Another problem for my 3: Clunking sound - SOLVED (rear brake pads)

[m3rk]

Yes I know..... not another clunking sound thread :complain and yes, another problem with my 3 :(

I've checked out the other threads but they do not address my specific issue and I would like to get straight to the point and resolved asap.

Every bump I go over, small or big, there is a rear clunking sound on the right passenger side and could possibly be moving towards the left passenger rear. I determined the area by isolating the sounds using my windows and friends inside/outside the car. Long story short, closed every window except right rear and voila! Found the side it was on.

Brought it to Jimmy's 2 weeks ago and he couldn't see anything wrong with it. Recommended shocks to be replaced since they were close to being worn out so I bought new ones and got them installed today at JR Auto Concepts (Jimmy was busy today, wanted it fixed immediately and thought it would be resolved). Sadly, that same clunking sound is still there and WORSE than ever.

When I drive, slow or fast, you can hear something turning and clunking BUT everything disappears when I apply the brakes. It's like it dis-engages something. However, when I still hit a bump you hear the clunks.

ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM?!! I refuse to go to the stealership. I am willing to go to a shop this weekend and pay because it's VERY irritating and embarrassing. When it's night time and quiet, all you hear is my car making sounds.... Did I mention its pretty loud?

[bluemazda3]

sounds like trailing arm bushing... mine had the samething.. and its kinda hard to tell if its worn out unless its up on the hoist.. I thought mine was the shocks too,, after changing it,, got significantly worse.. clunking noise

[m3rk]

sounds like trailing arm bushing... mine had the samething.. and its kinda hard to tell if its worn out unless its up on the hoist.. I thought mine was the shocks too,, after changing it,, got significantly worse.. clunking noise

In a way yeah I feel that it did get worse after changing my shocks. Really really annoying sound from the rear and just the rear. Cost for the repair?

[bluemazda3]

not much... jimmy charged me $90.. i have a spare bushing BNIB from MOT if your interested,, but make sure 100% its the bushings

[sol_searchin]

Not to knock jimmy but maybe go to another mechanic? If the clunking is there all the time than it should be easy to spot, check your wheel bearings/springs/shock mounts/bushings/links. I would recommend Ivan at I-Garage does solid work.

[m3rk]

Not to knock jimmy but maybe go to another mechanic? If the clunking is there all the time than it should be easy to spot, check your wheel bearings/springs/shock mounts/bushings/links. I would recommend Ivan at I-Garage does solid work.

I'll give it a shot but anyone know of a shop open on Sunday? I know it's rare but the noise is driving me NUTS!

[sol_searchin]

Canadian tire? I would wait until Monday, the majority of shops are closed sundays.

[Shawn]

What brake pads do you have?
I have the clip type rear pads, and they rattle and clunk a bit when applying the brakes. Been meaning to get proper ones.
But to test, find bumpy road where your clunking and pull up the hand brake while moving. If it goes away, then look at rear brakes.

[m3rk]

What brake pads do you have?
I have the clip type rear pads, and they rattle and clunk a bit when applying the brakes. Been meaning to get proper ones.
But to test, find bumpy road where your clunking and pull up the hand brake while moving. If it goes away, then look at rear brakes.

- Hawk HPS
- Every road around me is bumpy lol. No more clean flat roads.

There's a noise while I move PLUS the clunking/knocking sounds on even the smallest imperfections of the road.

[TheMAN]

rear trailing arm bushings or rear sway bar bushings... common problem
rear trailing arm bushings can now be replaced as a service part
there are special rear sway bar bushings as part of a TSB, they are not the same as the stock ones

[Shawn]

Have have the HAWK HPS too. If you have Spring type your ok, IF you have clip type it rattles.
Use the emergency brake, That will preload the brake, and to some extent the rear suspension.
You may need to a get a pry bar in there to also see if it is bushing. Not easy to find just by shaking with your hands.

[Cosmo77]

Someone beat me to it, but yah if you run the old style inner rear pads you can get a knock from the back of the car by just going over a curb. Also the new style pads with the springs that press outward on the caliper can make noise if the spring is worn and is not holding pressure on the caliper.

Also check for worn Stab links and the occasional broken rear spring. They break in the last 3-4" of the bottom tail in the control arm

[m3rk]

Not to knock jimmy but maybe go to another mechanic? If the clunking is there all the time than it should be easy to spot, check your wheel bearings/springs/shock mounts/bushings/links. I would recommend Ivan at I-Garage does solid work.


Have have the HAWK HPS too. If you have Spring type your ok, IF you have clip type it rattles.
Use the emergency brake, That will preload the brake, and to some extent the rear suspension.
You may need to a get a pry bar in there to also see if it is bushing. Not easy to find just by shaking with your hands.


Someone beat me to it, but yah if you run the old style inner rear pads you can get a knock from the back of the car by just going over a curb. Also the new style pads with the springs that press outward on the caliper can make noise if the spring is worn and is not holding pressure on the caliper.

Also check for worn Stab links and the occasional broken rear spring. They break in the last 3-4" of the bottom tail in the control arm

Went to Ivan at IGarage today. He knew exactly what it was and it was what you guys mentioned. Apparently, my rear passenger brake pads were installed incorrectly. The one with the spring thingy was on the outside and it should've been on the inside. Can't believe such a small mistake created that sound to drive me nuts :bang Ivan also explained the two types of rear pads. As a bonus to resolving my problem, he didn't charge me anything :D

[Stepher]

Hi I have a 2010 Mazda 3 and the noise your referring to is a spring in the caliper that puts tension on your pads u need to take it out and reopen the spring witch will put the pressure back on them and voila no more noise.