"Gurgling" Sound at Low Revs

[alho]

2010 - 2.0L Atx.

Whenever the engine is around 1.5K, when not in first gear, there's a certain point for the throttle where when I press it a tad harder, the engine starts to make this "gurgling" or bubbling sound. It happens under light acceleration. I don't know how to really describe it, but it sounds like some liquid is bubbling around or something.

The car still drives fine, I don't notice any power loss or anything. It's been happening for a few months not, but I don't know if it's the weather, it seems to happen more and more. Does any know what could possibly be causing this issue?


Thanks!

[schmat66]

stock exhaust?

mine does it when i downshift at like 2k almost like backfires.

someone told me it was due to my backpressure in my exhasut

[n00bMeiSter]

maybe try taking a vid of it so we can hear the sound.

[alho]

All stock... I will try to get a video with the sound by this weekend.

[The Wolf]

I think I know what you're talking about alho. Almost sounds like a diesel engine at low rpm? Had that issue with my last car, a ford focus 2.0 zetec. Could never figure out what it was.

[alho]

I just remembered my phone can't take videos right now. Waiting on Apple to fix the camera :(

[Ogata]

i get that sound all the time and it only happens when the car is cold. I was told there was an exhaust leak somewhere...haven't had the time to take it to Jimmy to take a look at the Stealership could not figure it out.

[kreven]

I have the exact same problem and can't get the dealership to do anything about it! (2010 Mazda 3 GS Automatic)

At around ~1.75K RPM, there's this odd noise like you described ('gurgling', diesel-like). Whenever I stay constant at this RPM, I hear it all the time, no matter what the weather.

The dealership took a few times to figure out what was causing this and finally found out it was the exhaust system. They couldn't do any repair on it without finding the exact cause to they sent a report to Mazda Canada, who later forwarded the report to Mazda Japan. I've been waiting for 7 months now for an answer and nothing so far.

Has anyone else had a similar experience in the past where the dealership simply refuses to do any work until they hear from higher up? 7 months+ wait time is just getting ridiculous at this point. :s

[monstar]

I have the same issue (i think). the car makes a sound like you described... only when i am accelerating/moving, and at low rpms. kinda sounds like something is bubbling or fizzing. no loss of power or anything though. glad i am not the only one... sounds like a regular thing for our 3's.

[Ogata]

anyone notice if this is really noticeable when the car is cold? Get it checked by Jimmy at SP. He told me it was an exhaust leak somewhere.

[alho]

anyone notice if this is really noticeable when the car is cold? Get it checked by Jimmy at SP. He told me it was an exhaust leak somewhere.

So I guess it should be covered by warranty if I take it back to Mazda. I am also assuming that it doesn't affect performance or negative effects? How about things like the catalytic converter? Would that be damaged in the long run?

[TheAnswer_03]

This thread http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49306-Tensioner-Pulley-noise-easy-and-cheap-fix was regarding squeaking sounds from the belts, but user zmz3 reported this fixed the gurgling sound when driving at steady speed below 2000RPM, but the most recent user said it did not fix the issue. I ordered the Dayco 89015 part but waiting until Spring to have it replaced as that's when I'm doing a full tune up. We'll see what happens.

[leungalv]

Interesting ... I have a gurgling / bubbly noise at idle with my Corksport exhaust. Didn't know it was an actual problem though. I'll have a talk with Jimmy ...

[generalsaint]

Has anyone had any fix for this issue? It's driving me nuts. I have been going multiple times to the dealer without them fixing the issue.

[izikk]

I've seen this happen often when under light acceleration. It's when you have your foot very lightly on the accelerator, and the car is accelerating in the low 2000's. Then something kicks in and knocks the revs below 2000, and it keeps gurgling like that, even if your foot hasn't moved. I think it's the same mechanism as when you're on the highway.. if you're accelerating, you'll be doing 3000RPM, but once you reach cruising speed, the RPM automatically drops to 2000RPM and it becomes very very difficult to accelerate. You have to really give it some gas and then it looks like the 'limiter' comes off and your car just kicks into 3000+RPM instantly (instead of a gradual increase), without changing gears. It feels like the car is doing the same thing when the RPM drops below 2K.

I find that If you just lift your foot off the gas and put it back on with a bit more pressure so that the RPM is back at 2000, it's fine and the sound disappears. I don't know if it's really a problem. I've heard it for at least the last two years and it hasn't gotten worse or more prevalent.

[generalsaint]

I experienced similar isssue. My noise happens specifically between 1500-2000 RPM when the engine isn't under any load. It's loud enough to be heard from the back seat when the radio is on and annoying enough because this should not be happening on a new car. I've read about this happening on the 2010 mazda 3 also. FYI, mine is 2011 mazda 3 gs 2.0L with automatic transmission. I'm VERY VERY annoyed with this issue because it defeated the purpose of buying a new car since I lost track of how many times I took this car in for "diagnosis"

I even called Mazda Canada and they worked with the dealership to get it fixed but so far it is not fixed. They changed some filters, had me buy premium gas from another gas station but nothing helped.

I just want this to go away.

[TheAnswer_03]

So a few weeks after getting my serpentine belt + AC Belt + tensioner pulley replaced, the gurgling sound is still present. The gurgling sound doesn't seem to happen as often but it could be in my head. I just assumed this is one of the drawbacks on buying a used car.

At this point, the sound doesn't happen often so it's not a huge deal, the gas mileage is another story.

[Dany]

This noise is a result of some problem with the belt and/or tensioner. My 2010 Mazda3 2.0 automatic had around 17k when I got tired of that sound and went to the dealer. At the 2nd attempt/visit I was able to re-produce the sound on the road. After that they put the car on the jack and heard it again. They decided to replace the belt and tensioner and the noise disappeared. Now the car has 30k and the noise is back again. I will ask them to replace these parts again. In my opinion the problem is caused by the tensioner, which has poor quality and... I was very surprised to learn that the wheel of the tensioner is made of plastic! How cheap are these guys at Mazda to save money this way!
Next car I am going to get after I sell or trade it won't be Mazda for sure.

[paulabreu]

This noise is a result of some problem with the belt and/or tensioner. My 2010 Mazda3 2.0 automatic had around 17k when I got tired of that sound and went to the dealer. At the 2nd attempt/visit I was able to re-produce the sound on the road. After that they put the car on the jack and heard it again. They decided to replace the belt and tensioner and the noise disappeared. Now the car has 30k and the noise is back again. I will ask them to replace these parts again. In my opinion the problem is caused by the tensioner, which has poor quality and... I was very surprised to learn that the wheel of the tensioner is made of plastic! How cheap are these guys at Mazda to save money this way!
Next car I am going to get after I sell or trade it won't be Mazda for sure.

I've had this issue since week 1 and I only have one year with the car, i got the tensioner pulley, drive belt, ac clutch replaced months ago and noise still continued. I brought the car to dave wood today and they heard the noise, replaced the belt again and noise is gone. hopefully it wont come back again

[thenightvision88]

Not sure if its the same issue but, ive been hearing it too on my 2.3L 08 GT... it like a baby is gurgling lol. it kinda sounds like its trying to blow bubbles or something... ive only herd it after my small accident though... im thinking something is loose? it only happends when your in 3rd and it goes to 4th lets say and you put your foot down a bit and it doesnt kick down to 3rd again but the rpms go lower and i hear it but once i get going faster it goes away... above 2000 rpm... no power loss though..

[TheAnswer_03]

Took the car to Mazda this week and invoice says: "There is a sound coming from cooling system that sounds like a gurgling which is just the sound of coolant circulating back into overflow bottle."

They said this was normal, but I've driven other cars and never heard this sound before :(

[michaelm]

Took the car to Mazda this week and invoice says: "There is a sound coming from cooling system that sounds like a gurgling which is just the sound of coolant circulating back into overflow bottle."

They said this was normal, but I've driven other cars and never heard this sound before :(

Interesting, thanks for the info. I have the same issue on my 08 mazda gt, but never got it checked as there was no power loss and it goes away when I step on the gas.

[paulabreu]

Took the car to Mazda this week and invoice says: "There is a sound coming from cooling system that sounds like a gurgling which is just the sound of coolant circulating back into overflow bottle."

They said this was normal, but I've driven other cars and never heard this sound before :(

LOL?

[Dany]

Guys, read this thread
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49306-Tensioner-Pulley-noise-easy-and-cheap-fix&p=1023792&highlight=#post1023792
Replacing the pulley with metal aftermarket part didn't help. Will ask Mazda to replace the belt again. It will work for maybe for next 10.000km

[drperogie]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49306-Tensioner-Pulley-noise-easy-and-cheap-fix

This fixed my problem, at least temporarily. Replaced the stock tensioner pulley with the Dayco 89015 this morning. As soon as I took off the belt I could tell the pulley wasn't rotating right, it felt stiff like and wasn't turning well.

My problem was engine noise, almost like a diesel engine chugging sometimes with a whine between 1500-2000 RPM only under load when the gas is pressed. It was most obvious when the gear changes and the RPM dropped from 2500 to around 1700 at highway speeds. It also seemed to be worse the colder the temperature is.

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 sedan with 42500km on it and I noticed the sound around the 41k mark.

Hope this fixes the problem with the rest of you too :)

[drperogie]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49306-Tensioner-Pulley-noise-easy-and-cheap-fix

This fixed my problem, at least temporarily. Replaced the stock tensioner pulley with the Dayco 89015 this morning. As soon as I took off the belt I could tell the pulley wasn't rotating right, it felt stiff and wasn't turning well.

My problem was engine noise, almost like a diesel engine chugging sometimes with a whine between 1500-2000 RPM only under load when the gas is pressed. It was most obvious when the gear changes and the RPM dropped from 2500 to around 1700 at highway speeds. It also seemed to be worse the colder the temperature is.

I have a 2010 Mazda 3 sedan with 42500km on it and I noticed the sound around the 41k mark.

Hope this fixes the problem with the rest of you too :)

[Dany]

Replaced the belt after replacing the tensioner. Noise is gone. But, for how long...

[proDJtege]

I seem to have this same issue in my car. really low RPMs and only really notice it in the morning when it's all cold. I'm eager to see what the summer brings for this.

[Paul17]

I've had this issue since week 1 and I only have one year with the car, i got the tensioner pulley, drive belt, ac clutch replaced months ago and noise still continued. I brought the car to dave wood today and they heard the noise, replaced the belt again and noise is gone. hopefully it wont come back again



your right i have a 2011 mazda 3 gx it was making that bubbling sound took it in the dealer replaced the belt and the tensioner noise whent away now 3000km
later its back at it bubbles none stop worse then before happens around 1,500RPMS to 2500 rpms very pissed off going to take it back to the dealer AGAIN
and see if they can replace it under warranty PARTS WARRANTY

[Paul17]

Replaced the belt after replacing the tensioner. Noise is gone. But, for how long...


not long my lasted 3000k lol

[paulabreu]

so i was having this problem since i got the car new in november 2011. Last month, the dealership found that the noise was coming from the alternator bearing, so they replace the alternator and the noise is now gone

[sharvei]

I have the exact same problem, this noise can be heard
between 1600 and 1900 RPM in almost any gear and temperature,passenger side 90% sure.
My car is a 2.0L 2011 mazda 3 sedan GX everything stock.
It is driving me crazy, I feel like i'm driving
a beat up old car even though I only have 25000KM
Went to the dealer ralready once he was sure it was a heat shield
plate, told me it was loose, I was sceptic, I was disapointed to be wright!
So I tywrapped a recorder under the hood, went for a small drive
and it didn't took more to clearly record the culprit noise.
Here it is to share. Any ideas anyone? Any fix so far?

[sharvei]

Here is a more kinda permanent version link for the recording of this noise. This file is there because I realized after numerous search on many forum that many
owners seems to have the same problem only we d'ont know for sure if we're talking about the same thing as there is not a lot of recordings of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY_upT5zpXs&feature=youtu.be

As paulabreu suggested I will go have my alternator checked out and let you know the results.
I hope this help's

[sharvei]

Well folks, just came back from my mazda dealership where I had excellent service, In short : they drove with me for a while, heard the noise, where positive about the tensionner pulley and belt which they changed under warranty without any problem. I can say positively this was MY problem! I know feel like I drive a new car again which is what I paid for! Mechanician told me they know about this problem but MAZDA has not issued any recall so far. There is definitevely a problem with this assembly and I hope MAZDA will fix it because I know it will come back in time unless they correct this! I hope they are making enough profit to stand by their costomer! I would assume they can do it... wright?! I love my car, I've been a Mazda customer for almost 15 years and always stood by! MAZDA, BE AS LOYAL AS YOUR CUSTOMER AND WAKE UP PLEASE!

[TheAnswer_03]

Well folks, just came back from my mazda dealership where I had excellent service, In short : they drove with me for a while, heard the noise, where positive about the tensionner pulley and belt which they changed under warranty without any problem. I can say positively this was MY problem! I know feel like I drive a new car again which is what I paid for! Mechanician told me they know about this problem but MAZDA has not issued any recall so far. There is definitevely a problem with this assembly and I hope MAZDA will fix it because I know it will come back in time unless they correct this! I hope they are making enough profit to stand by their costomer! I would assume they can do it... wright?! I love my car, I've been a Mazda customer for almost 15 years and always stood by! MAZDA, BE AS LOYAL AS YOUR CUSTOMER AND WAKE UP PLEASE!

I got the same issue. I had the belt and tensioner pulley replaced and noise is still there. Did you have the entire tensioner replaced or just the pulley (round black plastic part). I only had the pulley replaced not the whole tensioner.

[sharvei]

I had everything replaced not just the pulley! Everything is brand new (belt, tensioner and pulley) and according to my mechanician the problem is a bearing INSIDE the tensioner! Just came back from a drive this morning and I love my car again it's like a new one. Extremely surprising that such a small part can make sush a huge difference but it is! I hope MAZDA will eventualy have a recall on these
because it clearly is a misconception and problem will come back. I beleive that as customers we have the right to have decent product even after warranty. I don't see mylself changing this assembly every year or so under warranty or not!

[sarujo]

So the Mazda dealer replaced the belt, tensioner and pulley free under warranty?

[sharvei]

Yes they did! I've never had any problems having any of my previous mazda cars fixed under warranty, including this one! The delearship has to get approval from mazda before doing so but in the end thay get paid and it's business for them. I never could understand peoples having trouble with their dealership and always feared to face the same issue but it did not happened. One thing helped though, they heard the noise, they knew what it was.

[TheAnswer_03]

I had everything replaced not just the pulley! Everything is brand new (belt, tensioner and pulley) and according to my mechanician the problem is a bearing INSIDE the tensioner! Just came back from a drive this morning and I love my car again it's like a new one. Extremely surprising that such a small part can make sush a huge difference but it is! I hope MAZDA will eventualy have a recall on these
because it clearly is a misconception and problem will come back. I beleive that as customers we have the right to have decent product even after warranty. I don't see mylself changing this assembly every year or so under warranty or not!

So the bearing your mechanic was talking about is inside the tensioner (silver part in the picture) and not the tensioner pulley (black wheel in the picture)? Because if noise is from the bearing inside the pulley and I replaced it and noise is still there, then replacing the entire tensioner assembly should not make a difference.

Sorry for all the questions. I want to make sure before I call Mazda as my car is no longer in warranty and I would have to pay out of my pocket to get the entire tensioner assembly replaced. I've dealt with this annoyance for about 2 years and I'll be very relieved if I can get this fixed.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/TheAnswer_03_2006/mazda_3_2007_gates_belt_tensioner_assembly_oem_gat _38357_gat38357.jpg

I get this sound under 2,000 RPM under engine load, especially driving uphill; therefore, the belt tension would increase under heavy load causing the noise I presume?

[sharvei]

Exactly, according to him it's inside the tensioner, the silver part which they also changed. Don't be sorry for all the questions I beleive these forums are there to help each other
and I understand you want to make sure before you shell out the money! Here is an actual picture of my tensioner, belt and pulley just 10 minutes after it was changed.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/setec/IMG_0252.JPG

[ptgrad2012]

Yeah I am heading over to MoT this weekend for oil change and inspection for this belt tensioner too.

I mentioned this issue to the service lady on the phone, hopefully they know what's coming, and fix it without much complication.

[TheAnswer_03]

Okay, I'll call Mazda for an appointment as I also have to change back to summer tires and oil change too. Thanks for the help again sharvei and everybody else :)

[mazda3zoo]

I have the exact same problem and can't get the dealership to do anything about it! (2010 Mazda 3 GS Automatic)

At around ~1.75K RPM, there's this odd noise like you described ('gurgling', diesel-like). Whenever I stay constant at this RPM, I hear it all the time, no matter what the weather.

The dealership took a few times to figure out what was causing this and finally found out it was the exhaust system. They couldn't do any repair on it without finding the exact cause to they sent a report to Mazda Canada, who later forwarded the report to Mazda Japan. I've been waiting for 7 months now for an answer and nothing so far.

Has anyone else had a similar experience in the past where the dealership simply refuses to do any work until they hear from higher up? 7 months+ wait time is just getting ridiculous at this point. :s






I had the same issue so the dealer ship replaced my tensioner pulley and belts the noise was gone that was back in november of 2012 and i noticed the noise is back again it almost sounds like a standard when you have it in to high of a gear for the speed you are going my mazda is a 2011 mazda 3 sport automatic. anyone with ideas

[mazda3zoo]

So the Mazda dealer replaced the belt, tensioner and pulley free under warranty?




they replaced mine for free when under warranty

[mazda3zoo]

i had mine also replace and about 6 months later the noise is back again kindive geting tired of the noise and replacing how is yours working out for you now

[ptgrad2012]

they refused to change mine as they claimed "it's normal".

[loosecannon]

Anyone know any lawyers? Perhaps make this into a class action.

[mazdabetty]

FYI, for anyone is hearing a sound similar to this: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?66656-Identify-this-sound-Engine-knocking-rattling

It's such a hard sound to explain, it sounds like a bubbling/gurgling from inside the car but turns into a knock under the hood... it only seemed to happen at low revs for me too, oddly... Turned out to the be the clutch on the AC compressor. Cut the belt and it's fine now. Grabbing a used compressor today at a junk yard for $250 (better than $700 new lol)

Hopefully that helps some people try to figure out that odd noise!

[TheAnswer_03]

After paying for a new belt tensioner + labor, the noise continues. My sound is only heard when the car is in gear and moving. Sound is mainly activated when the car upshifts and the RPMs drop below 2000. I've had this problem since I bought the car used in May 2011. I have brought the car to a local mechanic and dealer and both claimed they could not replicate the sound.

Fortunately I have a very good job right now and plan on getting rid of this Mazda ASAP and replacing it with a Scion FR-S instead. I only drive the car when I have to, which is to work and back, as I'm too discouraged to drive every time I hear the gurgling diesel sound.

[generalsaint]

I've been suffering for the past 2 years with this

[Marta]

maybe it just has gas? :chuckle

[Bean]

This was one of the things that drove me crazy about my Mazda when I used to own it. Dave Wood thought I was crazy but I insisted something was up. I had the problem the day we brought the car home with 57 K (57 not 57,000) on the odometer and I told Dave Wood over and over and they kept turning a deaf ear to me :(

[Angelusss1974]

I had this problem with two Mazdas, one a 5, the other a 3 I just purchased. I did some research on forum's just to gauge what the problem could be. I read that it could be a faulty mount, tensioner assembly, solenoid valve etc. Some good starting info to take to the service center here in Moncton. They took it in and found the issue. "Road tested, found accesory belts noisy.Checked on hoist and found the accesory belt tensioner spring weak due to improperly machined internal parts,allowing it's belt to slip causing premature wear. The belt particles have corrupted the AC belt causing it to prematurely wear and causing gurgling noise. Replaced all belts and tensioner.Ok now."

My problem with the 5 was never diagnosed.Gone. My 3? Purrs like a kitten now. I have read that some people have had their tensioners replaced but problem still persists. Perhaps this will help you. I have to note that My left side trans mount was also prematurely deteriorated, which I had replaced. Whether or not that issue could be linked to the tensioner problem, is up for debate but I believe that it could be. Have your mounts checked to be on the safe side.

Cheers
Angeluss1974 is online now Add to Angeluss1974's Reputation Report Post

[Whiteout08]

I had this problem for years with no resolution. I've had the the belt tension-er pulley and belt replaced 2x under warranty and even replaced the pulley with a Dayco. Still the sound won't go away. I've heard that it maybe an exhaust leak somewhere near to the top of the engine. Some seal that has gone bad.

I'm going in for regular service (144,000km) this Friday and getting them to take another look. I've had this issue since the car had ~30,000km.

[michaelm]

I've had the gurgling sound at low rpms since brand new at 4 km. I'm now at 103,000 km and it still makes the sound. The car drives good despite the gurgling sound so I just let it be.

[generalsaint]

We are in the same boat. It is so annoying

[generalsaint]

Now that it's colder. .I'm hearing this fing annoying sound more so than ever!!

[Cuban Linx]

I get a weird gurgle at 1500 RPM, have no idea what it is but its pretty limitted to that.

[MazdaMike02]

This noise is not caused by the belt tensioner. Ive been able to duplicate the noise with a brand new tensioner.

I have access to chassis ears, I attached them to the engine and the noise seems to be most clear coming from the alternator. I believe the problem is an alternator bearing.

[generalsaint]

This noise is not caused by the belt tensioner. Ive been able to duplicate the noise with a brand new tensioner.

I have access to chassis ears, I attached them to the engine and the noise seems to be most clear coming from the alternator. I believe the problem is an alternator bearing.


You seem to be correct. I took my car to maple mazda and they changed the alternator. Since then I did not hear it.

Still monitoring

[Ps3alltheway]

I have this gurgling sound everytime I start my car when cold, and also the car has trouble starting... It is a 2010 Mazda 3.
Im actually thinking about selling the car before the warranty runs out, This car looks like it is going to be a pain in the ass to work with when it's gonna start breaking down, no space in engine compartments and also the fact that I am having issues with it, when I had no issues with 10 years + old cars

[sarujo]

The Mazda 3 has plenty of room to work on - you should have a look at other small compact vehicles and then re-evaluate those comments.. ;)

As for the car starting issues, have you maintained your battery - ie, added water? The factory battery is NOT maintenance free. Also, what kind of driving do you do? Short city trips especially in the cold months strain batteries and they don't get a good chance to fully re-charge. The factory batteries do not have the same CCA ratings as other replacement batteries.

I have the same year vehicle and I have zero starting issues, but then again I maintain my vehicle, top up battery water levels and have a 70km daily commute on the hwy.

PS: I do get a faint helicopter sounds when idling and I suspect it's tensioner related...

[Ps3alltheway]

What do I have to do with the battery, open the plugs and fill it up completly with water? wont the water freeze in the cold weather?

I will make a video of the issue with starting my car because it is difficult to explain , It feels like when I start it, the car starts,then try to stall and start again (when starting car)

[sarujo]

Use distilled water. There are 6 caps. Look for the fill lines on the sides of the battery and also when looking down the holes. Do NOT overfill.

My 2013 was made in April 2010 and I added about 600mL total a few weeks ago. this was the first time I did anything to the battery since purchasing the car.

What mileage is your car? Have you ever cleaned the TB and MAF sensor?

Yes a video with audio is probably a good idea


What do I have to do with the battery, open the plugs and fill it up completly with water? wont the water freeze in the cold weather?

I will make a video of the issue with starting my car because it is difficult to explain , It feels like when I start it, the car starts,then try to stall and start again (when starting car)

[Ps3alltheway]

Use distilled water. There are 6 caps. Look for the fill lines on the sides of the battery and also when looking down the holes. Do NOT overfill.

My 2013 was made in April 2010 and I added about 600mL total a few weeks ago. this was the first time I did anything to the battery since purchasing the car.

What mileage is your car? Have you ever cleaned the TB and MAF sensor?

Yes a video with audio is probably a good idea

thx, never did that on any of my cars! haha.
I will get the chance to check it out tomorow since I have access to a heated garage. So how do I take off thoses caps? do I just use a flat head screwdriver to pop them off? Also any kind of distilled water will be good?
Never changed TB and MAF sensor either!
my car has 143 000 km (2010 mazda 3 6 speeds)

[416GXM3]

TM3 i wouldn't what to do without you guys! i thought i was being paranoid or just hearing noises when i heard my car have this gargle sound when revving to get to 50-60 km /hr its on the right passenger side.. i'm gonna go to the dealership and get this checked.

[TheAnswer_03]

This noise is not caused by the belt tensioner. Ive been able to duplicate the noise with a brand new tensioner.

I have access to chassis ears, I attached them to the engine and the noise seems to be most clear coming from the alternator. I believe the problem is an alternator bearing.

Can just the bearing be replaced or only the entire alternator?

[Paul17]

Dealer replaced my belt and tensioner and no more noise

[paulabreu]

This noise is not caused by the belt tensioner. Ive been able to duplicate the noise with a brand new tensioner.

I have access to chassis ears, I attached them to the engine and the noise seems to be most clear coming from the alternator. I believe the problem is an alternator bearing.

I got my alternator replaced as well as the A/C clutch, belt tensioner twice and the belt couple of times. Noise is still there after 2 years of ownership.


Dealer replaced my belt and tensioner and no more noise

give it a couple of weeks lol

[Paul17]

Its already been one year with no noise

[416GXM3]

Its already been one year with no noise

Did they cover it under warranty? and how much did it cost you to replace it? I'm having the same issues right now

[Paul17]

Yes tensioner under warranty belt I had to pay

[416GXM3]

Heads up.. just serviced my car at westowne mazda.. overall great experience so far. Marci the mechanic was very informative about the gurgling noise. he says at 88k the belt needs to be changed at 180 plus tax. He is now adjusting the belt tensioner which is covered under warranty to see if the noise gets eliminated.

apparently there is a some liquid or paste that is varnished in the belt when its new to keep it lubricated but overtime it dries up adding to that gurgling noise that you hear in the car. adjusting the tensioner will somewhat eliminate the noise but he says the belt needs to be changed if the noise continues on after the tensioner has been adjusted.

[416GXM3]

Heads up.. just serviced my car at westowne mazda.. overall great experience so far. Marci the mechanic was very informative about the gurgling noise. he says at 88k the belt needs to be changed at 180 plus tax. He is now adjusting the belt tensioner which is covered under warranty to see if the noise gets eliminated.

apparently there is a some liquid or paste that is varnished in the belt when its new to keep it lubricated but overtime it dries up adding to that gurgling noise that you hear in the car. adjusting the tensioner will somewhat eliminate the noise but he says the belt needs to be changed if the noise continues on after the tensioner has been adjusted.

http://www.mazda.ca/MciWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=partsWarrantyFact oryWarrantyPowertrainWarranty

just FYI on anyone that needs to know what's covered under your new car or CPO powertrain warranty

[sarujo]

Belt tensioner is only covered on the 3yr/60km bumper to bumper and not the 5 yr year powertrain warranty.


Heads up.. just serviced my car at westowne mazda.. overall great experience so far. Marci the mechanic was very informative about the gurgling noise. he says at 88k the belt needs to be changed at 180 plus tax. He is now adjusting the belt tensioner which is covered under warranty to see if the noise gets eliminated.

[staax]

To me it almost sounds like an exhaust leak, but I know thats not the case.

Would be nice to know exactly what it is though.

[416GXM3]

Belt tensioner is only covered on the 3yr/60km bumper to bumper and not the 5 yr year powertrain warranty.

I called mazda canada this morning and belt tensioner is covered under the powertrain warranty. they are calling the dealership now to let the know that to honor the warranty when change the belt

[416GXM3]

I called mazda canada this morning and belt tensioner is covered under the powertrain warranty. they are calling the dealership now to let the know that to honor the warranty when change the belt

And then she called back and retracted her statement and said what sarujo said

[416GXM3]

After much research finally found the fix for this Whack ass gurfling sound..

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49306-Tensioner-Pulley-noise-easy-and-cheap-fix/page4

[sarujo]

:headbang


And then she called back and retracted her statement and said what sarujo said

[416GXM3]

sarujo pissed me off when I heard it