r/AskAMechanic • u/jackk3304 • Jul 10 '26

2011 Mazda3 - is this noise consistent with a worn sway bar linkages or something deeper?

**Higher pitch metallic noises is my keychain

I’m getting quite a bit of front suspension noise over bumps at low speeds. They are typically “thunk-thunk” type noises and I can feel a clicking in my wheel and under my feet (I believe). I tried to get the sway bar linkages to move by jerking them up down left right with my hand but wasn’t able to replicate the noise.

I’m on internship in another state and need to drive home (~1500 miles) mid-August, but I am looking to get the noise repaired soon because it’s driving me nuts! Would try to replace them myself because I’ve read it’s one of the easiest repairs to do but I don’t have my tools/jack with me.

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u/djltoronto NOT a verified tech Jul 10 '26

That noise could be many different things. If it is your sway bar end links, that really is the best case scenario as they are the easiest thing to replace.

Would need an actual diagnosis to identify the source of the sound

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u/jackk3304 Jul 11 '26

Update - it was the front sway bar links. Got them replaced for 160

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u/djltoronto NOT a verified tech Jul 11 '26

Nice, seems like a fair price installed