AiR_SiK

Lately I've noticed some clunking noises coming from the front right side of my Pro. The only times it happens is when I start to accelerate or start to brake. It sounds almost like something is popping in and out of place, but it's not adversely affecting my car's handling, either. I'm not really sure what it is. Is my strut loose on it's mounts or worn out or is it something else? If anyone has had a similar experience on a 1st gen Pro, please post me with some advice. Thanx

islandpro

check the inside cv joint. turn the axle from side to side and see if it makes a sound. might be it.

MikeD

I also have a 94 DX and have the same problem, only coming from the drivers front. I just had my engine mounts replaced because I thought they were the problem. While the mounts were in bad shape, it didn't solve the problem.
In my case, the problem was the struts (KYB's blown). I also had worn strut mounts. The fix in my case was replacing the strut mounts with MazdaSpeed Mounts and the actual struts with Tokico Blue's.
To be sure, take your car to someone you trust (mechanic, shop..) and have them looked at. You can do some prelimanary inspection yourself. Jack the car up and see if the strut body is is leaking. This is usually a tell-tale sign that there may be some problems. When did you last have your struts replaced?

MikeD

Generally you only hear the CV-Joints (if bad) when on the gas and turning. While CV-Joints are a high wear item (for me at least), I have never experienced the clicking noise that are a symptom of bad CV-Joints during acceleration and braking. But while you have the car jacked up, wouldn't kill you to visually inspect them.

AiR_SiK

No, I'm sure it's not the CV joints. I replaced the half-shafts about 10 months ago and when they were bad it was more of a clicking noise in cornering instead of a clunk/pop when accelerating or decelerating like I have now. From what you're describing, MikeD, the mounts are probably it. Oh, here's a weird thing. It did that clunking a little while at the end of last winter but when the weather warmed up it went away so I thought nothing of it. Could the cold have something to do with it too?

MikeD

I would fall short of saying the cold weather is ultimately responsible for the clunking noise. But as with most things, parts tend to expand with higher temps and contract when a bit colder.
I guess it would be possible that the colder temps would allow the undetermined part (strut/engine mount?) of your car that is making noise to be more noticeable b/c of a very slight variation in dimension.
I like to think I have grown to be very familiar with my car and know that when I hear a noise not commonly heard, that there is something amiss. The problem described seems to be right on target with the problem I had, but since I'm only a shade tree mechanic, I still recommend a trusted mechanic look at it since they would best be able to determine the source in your case.

MikeD

HAHA!! Gotta love cars man. Like I wrote above, I thought it was my mounts too. I actually noticed the noise started after the Capitol Raceway runs we made. Well after spending 150 bucks for three mounts and luckily free labor (good man price, friends with the parts Mgr.) the noise continued.
It was only after the Mazdaspeed mounts and Tokico struts went on did the noise stop. My KYB's were 2.5 years old and SUCKED!! Finally blew the fronts. Thank God the noise stopped...it was driving me absolutely crazy.