Ok spent a few hours googling Mazda MPS 3 grinding noises and nothing really seems to be similar in symptoms.
One that does sound like my symptoms are from this forum but it is from a Mazda 6 transfer case bearing that spat it (Not applicable to the 3).
So, I'm not sure of its presence at all speeds but its definitely noticeable sub 60km/h
- It has a sound like metal on metal rubbing but on half rotations (180deg)
- noticeable only on deceleration
- Still present when the clutch is in (actually can hear it better as no enine noise)
- I can't distinguish between any side, in fact, it sounds central.
- Have jacked the car and run the car in 2nd gear and cant hear anything (as if its only present when weight on the car)
- When wheels rotated there is no grinding (manually rotated)
- Have rocked the wheels to inspect wheel bearing and there is no slack.
I'm kinda at a loss for ideas, the only thing that is involved in rotations centrally to the car, look like:
- Center drive shaft
- Center drive shaft support bearing
- Clutch
- Flywheels
although last 2 could probably be ruled out by no change when clutch engaged/disengaged
If Anyone has had the same issue or can point me in the right direction I would much appreciate it.
Failing that I need to find a mech I can trust to be honest with me here in Southside Brissy.
Regards.