Problem Mazda Car

[Wellington]

We have a 5 year old Mazda 3 Sport (new shape) which has a continuous "Rrrr,Rrrr " noise from the wheels

The Phuket Town Mazda Garage are unable to diagnose nor cure this and have charged us twice for doing nothing.

We need an independant mechanic,who can undestand English, to help us solve this problem .

Any help appreciated

preferably in south west phuket

[LivinginKata]

Have you tried a wheel alignment check. Try any of the big tyre places with computer diagnostic test. I had a similar problem and the found that tracking/castor angles were slightly out.

I also find the Mazda dealer in Phuket Town is a complete waste of time & space.

[ozymandious]

i 2nd a tire shop to take a look at alignment. I use the big one on Bypass (out bound) don't remember the name, Blue and Gold colors, they have computer alignment tests that they can do and re-balance you.

[loubrockbank]

Can you describe the problem in more detail?

Which wheel ?

Are they alloy wheels?

When were the tyres replaced?

Have you checked the tyres for anything sticking out of them, and indeed are they keeping pressure?

Has the car been in the garage for anything wheel related before?

Can you feel vibrations through the steering wheel/pedals?

If you let go of the steering wheel while driving does it pull to one side?

If you can answer any of these then it might help with diagnosing the problem...ruuurr ruuurr isn't fantastically helpful :D

My initial thought is a wheel bearing. Phuket is a dusty place and sand etc. will destroy bearings, I've had 2 bikes now with trashed bearings due to perished rubber seals.

[Wellington]

Can you describe the problem in more detail?

Which wheel ?

Are they alloy wheels?

When were the tyres replaced?

Have you checked the tyres for anything sticking out of them, and indeed are they keeping pressure?

Has the car been in the garage for anything wheel related before?

Can you feel vibrations through the steering wheel/pedals?

If you let go of the steering wheel while driving does it pull to one side?

If you can answer any of these then it might help with diagnosing the problem...ruuurr ruuurr isn't fantastically helpful :D

My initial thought is a wheel bearing. Phuket is a dusty place and sand etc. will destroy bearings, I've had 2 bikes now with trashed bearings due to perished rubber seals.

First, thanky to you three respondents

In more detail from above list

The noise is overall, we cannot say which wheel, which are all alloys

All the tyres are wide low profile and are original.

There has been an annual lowering of pressure(when we go to Europe for holidays) the car is left standing and drops a bit over 7 weeks.The left front has been plugged twice and we thought this might be a cause of noise?

I would get two new tyres if there wasn't so much tread left on them.But maybe that would be the answer?

Wheel bearings were my first thought and they have been checked.

Yes there is a slight left pull on breaking and vibration which is corrected by adjusting tyre pressure.

No vibration through pedals.

The noise is a continuous rrrrrr rrrrrr and cannot be right.

[Wellington]

i 2nd a tire shop to take a look at alignment. I use the big one on Bypass (out bound) don't remember the name, Blue and Gold colors, they have computer alignment tests that they can do and re-balance you.

Can you be a bit more precise please.

[katabeachbum]

Manit Center Max, close to Supercheap.

Tyres, rims, alignment, brakes. Very pro

[anon10]

I had the same problem with my Mazda before, let me know how I can reach you to help you out in this matter.

I live in Phuket as well so call me on 08-9971 5664 (Ronny)

[Wellington]

Manit Center Max, close to Supercheap.

Tyres, rims, alignment, brakes. Very pro

For those who took time to try to help. Thanks again

I went to Manit today and the old tyres were caput, although they looked as if the tread was still deep it had hardened and I was told their life was ended at 5 years or 40 000km, (both criteria were about to be exceeded.)

I did not know this

Maybe it happens only in the tropics.

The Mazda Garage had not told me this and charged 1000 bht to "rectify" the problem. Which they obviously did not do, so beware , if you have a Mazda, have your services elsewhere!

New tyres were fitted,wheels balanced etc and the car now runs like new again.

end of story.

[katabeachbum]

Manit Center Max, close to Supercheap.

Tyres, rims, alignment, brakes. Very pro

For those who took time to try to help. Thanks again

I went to Manit today and the old tyres were caput, although they looked as if the tread was still deep it had hardened and I was told their life was ended at 5 years or 40 000km, (both criteria were about to be exceeded.)

I did not know this

Maybe it happens only in the tropics.

The Mazda Garage had not told me this and charged 1000 bht to "rectify" the problem. Which they obviously did not do, so beware , if you have a Mazda, have your services elsewhere!

New tyres were fitted,wheels balanced etc and the car now runs like new again.

end of story.

In this climate, espesially the hours of sunshine in one year, I would say 3 years max. 5 years and speed limit 120 on dry road/ 80 kmh on wet road is acceptable.

[loubrockbank]

Glad its sorted!!!

Manit centre Max is just round the corner from us. Seem like they know what they are doing too (which is a nice change). Their custom bikes and cars are a very good advert for their workmanship too.

[Wellington]

Glad its sorted!!!

Manit centre Max is just round the corner from us. Seem like they know what they are doing too (which is a nice change). Their custom bikes and cars are a very good advert for their workmanship too.

There's a stunning Black ?Lincoln there at the moment

I thought it must be the Bosses car (Anuphas)?