more case studies, this is looking even more promising.

How many others have had the front bushings swapped for 156A's but are just being silent about it?

[No.5]

Originally posted by Stormtrooper77
kevducridr: I had my front bushings replaces as well. Just for the hell of it to see what the dealer would say or do. I knew that this was just a lube issue, but I had to find out. Anyway, they replaced the bushings no questions asked. I drove off and about 10 minutes into the drive...crunch. Oh well, I got new bushings. But maybe your dealer lubed them as well. If not, wait a couple of days.

Stormtrooper77 - what Bushing's (#) were installed on your car?

[Speed_ESQ]

No.5,

After having these -40 C temps, I finally got to experience the crunch that you've told me about about :(. I've also had my rear clunck a few times as well, so right now I'm wondering what version of rear bushings I have? Time to pull out the service records :).

[No.5]

Originally posted by Speed_ESQ
No.5,

After having these -40 C temps, I finally got to experience the crunch that you've told me about about :(. I've also had my rear clunck a few times as well, so right now I'm wondering what version of rear bushings I have? Time to pull out the service records :).

Hehe, welcome to the club...I'm just surprised you haven't heard it earlier.

Yep, check your records, 'cause my E's have been great so far.

[Stormtrooper77]

No.5: I will have to go home and check my invoice.

[FBI14]

So are the 156A's a "fix" for the crunch or what, or did you just go in and get new front brushings

[kevducridr]

I didn't have time to see if there was an actual bulletin while there, so I can't say. ;) I have to go back next week, so I plan on getting any/all the bulletin numbers for the known issues on the MSP.

[FBI14]

Softer? Thats not something I wanna hear exactly, did you feel difference in handling at all...
Sorry way off topic...But cati's kick ass Id love to get a monster 620 someday... that naked look ohhh sooooo sexy

[kevducridr]

The car handles just fine, not that I can go out and push all that hard with winter tires and 10 degree temps out. I know everyone wants to be skeptical about anything regarding warranty/Mazda dealer stuff, but I thought it helpful to everyone that is irritated by the crunching of the OEM bushings considering that it is now gone. Like I posted earlier, it remains to be seen if it lasts. But for cripes sake I am willing to take a chance if it repairs the car. :)

Oh, and don't waste your time on 620 monster, get a 1000 with the new DS motor. You would grow out of the 620 very quickly. :)

[No.5]

As far as I know, there is NO TSB out yet on this.

[kevducridr]

Probably not. I will check into it anyway. :)

[stevesMSP]

they put 156E's on my car. For the rear stabilizer no problems yet its been 3 weeks

[LaserBlueMSP]

the crunch is even more annoying than the clunk to me. i took mine to cook imports ( wich is where i bought the car) and i was kinda pressed for time. they couldnt figure it out. and after the bushings heated up in their garage it didnt do it for the entire day. and sure enough the next day it came back. but i truly hope that is the fix for the problem cause mine is driving me insane.also if this is the problem... what was your mechanics name?
Kris

[FBI14]

Originally posted by kevducridr


Oh, and don't waste your time on 620 monster, get a 1000 with the new DS motor. You would grow out of the 620 very quickly. :)

Id like to see my grand kids grow up someday.....

[kevducridr]

My friends, bikes and cars are alot like guns. When used with intelligence and respect they can be alot of fun, but in the hands of an idiot, they are deadly. Ride or drive with respect for the vehicle and you will live to know your grand kids. :cool:

Dan Brinkman is the tech. Like I said, mine was the first one that they had really heard of the front bushing problem. Probably because many people had not brought them in. Talk to Brad Mercer the Service writer for Mazda and tell him Kevin sent you. They will have to order the bushing for you, they may still be on b/o. :)

[FBI14]

I know many great careful bike riders that have gotten F'd simply becasue other people are stupid and thats not much you can do in those situations

Thanks for the Info about the burshings

[kevducridr]

You are right, sometimes no matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. But that is the case in a car, on a plane or on a bike. All you can do is account for yourself and your own actions and try to watch out for all the jackasses out there. :)

Well put an additional two days plus this morning's commute with around 200 miles on since Thursday and not one crunch. The temps have continued to be sub 20 degrees over the weekend. I think we have a winner folks. :D I will post more updates later. ;)

[kevducridr]

Well it has been a week and about 400 miles since the change and still no noise coming from the front bushings. (headbang)

[No.5]

Well it has been a week and about 400 miles since the change and still no noise coming from the front bushings. (headbang)

(cool) , keep the updates flowing.

[No.5]

No.5: I will have to go home and check my invoice.
Stormtrooper77 - have you checked your invoice yet?

[Stormtrooper77]

Ah shit! Totally forgot. Thanks for the reminder.

[scott42]

Hey Fellas, plan on having the front bushings replaced once a year, with some lube. That's been my experience so far, over the past 2 years with the mp3...actually about every 8-9 months should be about right (that's based on Pennsylvania weather)
(thumb) Same part numbers and all.

[kevducridr]

Hey Fellas, plan on having the front bushings replaced once a year, with some lube. That's been my experience so far, over the past 2 years with the mp3...actually about every 8-9 months should be about right (that's based on Pennsylvania weather)
(thumb) Same part numbers and all.Hmmmm......very interesting. Thanks for the info. :) Well I'll keep everyone updated as to the lifespan of mine then. Maybe Mazda needs to root out the real causes of these bushing issues, like mounts like some others have found and make it a "real" repair. ;)

[Stormtrooper77]

Okay, here's the info on my invoice:

COMPLAINT: CREAKING IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS
CAUSE: FRONT STAB BUSHINGS WORN
CORRECTION: REPLACE FRONT STABILIZER BUSHINGS. CHECKED-OK.

FP-NUMBER: BN7H-34-156

The creak/crunch is still there. Actually, this never even got rid of it.

[No.5]

Okay, here's the info on my invoice:

COMPLAINT: CREAKING IN FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS
CAUSE: FRONT STAB BUSHINGS WORN
CORRECTION: REPLACE FRONT STABILIZER BUSHINGS. CHECKED-OK.

FP-NUMBER: BN7H-34-156

The creak/crunch is still there. Actually, this never even got rid of it.

So, Technically according to what Kevucridr stated, you don't have the same bushings since the "A's" are an updated version.

<b>And in your case,.....sure they checked OK 'cause the bushings weren't cold. Damn dealership!</b>

[kevducridr]

Then as I suspected the (156A) is the revision of the original part. You need to go back and have them do it again with the newer part. (pow) lol Mine is still as quiet as ever. ;)

[kevducridr]

Well I have now over 600 miles and two weeks in Michigan on the new front bushings and no reoccurance of crunching.

P.S. the rears are holding up beautifully also. Almost 3500 miles on those.

[No.5]

Well I have now over 600 miles and two weeks in Michigan on the new front bushings and no reoccurance of crunching.

P.S. the rears are holding up beautifully also. Almost 3500 miles on those.
I've been denied any changes to the front-bushings under warrenty. If I want to replace them, I'm told it will be at my own expense.

[kevducridr]

Say what????? Find another dealer my friend. Was that the dealer talking or Mazda? If it was the dealer I would call and file a complaint with Mazda Customer Service. If you didn't live in Canada I would see what I could do for you at the place I used to work.


P.S. I have almost 4600 (1600 since the update) miles on the car now and still no "crunching".

[No.5]

Say what????? Find another dealer my friend. Was that the dealer talking or Mazda? If it was the dealer I would call and file a complaint with Mazda Customer Service. If you didn't live in Canada I would see what I could do for you at the place I used to work.


P.S. I have almost 4600 (1600 since the update) miles on the car now and still no "crunching".It was the Dealer. Long story short, you only have so many dealerships that you can got to. I guess they cite that if there in no TSB, then there's no need to fix under Warranty.

I have another avenue I'm going to pursue, 'cause trust me Kevducridr, I bet I have it worse than you did prior to your replacement.

[kevducridr]

I think Mazda would be interested in knowing their position. That is not right. They cannot do that. If there is a verified complaint (problem) with your car, they have to fix it, TSB or not. Good luck, whatever path you choose.

[girth]

I think Mazda would be interested in knowing their position. That is not right. They cannot do that. If there is a verified complaint (problem) with your car, they have to fix it, TSB or not.
Not necessarily - many (most?) dealers just say "that's normal for this car's performance suspension - that's why there's no TSB." That's what my dealer told me. Can't complain about it because it would mean a 200 mile drive to the next dealer....only to probably be told the same damn thing. If I was allowed to detonate 1 bomb in my lifetime without taking responsibility, it would be at a car dealership while wearing a huge smile on my puss.

[kevducridr]

The crunching noise is not normal. Its well documented among owners in cold climates. The 156A part is an ECI as stated earlier in the thread. It repairs the problem, whether it comes back or not I can't say. I understand about "performance" suspensions. That is not normal. Squeeking yes, crunching no. Girth I worked at a dealer, that is BS. Take one of them with you for a drive when it will crunch or leave the car overnight for them to verify. Better yet, ask the service manager to drive your car home for the night. If a tech verifies a problem on a car they SHOULD fix it. They are blowing you off over $ 20.00 worth of parts. That is crap. The job pays 4 hours, but takes an experienced tech 20 minutes to complete if they know what they are doing. The book wants the frame crossmember dropped and all that crap its not even necessary. I watched mine being replaced.

[swimmingweasel]

The crunching noise is not normal. Its well documented among owners in cold climates. The 156A part is an ECI as stated earlier in the thread. It repairs the problem, whether it comes back or not I can't say. I understand about "performance" suspensions. That is not normal. Squeeking yes, crunching no. Girth I worked at a dealer, that is BS. Take one of them with you for a drive when it will crunch or leave the car overnight for them to verify. Better yet, ask the service manager to drive your car home for the night. If a tech verifies a problem on a car they SHOULD fix it. They are blowing you off over $ 20.00 worth of parts. That is crap. The job pays 4 hours, but takes an experienced tech 20 minutes to complete if they know what they are doing. The book wants the frame crossmember dropped and all that crap its not even necessary. I watched mine being replaced.

Well, I'm having my car in for the 4th time tommorow. The dealership won't listen to me up to this point about the front or rear bushings. They did replace the rear ones in an effort to fix the front ones though. So atleast one of them is done. I'll try to talk some sense into the guy when he goes for a ride. If they'll fix it...well...we'll have to see about that.

[No.5]

Well, the rears are really a Null-Factor since there is a TSB out with replacement parts. So technically they had to replace the rear.



Well, I'm having my car in for the 4th time tommorow. The dealership won't listen to me up to this point about the front or rear bushings. They did replace the rear ones in an effort to fix the front ones though. So atleast one of them is done. I'll try to talk some sense into the guy when he goes for a ride. If they'll fix it...well...we'll have to see about that.

[swimmingweasel]

I was unaware, but that's a good explanation on why they got fixed then.

[No.5]

Mazda Canada has released a new bushing to the Dealership I go to. I'm still a little unclear if there will be a TSB released as well, but seems like this part will alleviate the front-creaking that affects some MSP owners.

Stay tuned...I'll provide more information once they are put on my car (yippy)

My contact at Mazda Canada Customer Relations has been awesome in helping me. If any Mazda Exec's are reading this, give him/her (you know who it is) a Bonus Raise.

[kevducridr]

Generally they will only release a TSB on a problem if there is a high PPM (parts per million) count. If they get enough complaints and repairs on this they will eventually release a TSB as they did with the rears. Good work calling Mazda to get it handled. A small lesson for the dealer you go to. (lol2) Good luck, keep us posted.

[girth]

Girth I worked at a dealer, that is BS. Take one of them with you for a drive when it will crunch or leave the car overnight for them to verify. Better yet, ask the service manager to drive your car home for the night. If a tech verifies a problem on a car they SHOULD fix it. They are blowing you off over $ 20.00 worth of parts. That is crap. The job pays 4 hours, but takes an experienced tech 20 minutes to complete if they know what they are doing. The book wants the frame crossmember dropped and all that crap its not even necessary. I watched mine being replaced.
Interesting....I know it's not not normal but my dealer doesn't care. I told him it crunched and he didn't deny the existance of it, he just said "that's normal." At that point, what can I say or do?

I'm going in for the coolant leak yet AGAIN (waiting for them to call me) and I'll try stressing them to look for a new bushing 156A for the front. Hopefully I can get somewhere this time. It's starting to piss me off because today it was crunching even though it was 40* F out.

[kevducridr]

With regard to the dealer not caring, get the Mazda district service manager involved through customer service. The dealership won't have a choice. Or you can always go to another dealer. Mazda is always interested in helping customers with legitimate concerns. This is one. The dealer is probably tired of dealing with you and doing anything to blow you off so you stop going there. Just my opinion, I've seen it a million times. Before working as a service writer in the auto biz I was a service writer and a parts manager in the motorcycle biz. I have over 10 years experience working in dealerships. Trust me on this one. If you are not getting satisfaction from them, go to the manufacturer with your concerns. Mind you will not want to take the screaming asshole approach but think out what you want to say and they will listen and in most cases take action. Good luck. I can't believe the number of people that are given a hard time by their dealers. Makes me queezy. (sick) I'd like to bitch slap each and every one of those supposed "customer service" reps. :mad:

[swimmingweasel]

No. 5...has there been an update about these at all. I'm having my car in to be worked on for like the 5th or 6th time now for the same problem, and this time they are going to do what I ask. They told me that it was just the "sporty suspension", but I kept telling them others were having a problem. Eventually, I offered to pay for stuff, and if it fixed it, to be somehow re-imbursed. Well, they told me to print out the forum stuff (working on getting it all now) and bring it in with the part numbers, etc. So before I do that, I want to now if there is anything new on the horizon.

[girth]

Well, I'll add my little update to this. I went in to my dealer and told them there is a new part number released for the front bushings - please order them and I'll pay for them myself. He said a new part number doesn't always mean it's a new part - it could just be coming from a different supplier, etc etc etc. I told him to order it anyway. He did and when it came in he noticed that it IS different from the previous part, so at that point he agreed to put them in under warrenty. I'll get a good test of it tomorrow whether it has solved the crunch for me or not. My old ones were crunching in 40*F weather. While he was at it he also replaced the rears with another set of the E's. So I got new bushings all around - very happy that the dealership took care of me for once. I still have a big F.U. reserved for MazdaUSA though for not having a Tech Tip or TSB released for the front crunching. It is complete BS that after 3 years there's still nothing on the fronts for us.

[swimmingweasel]

Well, I'll add my little update to this. I went in to my dealer and told them there is a new part number released for the front bushings - please order them and I'll pay for them myself. He said a new part number doesn't always mean it's a new part - it could just be coming from a different supplier, etc etc etc. I told him to order it anyway. He did and when it came in he noticed that it IS different from the previous part, so at that point he agreed to put them in under warrenty. I'll get a good test of it tomorrow whether it has solved the crunch for me or not. My old ones were crunching in 40*F weather. While he was at it he also replaced the rears with another set of the E's. So I got new bushings all around - very happy that the dealership took care of me for once. I still have a big F.U. reserved for MazdaUSA though for not having a Tech Tip or TSB released for the front crunching. It is complete BS that after 3 years there's still nothing on the fronts for us.


Please do update me on if it fixes it (cheers2)

[kevducridr]

I have now had the 126A parts on my car for 3 months and about 3500 miles and I have had no reoccurance of the "crunch". Go get them installed on your car if you're having this problem. (mswerd)

[Wingman21]

What's the exact # for the new front bushing (not just 156A (or 126A :confused: ) but the complete number) !?


Thanks

[No.5]

Gang, I've taken a temporary leave of absence from this Forum due to some personal issues right now. However, as an FYI..., I'm scheduled to get the new Front Bushings tomorrow (they were back ordered for a bit). IF the work-order states the bushing part #, I'll post it tomorrow.

No.5

[kevducridr]

What's the exact # for the new front bushing (not just 156A (or 126A :confused: ) but the complete number) !?


Thanks
Oops, brain fade I meant to say BN7H-34-156A. Sorry for the confusion. (bang) I need my Ginko Biloba. I was the first person that I know of on the board to have these installed. The parts on our car off the line are BN7H-34-156. The "A" at the end is an ECI (Engineering Change). So far so good for me. I also have the rear bushings replaced with the E versions and they are quiet as well. I now have like I said about 3500 miles on the car since the changes.

[No.5]

Oops, brain fade I meant to say BN7H-34-156A.
Yep - got them replaced today and the part # is BN7H-34-156A.

Left the dealership and it was Quiet. Hurray.......Finally.

Covered under Warranty too.

[kevducridr]

Good for you bro. (drunk)

[t3ase]

Thread moved to MSP Rims, Tires, & Suspension.