creaking noise from the front

[mazda_1993]

hi ,

since yesterday , I can hear a creaking noise at low speed from the front (driver side) here is the sound : http://vocaroo.com/i/s1YVmTADeb9t , anyone know what could this be ?

thank you :)

My car is a Mazda 3 Sport 2008 GT .

[morganc]

I'd be looking into a new control arm/ball joint assembly. If you can make the sound happen standing still, have somebody turn the wheel for you while you're under the car and poke around. If it sounds like it's coming from above, then it could be a strut bearing.

[mazda_1993]

Ok , so apparantly it is the ball joint , so ,do you know what is the average price of a new control arm, is there any recommanded brand ? and what is the labor time ?

[morganc]

A control arm will run you $100-$250 in parts and should take about an hour. Moog, Mevotech are your best bets.

[416GXM3]

sounds like control arm to me.. needs a change how many clicks is your Mazda?

[mazda_1993]

hi , thank you for your answer , my mazda has 180 000 km , I plan to change the control arm by myself , do you have any trick to separate the ball joint from the knuckle on this car ?

[morganc]

Buy a set of pickle forks. You're throwing out the joint anyway, so destroying the boot is of no concern.
Additional recommendation; buy a new ball joint pinch bolt and serrated nut right from mazda (should only be 10$). The serrations on the back of the nut are the primary locking mechanism and wear out after the first use. Also apply some Loctite Blue to the threads before reassembling it, too. Tighten this nut/bolt by hand and you'll minimize how much you wear down the serrations.

[Ante]

Ok , so apparantly it is the ball joint , so ,do you know what is the average price of a new control arm, is there any recommanded brand ? and what is the labor time ?

Would love to know this as well!