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Suspension/Tire probs 2000 Mazda Protege


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bohottie
Novice

Jan 22, 2011, 12:54 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3128 views)
Suspension/Tire probs 2000 Mazda Protege Sign In

Car: 2000 Mazda Protege ES
Engine: 1.8L 4 cyl
Mileage: 135800

Problem: Thumping noise coming from front drivers side. Almost sounds like a flat tire. My tires aren't flat, though.

What I've tried:
-Tire rotation
-Proper inflation
-Replaced front sway bar links

I thought it had something to do with one of the tires. They're Kumho Ecsta ASX's and only have 30K miles on them; the treads are still pretty good. Is it possible that they're out of alignment? Any other ideas? Is this a safety issue?

Thanks a lot for your help!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 23, 2011, 7:44 AM

Post #2 of 4 (3114 views)
Re: Suspension/Tire probs 2000 Mazda Protege Sign In

Did the "thumping" change at all with rotating tires? Does it go away (especially if very cold where you are) after a few miles or so? If tires have nylon plies they can do that when cold but it quits. That's no so common anymore but on the maybe list.

If this stayed the same with what you've done you really to be checking out everything to do with front end parts. A wheel bearing could do this but usually that would be more pronounced with turning or get better or worse with various driving conditions.

Alignment alone shouldn't be the cause but need to check it all including brakes.

Look carefully again at tires. If they show scalloping that will make noise even if tread is still legal.

Without being there I tend to think a wheel bearing or brake issue is most likely but need to rule it all out,

T

PS: Tire cupping or scalloping can look like this if so........




Hope the pic shows?



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jan 23, 2011, 7:46 AM)


bohottie
Novice

Jan 23, 2011, 8:59 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3108 views)
Re: Suspension/Tire probs 2000 Mazda Protege Sign In

I actually think that these tires have nylon-reinforced piles. There wasn't any noticeable change in sound after the tires were rotated.

However, the sound does seem to be much quieter when there's a bend left in the road and I have to bear left. Conversely, the sound seems to get louder when I have to bear right at speed. I think I may have ruled out that it's the actual tire that is making the sound because they seem good, properly inflated, and I rotated them.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 23, 2011, 9:15 AM

Post #4 of 4 (3106 views)
Re: Suspension/Tire probs 2000 Mazda Protege Sign In

OK: Changes with a left or right bend in road is common for wheel bearing failures. Car needs to be hoisted and wheels spun and they should make themselves apparent to a trained ear or if any freeplay.

Safety of that is critical. We just can't know how long a bad bearing will last. A day or a year - I've seen both. If like some older ones and that's what is determined they used to be pressed on not just a quick bolt on a new one and of course gets pricey. So does an accident over it!

Should only take a trained tech a few minutes to verify this and too important to neglect,

T







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