metal on metal noise from lower left front

[ivan]

I have a 2011 MS3 with 2K miles.

I am noticing a solid metal on metal clank! noise coming from the front left (cannot figure out whether is linkage, motor mounts, etc) when chaging surface angles, e.g. road to garage ramp, specially when backing up.

Taking to the dealer today, if anyone has experienced something similar would appreciate comments

[dunston]

I have no idea, but let us know what the dealer says it was.

[warlord]

I'm interested in what the dealer has to say also. Since day one I've had a hard rattle on the front left side when I make a sharp right turn into my driveway. I should have had it checked out before I started modding the suspension on my car. In the eighteen months I've owned the car it hasn't gotten any worse.

[sliverworm]

I personally have dealt with alot of random noises like the one you've described. They're fixed now though! It turned out to be the striker plate on the door and also a meal piece under the dash that was over torqued and off center. Try having the dealership check these places and I'll be thats whats causing the trouble.

[santiagom]

What you are experiencing is bad subframe bushings. I had to take my car in 3 times before the service manager figured out that Mazda had TSB out for this issue. It usually happens when the car sits for a little bit. I would get that noise while backing out of my driveway making a hard right. I actually had my subframe bushings replaced Friday and no longer have that issue.

[Crazyflip7]

I'm having the same problem but let us know what the dealer says

[Homer3D]

I have the same issue but on the front right. I too usually only hear it when the car has been sitting for a while. This morning pulling out of the driveway I heard it. It usually goes away in about half a mile or so of driving. I haven't bothered taking it to the dealer because I know once I get there, the sound will be gone.

[santiagom]

I had to leave the Mazda over night. The next morning I drove the car myself with a service tech and duplicated the problem. If they tell you that it's the sway bar bushings, they are wrong. They replaced this the first time and I still had the same problem. It took for me to call Mazda Corp to get this problem fixed by letting the dealer know that the subframe bushings were the problem.

[ivan]

Dear all,

great useful info. The dealer did not not find anything wrong at first sight but asked me to bring it again tomorrow and leave it overnight. Same here, it happens usually after the car has been parked for a while (e.g first thing inthe morning) and I was wrogn on my initial post, is on the right side. Thank you !

[ivan]

OK, follow up to date, car is inthe dealer. they called me and said noise was coming from where the motor meets the hood due to a faulty seal () Told them it did not sound logic as sound is coming from the lower right side and is very distinct. One more day and let's see what they have to say...