I just ran into this problem today lol. This posts helps out heaps. Awesome stuff!
Really Appreciate this post! Has anyone confirmed a solution for the newer 3s (2010-2013)? I have a 2012 auto GX with 63000 km on it and it has the same issues. Makes a squeak between 1500 and 2000 rpm.
I'm just going to through this out there and you can take this comment for what it's worth. I was at the dealer last weekend and I was shooting shit with a customer in the waiting area. He mentioned he did the pulley fix replacement as suggested here. The fix only worked a few months and he had to replace the entire tensioner assembly. He went back to Mazda to get the work done and he was told by the service advisor that they get a lot of DYers returning back to the dealer for a tensioner replacement.
it's worth trying anyways, worst case you're only out $15-$20. I did my pulley two and a half years ago. It literally crumbled as i pulled out of my driveway on a sunday afternoon, but i had to go out of town for work that night, so i took my wife's car. Having new prior experience with it, she swapped it the next day in a few minutes and it's been great ever since. Luckily now that i have that extra engine, i have a potential backup pulley and tensioner, but hopefully it doesn't come to that
Is there some additional washer besides what is pictured here? I did the pulley replacement today and could have SWORN I dropped something once I got the bolt off the tensioner. Spent ages looking on the ground and peeking around the bay for whatever it is that may have dropped, eventually gave up and proceeded without this mystery piece and a quick test drive didnt uncover any issues.
Additionally, after the install I had slight squealing a few times but the original sound that I was hoping to fix seems to be resolved..
Kijiji, see if you find any mazda 3 that is for parts to sell, or junkyard.
An update and an observation for those that changed the pulley, but the belt noise remained.
Over the last two years or so, I noticed that my belt would chirp at the same RPM range as the pulley used to make its noise. The chirp remained even if a brand new pulley was installed. It was loudest when cold and would quiet down, but never completely go away when warmed up.
Recently I started poking around and noticed that the tensioner pulley looked to be at a very slight angle, not completely aligned with other pulleys and the belt. When I put a wrench on it and pushed it to relieve the tension from the belt, I noticed that the tensioner arm would move slightly sideways, back to the straight position at the pivot point. Putting the tension back on the belt, the pulley would move back in cocked position.
Basically, the shaft, where the tensioner arm rotates, must be worn off and allow for lateral movement, which puts the pulley slightly out of alignment. This will make the belt chirp and it will not be fixed by a new pulley.
I took a gamble and bought a used tensioner from a wrecked Mazda 3. When I installed it, I noticed that it was nice and straight, aligned with the belt and other pulleys. Problem solved and the belt is nice and quiet again.
I thought I'd pass it along.
r4BBiT (07-27-2016)
Did the belt change and the pulley 58 bucks for both silent now and very straight forward
So its about time mine is to be done. Any Gen 1's give any input? Dayco? Gates?
2008.5 Metropolitan Grey Mica Mazda 3 GT Hatch with Luxury Package DONE: OEM LED Side Mirror Turn Signals | TM3 Decals / Plates | Axela Badge | 3M Scotchguard Film on Front Hood / Fenders | Solarguard Quantum Tints 37% Front 28% Back | Flipkey | JDM Rainguards | MS3 Rear Valence | Super White LED Interior / Trunk / License Plate Lights | Smoked LED Sidermarkers | Powdercoated Blue 18" OZ Ultraleggera Rims | Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 | Blue Calipers with Gunmetal Axela Decals | HID 6000K/3000K with Yellow Film Fogs | Hella Tones | Rally Armor Mudflaps | Powdercoated Gunmetal Xenon Expert Aluminum Pedals | Clear Reflectors | Carbon Fibre Rear Emblem Insert | Redline Elite Hood Lifts | CP-E Tow Plate | Her: 2012 Sky Blue Mica Mazda 3 GS
Got my Dayco from Amazon and had Jimmy replace it. So far so good....will continue to monitor
Is the pulley bolt left or right hand thread? Anticlockwise looking at the pulley to undo? Torque when tightening.
2007 Mazda 3 here with a noisy pulley. Pressed out the old bearing and pressed in a new one $5.00.
So......... This mazda mind wants to know
Is it a Tick Tick Tick sound or grinding noise like a wheel bearing ?
Nevermind Mazda Gear heads ...i think i kinda narrowed it down .... read this threat if you are having ticking engine noises ..
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ight=tick+tick
Most likely that will cause a ticking noise:
1. Intake shutter valve solenoid ( there are 2 pieces , 2 locations on the engine)
2. EVAP Purge Valve solenoid
3. VVT actuator (Misaligned)
4. VVT Solenoid (maybe)
Last edited by G ~ MINI; 01-07-2020 at 11:53 AM.