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Front End Noise (Non GM Related)

Col_Sanders

Col_Sanders

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I have a 2005 Mazda6 with ~104k miles on it. A couple years ago I changed the tires and moved to Louisiana. We noticed the car seemed a bit louder than normal (howling noise like mud tires) after that so I jacked it up and wiggled everything around and there was no slack in the wheels or suspension. I just figured it was because of the new tires and crap roads here. I dont drive this car much. My wife is the primary driver.

I was driving it about 6 months ago and noticed it got a little louder. I changed the brakes and I wiggled everything around again and everything still seemed tight. About a month ago the noise became unbearable and I noticed the tires were down to the wear bars (50k miles on them) so I thought that was the problem. I had them replaced them yesterday with something different and its still ridiculously loud. :doah:

The noise pretty much goes away on right turns. There is still no slack feel on the wheels that I normally see with bad bearings. The brakes and tires were worn evenly and the alignment has been checked.

I found a little grease on the outer CV boot on one side and the inner boot on the other side but I didnt see any holes in the boot and have no clunking or clicking noise.

Is it bearings or something else?? Should I go ahead and replace the CVs while I'm in there?

ETA: It gets louder with wheel speed not engine speed. The trans has been replaced and it was loud before the swap.
 
Wheel bearings. Definitely. You won't always see play in them when they are bad because they are held tight together with the CV stub and the axle nut. But once you get it apart and out you can spin it by hand and it will feel clunky.
 
Thats what was throwing me off. I'm also used to the noise stopping when brakes are applied but this sure doesnt.
 
I agree! Wheel bearings need to be replaced. I drive a Mazda 3 for a commuter, they are press in bearings... Kinda a pain in the butt!
 
I ordered 2 bearings so I'll go ahead and do both sides. I have a press and a torch so I should have it covered. :D

Should I go ahead and replace CVs while I'm in there? It was only a little bit of grease and I dont think this car is ever going to be driving through deep water.
 
If the CV's aren't making any noise or are noticeably loose once you get them out, then I would leave them if there aren't any holes in the boots. If you decide to replace them, find a local rebuilder as it will be way cheaper.
 
I wiped them down and checked for holes when I put on new brakes and couldnt see any but they had grease on them again last night. I dont think we have any CV places here.
 
You can get replacement CV axles pretty cheap. Granted they are new and most likely chinese junk but..... consider the car. :D

All kidding aside, we use the brand new cheap replacement CV axles all the time here on the older Volvo cars where the customers don't want to pay the big money for the Volvo parts and I have seen a very very low failure rate.
 
Hey its paid for and I've been getting 27mpg out of it since a partial tune up so I'm happy. ;)

The CVs are $75 for regular and the "Gold" was $95 at Autozone. I'll run it by the wife but I doubt I'll be buying them now.
 
Nope. Run the factory axles till they make noise. Then pick up a set of new replacement axle shafts for like 80 bucks each.
 
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