Questions and Answers

Mazda 626 Noise Concerns Q. Mr.Ciulla, I have a 2000 Mazda 626. Runs great but is a bit noisy. There is a thump in the back over uneven roads. Took out everything. tightened the spare. No luck. Took it to the dealer. They replaced the rear anti-sway bars (?).

Better but still a thump. I am going back to them, but any suggestions I can give them would be appreciated.

2. Checking the web, I found some aftermarket noise insulation (such as Dynamat, Quietcoat, etc.). But I can't find any reviews or comparisons. Again, any suggestions on where I can get some background info.

Thanks in advance,
Chip

A. I have found a peculiar thing with these cars. There are rubber bumpers under the trunk lid. These are to cushion the trunk lid when it's in the closed position. I found that if I apply some white lithium grease to these bumpers, the noise goes away. So that is something you can try on your own to see if it eliminates the noise.

Other than that, it will take a close visual inspection to see what is causing the noise.

As far as soundproofing goes, they all use the same chemicals from the same manufacturers. So one is pretty much the same as the other. I would look for one that has the best warranty and is nationwide, like Rusty Jones®.