The Mazda 3 thread

[Rainman]

Forgot to mention: Based on some advice from another user "originalbling" he located some slotted rotors for our application, it's the dba brand from Australia. He decided to guinea pig the install by ordering a set for the front, i did the same as well. Will feedback once the rotors are here should be about 3 weeks or so.


DBA is DBA2954SL, DBA2954SR

http://www.dba.com.au/product-search

[xNeXuSx]

@ Rainman - Thanks for that walkthrough man. I didn't have the suction pump, but I went ahead and drained it all from the hose. Used some DexII compliant oil I had left over. Did it all in quick time yesterday evening. Instantly noticed the difference when I took the car for a spin. Much appreciated.

Rainman or xNeXuSx - as both of you have done the full power steering fluid change, could either of you confirm if 1 quart of fluid is all I would need to refill after draining as much as possible?

I have about 1.5 quarts of Redline ATF remaining from my last transmission drain/refill.

Yea, like Rainman said, you won't need a full qt for the job. Maybe 80-90%. I also used some left over Redline.

[dredman1]

^^^ Thanks

and DBA is great stuff!!! Would love to hear the update on them.
Once they work, can hopefully cross reference their model # with other brands for more choices.

[Rainman]

well, we're the willing guinea pigs....lol
I want to use them in conjunction with the ceramic pads, i of course have to get a new set for the rotor install but.......cest la vie

[Habit7]

How do we know which Mazda 3 ppl talking about?

[Rainman]

How do we know which Mazda 3 ppl talking about?

The users who frequent this thread have got the 2004-2009 mainly, but the discussions are not limited to those models only.

[FullStop]

How do we know which Mazda 3 ppl talking about?

also, many of the things discussed are applicable to both models.

[Habit7]

How do we know which Mazda 3 ppl talking about?

also, many of the things discussed are applicable to both models.

I got a 2010 Mazda 3 this year and I am looking for tips and pointers

[Rainman]

How do we know which Mazda 3 ppl talking about?

also, many of the things discussed are applicable to both models.

I got a 2010 Mazda 3 this year and I am looking for tips and pointers

What kind of tips and pointers you looking at bro? Maintenance, detailing, upgrades?

[noshownogo]

Those 2010 mazda 3's would be nice with a 5speed 2.0 and body kit.

I know I'm probably answering my own question, but given that it's a carryover in engine and archaic tranny what mileage you getting per tank of gas?

[FullStop]

the 2010 3 has electronic powersteering so its a little more peppy than the 04-09 model...could potentially get 600kms on a tank i suppose?

[Habit7]

the 2010 3 has electronic powersteering so its a little more peppy than the 04-09 model...could potentially get 600kms on a tank i suppose?

yip! it tells you that on the display

what mileage you getting per tank of gas?

9 litres per 100km

What kind of tips and pointers you looking at bro? Maintenance, detailing, upgrades?

A lil bit of everything

[noshownogo]

max i'd get is 10km per liter, thought that was good

[FullStop]

10km per litre=550kms per tank, sounds about right...

[typeя]

anybody ever put a cone filter on there mazda3.......04-09 model?

[Rainman]

anybody ever put a cone filter on there mazda3.......04-09 model?

I know ghostbusters was making a RAI out of carbon fiber, don't know how far he got with it.

[fq360]

guys, thinking about getting a mazda 3...already went an checked out one FS in penal...PCE 3***...the guy wanted $115,000 but a better price can be negotiated...btw, car is a local 2007...any tips or advice from anyone??? both negative and positive comments are welcomed

[FullStop]

check the shocks, the car should ride firm not bouncy, listen for any suspension knocking/noise, there should be none, check tranny fluid, if there is a burnt scent coming from it,well, thats bad...typical things to check when checking a car i suppose.

[Rainman]

^^^ yep, most of the info can be found in the previous threads but as ghostbusters said the basic checks would suffice, carry a mechanic is you're unsure. As far as maintenance goes treat her right and she will treat you right. There's also enough knowledge and experience in this thread to get you out of a jam.

[fq360]

^^ thanks alot guys....much appreciated...will keep u all updated

[xNeXuSx]

Started hearing what I can only describe as a "growling" sound anytime I'm driving under 2200rpm. When I launch slowly, or just in traffic and it seems to be getting louder over the past few days. It doesn't sound natural and it's worrying me now. Cause for concern? Last oil change was 4500km ago. Maybe I should change it again?

[noshownogo]

bearings, tires or brakes?

[Rainman]

Started hearing what I can only describe as a "growling" sound anytime I'm driving under 2200rpm. When I launch slowly, or just in traffic and it seems to be getting louder over the past few days. It doesn't sound natural and it's worrying me now. Cause for concern? Last oil change was 4500km ago. Maybe I should change it again?

When the car is moving? if so, at what speed. Engine speed alone isn't enough to determine what is happening.

[xNeXuSx]

Yes. Only when it's moving. Revs while the car is parked don't make the sound. I'd say it happens between 10 and 60 km/h, regardless of the gear as long as I'm at or under 2200rpm...ish. It really does sound like engine noise...just not a pleasant sort.

[dredman1]

Can you isolate the noise to either the engine compartment or the wheel well area (sometimes you are able to if you listen carefully)?

If it's only when moving, try reaching 60km/h and then coasting in neutral at that speed and lower to see if you still hear the noise "between 10 and 60 km/h, regardless of the gear as long as I'm at or under 2200rpm".

Also try revving at or under 2200rpm in neutral while coasting between 10 and 60km/h to see if you still hear the noise.

[Rainman]

Check the following in order like noshow suggested:

> Brakes
> Tires
> Bearings

[xNeXuSx]

I really think it's linked to the engine as the noise is always dependent on the throttle. While hearing it, if I accelerate harder, past 2500rpm, it stops. Same if I release the throttle totally. Not saying it's the engine itself, because I don't know and that's why I'm asking, but it's not from the wheel well.

I'll try what you asked on my way home today. Update tonight.

[noshownogo]

If your car stationary i.e. in neutral or park and you rev to about the rpm suspected does it make the sound?

[dredman1]

I think he said it doesn't:

Revs while the car is parked don't make the sound.

I really think it's linked to the engine as the noise is always dependent on the throttle. While hearing it, if I accelerate harder, past 2500rpm, it stops. Same if I release the throttle totally. Not saying it's the engine itself, because I don't know and that's why I'm asking, but it's not from the wheel well.

I'll try what you asked on my way home today. Update tonight.

Cool - not that this will identify the problem - just trying to narrow down the conditions under which it happens.

[FullStop]

velocity joint?