So, I don't know if the problem is common or not, but, I have an 02 Pro5, and there's a clunking noise in the front end. It started out fairly subtle, now it's getting pretty violent (and amusingly, keeps the car more or less straight when it happens, despite my dire need of an alignment). I was just hoping you guys may know what this is to save some time trying to diagnose it myself, or at least narrow it down to the likely suspects. It happens most often around about 50 mph and up, and obviously gets worse the faster I go.
Clunking Noise
- Thread starter Tw1g007
- Start date
Constant sound, when I accelerate from a full stop it kinda creeps up and by the time I'm up to speed my whole car is shaking, at least the front is.
It's hard to tell. I kinda want to say both, but I could be wrong.
Whole car, and it's not a consistent problem either. It happens sorta frequently, but not every time I drive.
hm, i would say start off by jacking up one front wheel at a time and spin it to see if it feels like its locking up or dragging and see if you hear the noise if you feel anything on one side take the wheel off and inspect your brakes for issues first but if it has an issue spinning freely it may end up needing a wheel bearing. do your brakes pulsate through the pedal or wheel shake when you apply them? check the ball joints as well but with it seeming to be speed sensitive i would say brakes or wheel bearing would be your issue just from what info your able to give me here. and with it not happening every time it sounds more like a wheel bearing as it maybe starting to lock up but have times when it moves freely and times it does not
Thanks for the help, I'll check it out as soon as I can.
**Update**
Jacked the car up and tried to spin the front wheels. The drivers side wouldn't budge, the passenger side moved fairly easily, but it was making a slight scraping noise like the brakes were dragging on it. So, I already have to do the rear brakes, should I do the front as well? Or is it something else?
BTW, is CarID a reliable place for parts? They were cheaper than O'Reilly's for brake parts, but I don't know if they're a reputable vendor to buy from, thanks.
Jacked the car up and tried to spin the front wheels. The drivers side wouldn't budge, the passenger side moved fairly easily, but it was making a slight scraping noise like the brakes were dragging on it. So, I already have to do the rear brakes, should I do the front as well? Or is it something else?
BTW, is CarID a reliable place for parts? They were cheaper than O'Reilly's for brake parts, but I don't know if they're a reputable vendor to buy from, thanks.
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
Sounds like a completely destroyed wheel bearing, if it's too far gone you may need a new hub.
Okay, thanks for the information. I'll look into it soon. If I take off the hub and it's dry, that means it's shot correct? And as far as the rubbing, is that normal or do I need brake work on the front?
*edit*
P.S. Would a new hub assembly take care of the wheel bearing and the hub both?
These cars use press in bearings. When the bearing starts to seize, the inner race often begins to spin around the hub, ruining them both. So if you find that they are eaten into, you'll need both the hub and wheel bearing. You cannot get a hub bearing assembly for these, just the hub and bearing. Different designs.
Try to take the brake caliper off of the side that is stuck. If it is stuck and the piston won't compress, the caliper is seized. If you remove the caliper and it still doesn't turn, the wheel bearing is most likely at fault.
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Here's my wheel bearing thread,.. It can be a big PITA...
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123830659-Bearing-Replacement-With-Video&highlight=
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123830659-Bearing-Replacement-With-Video&highlight=
