Being subject to recurring noise on your vehicle tends to be frustrating, a vehicle is so complex that it is generally difficult to situate its origin and even more so to find the part that produces it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Mazda CX 3, we will most likely be able to help you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to write this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Mazda CX 3. This is why, firstly, we will check out what are the origins of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the sources of clicking noise on Mazda CX 3 coming from your suspensions.
I notice a clicking noise on Mazda CX 3 on my engine
Check your high engine
If you notice a clicking noise on Mazda CX 3, and this sound is located at the top of the engine, it means that it originates from your cylinder head and its accompanying parts. Two parts can be the causes of these ticking noises on Mazda CX 3. Either the hydraulic pushers , in general it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will find out these clicking noises, often when cold and disappear when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their condition of wear that is at issue. In this circumstance, remember to change them.
Check your low engine
If you have distinguished the area of source of the Mazda CX 3 clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the causes. In both cases, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two fixes are very complicated and most mechanics will suggest you to swap the engine of your Mazda CX 3.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Mazda CX 3 is connected to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible origins of it. Check the condition of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is plausible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine elements to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic reason, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are damaged. In this case, do not hesitate to read this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Mazda CX 3.
I notice a clicking noise on Mazda CX 3 in my direction
Check the condition of the gimbals
One of the most regular causes of a clicking noises in the direction of your Mazda CX 3 is related to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can make a ticking type of sound when you approach the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will damage the cardan shaft very quickly and must be replaced very quickly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be replaced. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Mazda CX 3, do not hesitate to consult this complete guide.
Check the rest of your direction
Finally, when you recognise a clicking noise on your Mazda CX 3, it is plausible that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the case, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.
I notice a clicking noise on Mazda CX 3 coming from my suspensions
Check the suspension
If you encounter a clicking noise on your Mazda CX 3 when you pass a speed bump, it is extremely plausible that your suspension block is the reason of the sound. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are outdated, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its role and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To verify if this is the issue that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, focus on the sound originating from your front axle when you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them promptly as this may affect other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you hear a clicking noise on your Mazda CX 3 at the suspension level, it is highly plausible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a explanation. To verify the state of the spring, position the vehicle on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are equivalent on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also verify between the front and rear, if there is a gap too large it suggests that that most likely your springs are worn, if you discover a leak go a little further in the article to have the answer to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, make sure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should consider swapping it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Mazda CX 3 than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
