2008 Mazda3 Dragging and scraping noise from the front of the vehicle.

[admin]

Hey guys, i own a 2008 mazda 3 and i'm getting some problems. I have been hearing some dragging scraping noise from the front of my vehicle for some time now. With that noise i've been getting alot of acceleration problems especially when going up hills. Did change engine mounts, align, speed balance almost everything i could think about nothing worked. I read online that it could be the wheel bearing when i carried it to another mechanic for a test drive he said the problem is the Alternator tensioner pulley bearing. What do you guys think?

 

[anthonemorris]

Tensioner pulley? Really? Since when that holds back acceleration? Check the inner axle cups first. Service if necessary.

 

[admin]

What about the fuel filter causing the holds back acceleration and the tensioner causing the noise?

 

[nirtime]

admin at what rpm do you feel the acceleration problem? Is it a surge? Does it happen at the same moment as the noise?

Tensioner Pullies dont make noise by themselves to my knowledge. They also dont restrict acceleration to my knowledge.

 

[admin]

around 2000-3000 rpm and extreme power problems when going up hills. I will also like to know where i could buy new fuel filter for this car.

 

[anthonemorris]

post a pic of the old filter when u can. to help it last a bit longer blast some compressed air through it ( in the reverse flow ) until a new one can be found. if the tensioner is making noise then a belt is either slack or out of place whic would mean that one or more pulleys are bad or at least the bearings. still not going to cause power loss.

 

[admin]

post a pic of the old filter when u can. to help it last a bit longer blast some compressed air through it ( in the reverse flow ) until a new one can be found. if the tensioner is making noise then a belt is either slack or out of place whic would mean that one or more pulleys are bad or at least the bearings. still not going to cause power loss.

Thanks for the advice i will try to see if i can take a snap shot picture at it. Aslo i feel i will do what you suggested and blast some compressed air in it to see it helps.

 

[nirtime]

Indeed, it still won't contribute to power loss. Just to get an idea, whats the approximate mileage of the car?

 

[admin]

The vehicle is around 46000 mileage, it does appear to be the fuel filter because when I filled gas a while ago it ran excellent and then a few mins after the same bad way.

 

[nirtime]

Based on that I'd say it seems likely to be fuel related. I'm not sure where you can get the filter but replacement can serve useful.
Did you by any chance try a few PEA based fuel injector cleaners in the tank at the same time?

You can try reverse blowing the filter out and see what sort of results you can get. That can be easily done with some compressed air and some care.

The noise may not necessarily be related to the fuel but as mentioned above could be related to the tensioner pulley area.

 

[admin]

Apparently the 2008 Mazda 3 don't have an external fuel filter, southern sales checked my chassis number and said it does not carry one. Also my mechanic did a check and found none. So I don't know what could be causing my vehicle's performance problem.

 

[grimreaper009]

^^^So where is your fuel filter located??? Have to be in the engine bay somewhere then???

 

[anthonemorris]

Apparently the 2008 Mazda 3 don't have an external fuel filter, southern sales checked my chassis number and said it does not carry one. Also my mechanic did a check and found none. So I don't know what could be causing my vehicle's performance problem.

Well then into the tank you go. Fuel sender unit, pump, internal filter. Hopefully they are all in one unit and easily accessible from under the backseat or the trunk

 

[anthonemorris]

As far as the scraping, does it make noise at idle or while driving? A continuous whirring or grinding sound?

 

[admin]

As far as the scraping, does it make noise at idle or while driving? A continuous whirring or grinding sound?

The scraping noise is the tensioner that of which I'm sure, I will have to see if the filter in the fuel pump is clogged. Is it simple to just open and check? I know it's in the gas tank and can be accessible behind the back seat.

 

[anthonemorris]

Once you get the cover off you can check it. I advise checking when you have less than quarter tank. And no sparks or open flames. Expect a "sock" type filter on the fuel sender or a small cylindrical one like the ones on a b13 with the pump. Unless Mazda have them different.

 

[admin]

Once you get the cover off you can check it. I advise checking when you have less than quarter tank. And no sparks or open flames. Expect a "sock" type filter on the fuel sender or a small cylindrical one like the ones on a b13 with the pump. Unless Mazda have them different.

Thank you, might do the check today and take out some pics.

 

[anthonemorris]

Thanks to admin for spreading his woes to others. Now I have symptoms too. Changed all mounts, power foam and bars cleanup. Topped up gearbox oil. Going to tackle the fuel system tomorrow God willing. Starting up front an working my way to the tank

 

[nirtime]

I bought Diff oil today. May be doing my front and rear tomorrow or not.

 

[anthonemorris]

Just a thought admin, check to see if the timing is off even by a degree. Could get you back the power you desire.