Topic: *OFFICIAL* Mazdaspeed 3 trans mount tracking thread *OFFICIAL* (Read 24896 times)

Betelgeuse · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2007, 01:34:13 PM »

Checked mine again, this time using a torque wrench and it was right at around 70-75 ft/lbs. Previously I only tugged at it with a socket wrench and it didn't move. For me this dispels the rumor that the bolt somehow comes loose after a while. I drive hard, even had wheelhop on a couple occasions, so if this was true, after 7600 miles it should be very loose. Now if it was a little loose to begin with, I can see it working loose eventually.

It also proves the problem isn't just with the earlier builds. Mine's an 8/06.

DLUX · « **Reply #31 on:** March 04, 2007, 12:31:54 AM »

My build date was 8/06 as well.

DLUX · « **Reply #32 on:** March 04, 2007, 12:43:32 AM »

Quote from: Betelgeuse on March 03, 2007, 12:56:26 AM

Quote from: DLUX on March 03, 2007, 12:42:12 AM
You know they will blame it on that aftermarket engine mount. It seems like everyone has been lucky so far, I hope when mine fails I don't get injured. I won't take my family in the car, cause it's like gambling with your life!

If you checked that bolt and it's torqued down right you have little to worry about.

Oh, my bad, I didn't realize it was my responsability to do that on my brand new car. I have asked the dealer twice, but they fail to recognize a problem. I did check it 2 months ago and it was tight, but I didn't use a torque wrench and I didn't have a jack under the tranny. I'll re-do it when the weather breaks, but I shouldn't be the one checking it!

Betelgeuse · « **Reply #33 on:** March 04, 2007, 09:24:42 AM »

Quote from: DLUX on March 04, 2007, 12:43:32 AM

Quote from: Betelgeuse on March 03, 2007, 12:56:26 AM
Quote from: DLUX on March 03, 2007, 12:42:12 AM
You know they will blame it on that aftermarket engine mount. It seems like everyone has been lucky so far, I hope when mine fails I don't get injured. I won't take my family in the car, cause it's like gambling with your life!

If you checked that bolt and it's torqued down right you have little to worry about.

Oh, my bad, I didn't realize it was my responsability to do that on my brand new car. I have asked the dealer twice, but they fail to recognize a problem. I did check it 2 months ago and it was tight, but I didn't use a torque wrench and I didn't have a jack under the tranny. I'll re-do it when the weather breaks, but I shouldn't be the one checking it!

It's your responsibility, given what you know about the issue, to have the bolt checked. If you can't do it, find a dealer or shop that will. Yeah it sucks, and I agree it shouldn't be happening to a brand new car, but it is what it is.

It's unfortunate (and irresponsibile) that Mazda is dragging their feet on this considering how serious it is, and I feel bad for the buyers who aren't aware of the problem, but you're in a better situation.

jasno999 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2007, 12:19:05 PM »

Quote from: DLUX on March 04, 2007, 12:43:32 AM

Quote from: Betelgeuse on March 03, 2007, 12:56:26 AM
Quote from: DLUX on March 03, 2007, 12:42:12 AM
You know they will blame it on that aftermarket engine mount. It seems like everyone has been lucky so far, I hope when mine fails I don't get injured. I won't take my family in the car, cause it's like gambling with your life!

If you checked that bolt and it's torqued down right you have little to worry about.

Oh, my bad, I didn't realize it was my responsability to do that on my brand new car. I have asked the dealer twice, but they fail to recognize a problem. I did check it 2 months ago and it was tight, but I didn't use a torque wrench and I didn't have a jack under the tranny. I'll re-do it when the weather breaks, but I shouldn't be the one checking it!

Why do you need to have a jack under the transmission? IF a dealer checks the bolt he is going to do it with the car on the ground or on a lift so he is not going to have the transmission jacked up??? What is the point of jackign under the transmission?

tetrapyloctomy · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2007, 01:41:39 PM »

Jacking the transmission puts some slack on the mount, making loose mounts much more apparent.

dbuenger · « **Reply #36 on:** March 09, 2007, 09:05:51 AM »

Quote from: tetrapyloctomy on March 04, 2007, 01:41:39 PM

Jacking the transmission puts some slack on the mount, making loose mounts much more apparent.

ya sure it would make a loose bolt apparent, but is it really
necessary if your planning on taking it out, locktighting and re-torquing
to spec (approx 75lbs)?

jasno999 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 09, 2007, 10:44:44 PM »

That is what I am saying. If yo uask a dealer to check it out they are going to just put a torque wrench or air tool on the bolt and make sure it is torqued in the spec range. They are never going to jack the car up via the transmission.

Focused · « **Reply #38 on:** March 10, 2007, 02:40:32 PM »

Quote from: dbuenger on March 09, 2007, 09:05:51 AM

Quote from: tetrapyloctomy on March 04, 2007, 01:41:39 PM
Jacking the transmission puts some slack on the mount, making loose mounts much more apparent.

ya sure it would make a loose bolt apparent, but is it really
necessary if your planning on taking it out, locktighting and re-torquing
to spec (approx 75lbs)?

To check the tq of the bolt and tighten, I don't think it's necessary but you'd definitely get a more accurate assurance that things are safe, if not by the bolt, then in your head.

But if you plan on taking it out, then you most definitely need to put secure the transmission, or else it'll fall over...
The dogbone/rear/bottom mount wasn't designed to and will not hold the transmission solidly in its place. The passenger mount does.

dbuenger · « **Reply #39 on:** March 11, 2007, 02:09:02 PM »

Quote

But if you plan on taking it out, then you most definitely need to put secure the transmission, or else it'll fall over...
The dogbone/rear/bottom mount wasn't designed to and will not hold the transmission solidly in its place. The passenger mount does.

and so it does... anyway:

Forum Username: dbuenger
Car build date:09/06
Car delivery/title date:10/20
Your location: Roswell, GA
Mileage when problem occurred:7700
Did YOU check your bolt previously:yes,but with a non torque wrench. it seemed fine...
If yes - How many miles before the problem:everything looked the same this time, until I put a T wrench to it
Did your DEALER check the bolt previously: YES. a week ago I took it in and asked them to check this bolt specifically. when I got the car back my radio station presets were still there so I checked it again.
How was the car being driven? (Track, aggressive, casual): Aggressive, but overall smoothly with rev matching, roll on accelerations, NEVER clutch dumping, etc.
What did you do to Fix it? Red lock tight and torqued to 75lbs.

The car was doing the "clunck" thing when shifting to 3rd under power so I was pretty sure things were working loose. So far (it's been 2 days) things seem much more stable and no cluncking noises. seems to shift a little cleaner too.

Focused · « **Reply #40 on:** March 12, 2007, 06:07:55 PM »

Quote from: dbuenger on March 11, 2007, 02:09:02 PM

Quote
But if you plan on taking it out, then you most definitely need to put secure the transmission, or else it'll fall over...
The dogbone/rear/bottom mount wasn't designed to and will not hold the transmission solidly in its place. The passenger mount does.
and so it does... anyway:

Forum Username: dbuenger
Car build date:09/06
Car delivery/title date:10/20
Your location: Roswell, GA
Mileage when problem occurred:7700
Did YOU check your bolt previously:yes,but with a non torque wrench. it seemed fine...
If yes - How many miles before the problem:everything looked the same this time, until I put a T wrench to it
Did your DEALER check the bolt previously: YES. a week ago I took it in and asked them to check this bolt specifically. when I got the car back my radio station presets were still there so I checked it again.
How was the car being driven? (Track, aggressive, casual): Aggressive, but overall smoothly with rev matching, roll on accelerations, NEVER clutch dumping, etc.
What did you do to Fix it? Red lock tight and torqued to 75lbs.

The car was doing the "clunck" thing when shifting to 3rd under power so I was pretty sure things were working loose. So far (it's been 2 days) things seem much more stable and no cluncking noises. seems to shift a little cleaner too.

Did you happen to record the tq setting it was at prior to tightening? IOW, just how much did it loosen itself?

dbuenger · « **Reply #41 on:** March 13, 2007, 08:01:27 AM »

it moved surprisingly easily, I'd say well UNDER 30 lbs.

It was definitely loose, with little to no torque holding it steady.

Betelgeuse · « **Reply #42 on:** March 13, 2007, 10:05:29 AM »

Good call on checking that bolt when you heard the noise man. Mazda should definitely see this thread.

Alpha095 · « **Reply #43 on:** March 13, 2007, 11:24:20 AM »

I just got back from my Mazda dealer this morning I was complaining about a noise coming from my left front wheel. When they took the car in they also checked the mount and they found it lose. So they retightened it and so far I haven’t heard any noise and it shifts a lot better then it was before. I am glad I brought it in. Also there is no more clunking. I hope that this “fix” is permanent.

dbuenger · « **Reply #44 on:** March 13, 2007, 12:47:12 PM »

Quote from: Alpha095 on March 13, 2007, 11:24:20 AM

I just got back from my Mazda dealer this morning I was complaining about a noise coming from my left front wheel. When they took the car in they also checked the mount and they found it lose. So they retightened it and so far I haven’t heard any noise and it shifts a lot better then it was before. I am glad I brought it in. Also there is no more clunking. I hope that this “fix” is permanent.

pretty much my exact experience with this; the only difference being I asked my dealer
to check the bolt and they didn't actually check the bolt (although the invoice said they did)

now granted I didn't bring up the clunk at the time, i just asked them to check it. so I didn't
tell them why I wanted the bolt checked, which I probably should have, but regardless they LIED.

I knew that it was up to me when I got the car back, my radio presets hadn't changed.
i.e. the battery was never removed. damn glad I did!

Pololo_MS3 · « **Reply #45 on:** March 13, 2007, 01:00:34 PM »

Quote from: dbuenger on March 13, 2007, 12:47:12 PM

now granted I didn't bring up the clunk at the time, i just asked them to check it. so I didn't
tell them why I wanted the bolt checked, which I probably should have, but regardless they LIED.

I knew that it was up to me when I got the car back, my radio presets hadn't changed.
i.e. the battery was never removed. damn glad I did!

This WAS the main difference with me. I especifically told the dealer to CHECK the engine and transmission mounting bolt as I was hearing a "clunk" noise from the engine as it was moving too much. They know me well as I can be a PITA since I know my cars so well. They know I am in all the Mazda forums and know about issues even before they do. I don't treat them bad, indeed I treat them with respesct and they realize that I know my "shit"

For you guys out there, you need to TELL them to check the bolt and retorque as expected.

My 2 cents,
Carlos

Alpha095 · « **Reply #46 on:** March 13, 2007, 01:36:18 PM »

Yeah my radio preset were changed and they even mentioned it to me that they checked it.

dbuenger · « **Reply #47 on:** March 13, 2007, 02:12:13 PM »

Quote from: Alpha095 on March 13, 2007, 01:36:18 PM

Yeah my radio preset were changed and they even mentioned it to me that they checked it.

consider yourselves lucky to have dealers that you can trust!

both dealers I have to choose from are questionable...

dp3 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 14, 2007, 06:19:33 PM »

orum Username:dp3
Car build date: 12/06
Car delivery/title date: 1/20/07
Your location Ventura
Mileage when problem occurred: 3500
Did YOU check your bolt previously: Yes
If yes - How many miles before the problem:approx 1800
Did your DEALER check the bolt previously Nope
How was the car being driven? (Track, aggressive, casual): Casual and on occasion aggressively
What did you do to Fix it? Jacked up trans. Bolt backed out under approx 25 pounds torque. Applied red lockite. Retorqued to 80 Ft LBS

CosmicBlueMS3 · « **Reply #49 on:** March 14, 2007, 08:25:58 PM »

guys, i was holding back for a bit here, but time to get a group effort going here.

if you had a problem with your mount, please file a complaint at www.safercar.gov
a few of us here have already (myself included) and its important we all step up and voice our concern, especially now that we have evidence of a car built in december having this problem as well.

hate to bring negative light to our cars, but we gotta do something about this.

aviateur · « **Reply #50 on:** March 15, 2007, 01:35:20 AM »

Mount hasn't failed on me *knock on wood* but I filed a complaint anyways. Hopefully a TSB will come out soon!

Mellman · « **Reply #51 on:** March 15, 2007, 09:32:37 AM »

ugh i need to update this thread..too much travel/work makes matt a dull boy!

Mellman · « **Reply #52 on:** March 15, 2007, 10:30:44 AM »

what else do you guys want me to add to the OP?

dutchie3 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 15, 2007, 02:05:41 PM »

just curious, when was the first known failure of this, meaning when mazda flew their speak no english engineer out to check on this? I am just trying to work forward from that date to guess by what point they may have been taking measures (such as making sure the bolt is torqued properly on the line), to address this.

gwood · « **Reply #54 on:** March 15, 2007, 03:58:46 PM »

Quote from: dutchie3 on March 15, 2007, 02:05:41 PM

just curious, when was the first known failure of this, meaning when mazda flew their speak no english engineer out to check on this? I am just trying to work forward from that date to guess by what point they may have been taking measures (such as making sure the bolt is torqued properly on the line), to address this.

I was wondering about this myself today and decided to take a look for the very same post you've mentioned...

About two thirds of the way down the page here:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=63851.60

Specific post informing of the guy coming out was 12/06/06, thread started 12/01/06 (or is that the updated date?)

dutchie3 · « **Reply #55 on:** March 15, 2007, 04:21:50 PM »

ok, so it looks as though the mazda rep, engineer, whatever he was saw the car early December. That gave him a week to get back to Japan and report. A Little paperwork and procedure...something this serious should have made it to the line within the month. so...I would think that any cars manufactured as of early to mid January should have had this issue address. it is most likley too little time to reengineer a part, but at least we can know with some certainty that the bolt was checked and torqued properly on the line.
Now if someone comes forward with a failure or loose bolt and a build date in early feb or march, then we can safely say that they are not doing anything about this.
stay tuned...

aviateur · « **Reply #56 on:** March 15, 2007, 05:00:53 PM »

I received an email reply from the NHTSA based on the report I filed yesterday. Here it is...

Quote

My name is Stephen McHenry, I am an investigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation. I received the report you filed with us regarding your MazdaSpeed3 and the trans mount problems that are occurring. I am glad you have not had the problem yet, please keep me informed if you have any problems with it.

Thanks for the report, they help a lot.

Yours truly,

Stephen McHenry

Investigator, US D.O.T.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Defects Investigation
NVS-213 Room 5326-B
400 7th Street S.W.
Washington D.C. 20590-0001
202.366.4883 or 1.800.986.9678 x-64883
Fax 202.366.1767
10185134

Not much info there, but at least people are looking at these!

dbuenger · « **Reply #57 on:** March 15, 2007, 07:32:11 PM »

I too received an email:

Quote

My name is Stephen McHenry, I am an investigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation. I received the report you filed with us regarding your MazdaSpeed3 transmission mount problem. Can you provide me some more details on the dealer’s response when you asked them to check it (did they give you a repair invoice? Did you tell them about the clunking noise?). When you inspected the bolt, do you have any idea at what torque spec the bolt was at before you tightened it? Could you tell if there was any Loctite on it from the factory?

I appreciate your help.

Yours truly,

Stephen McHenry

In my reply I (among other things) sent him to this website. Yes, it seems someone is paying attention.

Betelgeuse · « **Reply #58 on:** March 15, 2007, 09:46:38 PM »

Considering how serious this issue is and how long they're taking to acknowledge it, I agree with filing a complaint and will do it soon even though, like many of you, I have no issues. Come on Mazda, at least say something!

CosmicBlueMS3 · « **Reply #59 on:** March 15, 2007, 10:16:52 PM »

we have 5 official complaints in the mazdaspeed 3 section, it seems a few people posted under mazda3 :?
if you havent filled out the complaint yet, and you have had a loose bolt, or even better, are actually one of the 3 people who's engine dropped, please respond and help us all out.

The original Mazda3-based forum.

Author Topic: *OFFICIAL* Mazdaspeed 3 trans mount tracking thread *OFFICIAL* (Read 24896 times)

Author Topic: OFFICIAL Mazdaspeed 3 trans mount tracking thread OFFICIAL (Read 24896 times)