need some general advice please from anybody with some knowledge.

My 2007 Mazda 5, which shares its rear suspension with a Ford Focus. mazda 3 and Volvo (something) 30, has a loud metallic "clonk" when going over speed humps / bumps.

The Mazda garage (they also said tensioner spring was weak on the aux belt which was a lot of carp) at the last Service advised that the rear laterial links were worn (sometimes known as Dogbones) hence I have Warranty direct on the case. However the local garage (that I trust) reckons it could also be the trailing arm bushings on the way out (though they are not sure). Internet seems to suggest both these items are common failures hence my question (yes I got there eventually): The trailing are bushes are similat to the cougar wishbone ones with the flat plate through the bushing.

Is it worth waiting til these fail and then warranty directing them and paying the excess or is it worth ordering a set of poly bushes from the states and if so has anybody done this job and how easy / difficult was it?

I am guessing poly's are easier to fit and whilst requiring greasing should last out the car.

Any advice greatly appreciated

 

Update - changed the Dogbones and the dampers and noise is cured. Dogbones were a Partsline alternative at £35 for the pair and dampers were £90 for the pair and are KYB's

 

I am having the same problem, front and rear! The rear trailing arm bushings are worn out as well as the front lower control arm bushings, has anyone seen this?

 

if you dont catch the lwer control arm ones early then apparently they take out the trailing arm bushings.

 

U dont say where u are, UK? What Mazda is it 5 sport?

Sorry meant to say - rear dogbones deteriorating can take out rear training arm bushings.

Its Ford Focus suspension and i believe both are common problems

 

I am in Florida, and it is the base model Mazda 5 or the sport, it is automatic with no Tire pressure sensors and no frills.

 

Thier is a tech bulletin for the rear coil springs having a bit of extra metal left on the top of the spring. A small ampount of grease was all that was needed to get ride of that nast banging in the rear suspension!