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Home >> Mazda >> 2003 >> Tribute LX, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 116 (Front Suspension System) >> Suspension Diagnosis >> Suspension NVH Diagnosis >> Suspension NVH Diagnostic Procedure

Suspension NVH Diagnostic Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2004 Mazda B4000, 2004 Mazda B3000, 2004 Mazda B2300, 2003 Mazda B4000, and 2003 Mazda B3000. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

  1. Customer Interview

    It is important to interview the customer. Customer feedback can supply information that could be helpful in diagnosing the concern. Ask questions like:
    • When is the concern present (at idle or while driving)?
    • Where does the concern appear to be coming from?
    • How long has the concern been there? Has it steadily become worse?
    • When did the concern start?
    • Does the concern change with engine speed or with vehicle speed?
    • Use the customer concern evaluation sheet form shown following this procedure to record customer concern.
  2. Duplicate the Noise Concern.
    • Is the noise heard while bouncing the bumper of the vehicle, driving over rough road surfaces, braking, when driving, or while parked?
    • Typically, front underbody noise is heard while doing the static bounce test (bouncing the bumper or the vehicle). If the noise can not be duplicated with the static bounce test, or during low speed turning maneuvers, it is most likely not suspension related.
  3. Isolate the Noise Concern.
      NOTE: If the noise can be duplicated by the static bounce test, one of the following methods will help to locate the problem while doing the static bounce test.
    • Use Chassis Ears to determine the area of the chassis that the noise appears to be coming from.
    • Place your hand on the coil spring, radius arm, or stabilizer bar. This method is sometimes misleading as the vibrations may carry from one suspension component to another.
  4. Inspecting the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle in the general area of the source of the noise, look for the following:
    • Loose fasteners.
    • Worn/broken parts.
    • Excessive dirt/rust accumulation.
    • Signs of leaking fluid.
    • Debris wrapped around the driveshaft, halfshaft or axle.
  5. Repair of the vehicle.
    • Use the symptom troubleshooting chart to find which diagnostic test, actions or other section(s) to see.
  6. Test drive the vehicle.
    • Repeat the method used to duplicate the problem to verify that the noise has been repaired.
  7. Follow up with the customer.
    • Follow up with the customer according to the Mazda After Service Follow-up Guide to ensure that the noise was correctly identified and repaired.
NOTE: Make copies of this page and provide them to service advisor personnel.
Fig 1: Customer Concern Evaluation Sheet
G00379567Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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