Suspension problem with Mazda3
#1
My wife & I own a 2011 Mazda3, and it has about 165,000 km or just over 100,000 miles on it.

We bought it used and it's been running fine with usual wear and tear. About two weeks ago, we were driving on one of our major highways (the 401) and, whenever we hit a bump, the back end would sway slightly. Recently, the problem has become a little worse in that we now notice it on city streets, travelling around 30-40 mph. 

Here are a few things I've found out:
-- my local garage -- whom I've used for years & trust -- says it's probably the shocks. However, they're totally booked up until the end of the month, which is when I have it booked to go in. The owner assured me the car was still safe to drive.
-- as an experiment, today I also took the car to my local oil change outlet. I realize these guys aren't experts but thought I'd see if they noticed anything unusual. They checked and couldn't find anything wrong -- the suspension seemed good & solid.
-- a friend of mine, who is a retired mechanic, suggested that the sway bar links might be loose or need replacing. There is also a rattling or clunking noise when going over bumps, which might be indicative of a loose sway bar.

BTW, the car otherwise performs normally and does NOT pull to one side of the road or the other.

At any rate, my question is this: Is the car really safe to drive (between now and the end of the month), especially on the highway? Recently, we've been limiting it to local trips, and I'm checking b/c it's a very weird feeling when the rear of the car sways after hitting a bump.

Thanks in advance ... I've actually received more and better car advice on this train forum, than on actual car forums!

Rob
Rob
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#2
As per this post http://autopride.ca/warning-signs-of-sus...-problems/ it's almost certainly a problem with the shocks but still doesn't say whether it's safe to drive.
Rob
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#3
Rob,

it is not safe to drive your car in this condition.


Lutz
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#4
As a retired car mechanic I would not advise driving the car in this condition. It probably wouldn't break down and leave you stranded but if it gets worse it could cause you to lose control and crash. I also think the first place to check would be the shocks. Not all cars have sway bars on the rear but if yours does it also is a possibility. If it's a sway bar problem the bar itself may be O.K. but the bushings that old it in place may be bad which would explain the noise you hear. Same with the shock bushings as well.
Mike

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#5
Thanks for this feedback above! Rob
Rob
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#6
Is it safe to use if for local trips around the city though? as we do need two cars. By local trips, I mean no more than 7 miles at max speeds of 40 mph. Thx.

BTW, I did some research and Mazda3's of this vintage do have swing bars, so I'm hoping that's the problem.
Rob
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#7
Hi Robert.
       You should park the car until you determine the problem. It could be something minor like a bushing as suggested but it could actually be a rusted frame mount or a broken spring.  Even at 40 MPH/KPH you could have a serious crash. The underbodies of automobiles are being assaulted by the chemicals spread on the roads.  I know you take excellent care of your vehicles just by reading your posts but the stuff they use overwhelms us. I am hoping it is very minor but where vehicles are concerned I am a pessimist. (my son is a Ford technician so I hear all the bad, never the good  Misngth )
 
Charlie
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#8
"Hi Robert.
You should park the car until you determine the problem. It could be something minor like a bushing as suggested but it could actually be a rusted frame mount or a broken spring. Even at 40 MPH/KPH you could have a serious crash. The underbodies of automobiles are being assaulted by the chemicals spread on the roads. I know you take excellent care of your vehicles just by reading your posts but the stuff they use overwhelms us. I am hoping it is very minor but where vehicles are concerned I am a pessimist. (my son is a Ford technician so I hear all the bad, never the good Misngth )
Charlie"

Thanks, Charlie! Our roads are terrible from winter damage and construction. Loads of potholes which cause so much damage. I might see if I can take it into one of our Mazda dealers next week, I trust some more than others.
Rob
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