- My model of MX-5 is: ND 2018 Z Sport
- I’m based near: Edinburgh
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: rear suspension fix
There are various kits available now. Andrew Leslie does one with tools to change, and there are others, I believe Rodders does the poly bush replacements
Hi folks. I’ve had this issue for a couple of years now and have just put up with it. However, it’s now presented itself as an advisory on my MOT.
I’ve read a decent amount about it, but am looking for advice as to what to do now as I know the Mazda original parts replace the whole part and not just the faulty bushes, at vast expense each side (and I assume the same could happen again).
It’s the dull clunk/rattle at slow speed over uneven surfaces. I’ve never heard it at higher speeds over uneven surfaces or bumps.
I just want to know what to order and if my local garage, which is excellent by the way, will have the tools to replace the bushes that are wearing, and how exactly are the worn bushes identified?
Any suggestions/ideas appreciated, as the noise is now actually detracting from the pleasure of driving the car.
Thanks Ian, much appreviated. What do I ask for and should I check with my garage that they can fit before I order the parts? Is it always the same bushes that cause the problem?
I’ve had an NA Eunos Roadster, an NB2 Phoenix and now this ND, and have never had suspension issues before., a real pity actually.
I haven’t had the problem, yet. but here’s a link to other posts on the subject
I think Andrew Leslie is contactable via Facebook?
I read of a Brian Mcleod making these, with a fitting tool - does he still do this and is he in the UK?
I think it’s a case of chose one to contact, that’s best for you, and ask the question.
Apparently, as per the TSB issued, an improved part has been used/developed, so hopefully if one goes the Mazda route, it won’t be reaccuring.
Great, thank you both for your input. My car has only 33k miles, and gentle miles at that, so very surprised to find this issue on such a new car.
Yes, that’s a bit scary. I’ve also been very gentle with it and, being selfish, it isn’t the best to read someone has had the bearing(s) fail in low miles (and I presume less miles than 33K too as you mentioned you lived with it for a few years). Worse still is that they’d replace them if you’d have done those miles under warranty, but you’ll no doubt be on your own now.
My car has just clicked 21k miles on a 2016 ND1. I have suspected a bushing is the cause of my squeak and will confirm that this weekend. The previous owner had carried on for the complete Mazda service history and the last couple of years complained to find the squeak when in for servicing and it says no squeak was found by the workshop. So, even with 18k miles on the suspct had been squeaking ( if it is the bushes) and the dealer had chosen to ignore.
My local Mazda dealer in Newbury had been good to a friend who hypermiled various 6’s and even at 75k miles when a gearbox decided to not play 3rd and wasnt in warranty, they paid ( via Mazda at a guess) 80% of the repair. So, do you approach dealers with a known fault at 20 or 30k miles and ask the question ?
Given it’s a known issue it could be worth a shot. Having full Mazda service history might help (if I read your reply correctly), and you could mention the prior owner’s requests to investigate the noise. When I was having mine serviced (an '18 plate), out of interest I asked if my bushes went pop, would they contribute. He said they’re good up until 5 years helping out, but where do you draw the line. Meaning, do they contribute if a car was 16K miles, but 18 years old etc. My own hasn’t even hit a big pothole (touch wood) yet, and whilst it is the UK after all, the roads aren’t as bad where I am either, compared to other places, so I’d be peeved if I get it.
Good luck, and I think you should at least try to make an argument for some help. after all, what’s the worst that can happen? They can only say no.
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I get this too. It is like two pieces of metal banging together? Clunking together? It happens over potholes. Initially I thought it was the exhaust. I have heard it is a common issue on the MX5 and has something to do with a part (rubber) that connects the damper/coil with some other part?
It does not happen at high speed like you said but when at low speed going over a pothole that also has a deep dip in the road due to the road sinking in it happens. Strange.
I have now had Brian’s (MechanicalDesigner) bearings fitted. Car is finally now quiet.
I’d like to commend Brian on his professionalism and the time he took to answer my queries. My local garage fitted them, with no issues.
I’d have fitted these myself had I not retired and sold most of my tools, but finally happy that the rear knocking has gone.
Poor show that Mazda didn’t just own up and pay up…
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Did you ask them?
No, I never asked them. My car does not have a full Mazda service history, and is now six years old, so i didn’t waste my time asking them.
I also couldn’t be bothered with the stress and hassle of it all.
Yes, fair enough.
If you’d have had full MAZDA service history and a service manager who you’d have seen/spoke to/‘knows’ you etc it might have been worth a shot, but still, at 6 years, a distant one.
There are 4 bushes in total, 2 on each rear hub. The lower one on each hub is usually the one to wear first and some folks just replace the lower ones. I would suggest that whilst doing the job, all 4 are replaced. Brian McCloud charged me last December, £300 for 4 bushes, the tool set which allows fitting without removing the hub and therefore saves a lot of labour time is £60. Postage is around £20. You get 2 years parts warranty and can pay by direct bank transfer or paypal. My local garage fitted them and I paid 1.5 hours labour. His email is: bmceng@hotmail.co.uk
Hope this helps.
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Good job more people are talking about this issue on the forums.
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I will just post my experience. Mazda local dealer want to charge a high diagnostic fee. This will be waived if fault is found.
But they cannot tell me beforehand whether the part is covered under warranty. I have the approved used warranty.
Car had only done about 9,500 miles but was at the time approaching 7 years old.
There was a technical service bulletin issued too.
Thanks.
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