Clanging in back of Mazda 3

Question

I have a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan with ~100,000 miles on it (it's the 2.0L version). Last October, I noticed a significant clanging noise that was coming from the rear of the vehicle whenever I went over some small bump. I was told I had a rear spring that was broken, and had both of the rear springs replaced.

Recently, I have noticed a similar clanging sound coming from the back of the vehicle. I took it to a couple of mechanics, and they said that the rear sway bar links needed to be replaced, and showed me how they were loose and had some give in them.

I performed this replacement myself last weekend, and I've noticed that, for the most part, the clanging has gone away. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone away completely. When I go over a major bump, like a speed bump or other major incline with a sharp drop, I still notice a sound like I noticed before.

It's not as significant as I previously noticed, but I'm kind of at the end of what I know in terms of troubleshooting. If possible, I'd like to fix this myself, because I am trying to learn more about how my vehicle works. I don't know how to go about diagnosing the problem, though.

Could it be that I installed the rear sway bar links incorrectly? I've looked at them, and they don't have the give the old ones had, but the one on the passenger side looks like it's at somewhat of an odd angle... this could be my imagination.  Here's a picture of the sway bar link install:

One thing I may have done incorrectly is that I didn't actually remove the sway bar to install the links, I removed the old links and then flexed the new links into position with the sway bar in place. In hindsight, this was probably not a great idea. :| The nuts are nylon lock-nuts, so I'm hesitant to remove them and try to install it again, since this might screw up the nuts.

Is there someone that might be able to give me some pointers as to what I should look for and how I might be able to fix this problem?

mikes · Accepted Answer

One of the most common cause of broken springs are worn out struts. It is possible that the struts are bottoming out. Does the car have a lot of body sway while cornering? Does it keep bouncing if you push down on the bumper real hard five or six times? Is the rubber suspension stop damaged or missing? Notice any oil stains on the strut body? Any of these are signs of worn struts or shocks.

Correct answer by mikes on September 1, 2021

canadmos · Answer

If you've checked everything and it all pans out, I would check the brackets at the top of the rear shocks.

They are made of a very fragile metal (for some reason..) and I had one shatter last year while going over a bridge. Everything worked fine, but when this happens the shock can float around. When mine broke, it didn't make a noise going over every bump and it actually took a while to spot, even though it was a pretty obvious problem.

Long shot, I know, but who knows.

Anthony · Answer

i have a mazda 6 2004 hatch back and it has problems it makes the clinging nose in the back i found out one off the rubber bushing is cracked . so there is some space between the body and frame and they rubb and make it rough and loud when it goes over speed bumps . realy bad i fell like the frame will twist and get even more bad if i dont fix the rubber bushing i think the rest off the bushings will crack not to sure tho.

Answered by Anthony on September 1, 2021

J Ryder · Answer

Had the same problem on a Mazda 3  2005 Broken rear springs with last half coil sitting in rear control arm  Put your finger in it a see if something moves very sharp edges.

DustbusterDriver · Answer

The Mazda 5 is a clunking blunder! Sway bar links & bushings on the front began clunking at 35,000 km. Replaced them (100 in parts, did it myself) and not 3 weeks later the rear end starts complaining. Replaced same on the rear (70 in parts) and did not solve it like it had solved the front. Closer examination revealed a bent "lower lateral link" - or perhaps lower "end link" where the bushing was practically gone. This was just on one side. I'm about to replace that and see what happens. The nice thing about these cars, if they're not too rusty is the bolts are relatively straight forward to remove yourself. jack the car up and allow the suspension to hang loose.

Here's a good reference to what I was just saying

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123862222-Lower-Lateral-Link-on-the-rear-suspension-picture-and-question

Here's a good reference to what I was just saying

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123862222-Lower-Lateral-Link-on-the-rear-suspension-picture-and-question

Koala · Answer

I had this issue, changed shocks, springs, roll bar bushings, secured heat shield and anything loose underneath.

Every bump I drove over made me cringe at the rattle.
After 3 months of searching.....turns out the brake pads have a tiny spring to keep them in place. Mine were warped and the pads were floating.
Took them out, bent them back into shape. 
No More Rattle!

Clanging in back of Mazda 3

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