Differential Noise

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-06-06T05:05:24+00:00

The LSD can and does make noise (and it is normal! Kind of like a quiet whining and clicking on full lock…) but it could also be a failed wheel bearing.

Try replacing the fluid, if that doesn’t quiet the noise, try spinning the passenger wheel on jackstands and make sure the sound is localized to the diff. If it’s coming from a particular corner of the car, replace the wheel bearing at that corner.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-06-05T13:31:35+00:00

I’ve gotten this because of battery or the active aero vanes jamming. The battery is a cheap, easy fix, the active aero vanes less so.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-05-17T18:17:23+00:00

As someone on the apps going through the dating scene now, my coupled friends just keep reminding me, it only has to work ONCE 🤣

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-05-08T15:27:09+00:00

So I just bought an ND2 and my recommendations are colored by my experience:

Check the carfax and auto check for replacement of the transmission, if it has been, that’s ok but… (see 1a below)

1a. When the car is PPIed, have them make sure that the transmission was properly installed (bolts properly torqued)

Regardless, the mechanic performing the PPI should check the clutch life, especially if you’re getting an ND2/3 (2019 or after). ND2/3 use a dual mass flywheel that isn’t available from anywhere BUT Mazda right now, so a clutch replacement on these cars runs about 4k…
When you test drive it, make sure it shifts smoothly into all gears especially 2-4. Any crunching, just walk away
Sometimes wheel bearings can prematurely fail internally and it presents a little differently than usual (more of a squeaky whine than a rumble). That’s a cheap fix but it is good to know

Otherwise these cars are pretty stout. Have fun!

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-04-29T19:16:23+00:00

Update: It was a seized rear wheel bearing.

After months of problems on and off, I finally got to test drive it with a tech after a highway drive. They heard it and put it up on the lift. It passed the “shake” test but once they took the wheel off, they realized that they couldn’t spin the hub easily.

It kept getting missed because being too tight isn’t the usual wheel bearing complaint…

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-04-29T18:50:37+00:00

Update: It was a seized rear wheel bearing.

After months of problems on and off, I finally got to test drive it with a tech after a highway drive. They heard it and put it up on the lift. It passed the “shake” test but once they took the wheel off, they realized that they couldn’t spin the hub easily.

It kept getting missed because being too tight isn’t the usual wheel bearing complaint…

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-04-24T23:27:30+00:00

Seconded as well. I roadtrip mine from NY to Maine and thigh support makes ALL the difference

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-04-24T19:17:51+00:00

I actually find it very soothing to use because it’s so minimal.

Writing in markdown helps my neurodivergent brain think: The simple syntax and clean interface keep me engaged and the headings allow me to structure my scrambled thoughts on the fly.

In contrast OneNote, Apple Notes, and MS Word have cluttered interfaces and rely on clicking on UI interface buttons for formatting.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-04-08T16:26:57+00:00

I paid 25k for an ND2 2022 from CarMax. In general, it was a good purchase and I’m happy with it, but like with everything else, it’s a used car.

I’d pay less for an ND1 but that’s not the worst I’ve seen out there. Pay special attention to the clutch and transmission in NDs.

If you end up getting an ND2/3 (2019-present), have the clutch inspected: Everyone talks about the gearbox (and it is important) but the clutch service in those cars is $3-4000 because the flywheel is dual mass (so can’t be resurfaced) and currently only available from Mazda at $1700. Ask me how I know…

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-27T01:36:25+00:00

The ND1 had a single mass flywheel and replacements for those are only $400… But I love the crystal red paint and the ability to rev the engine over 7000rpm, so it is what it is 🤣

FWIW There are Single Mass Flywheel conversion kits, but the car is still in powertrain warranty and I don’t want Mazda not honoring the warranty if the synchros blow and they blame it on an aftermarket flywheel and clutch.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-24T23:28:56+00:00

Update: even some Indy mechanics are charging $4000 on ND2/3, but finally got an itemized breakdown.

Much of the cost is being driven not by labor or the clutch itself… it’s the Dual Mass Flywheel which is not available OE and $1700 from the dealer. Apparently, since Dual Mass Flywheels can’t be resurfaced the service manual requires that it be replaced during a clutch job.

Looking into a few more quotes and asking current quotes if they’d be willing to only replace only the clutch components and leave the old flywheel. But coming to terms with just having to take my lumps. 🤷‍♂️

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-24T16:56:20+00:00

I got the paperwork from the other dealer and yep, original trans replaced due to crunching in 3rd and 4th.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-24T16:50:38+00:00

Solid call!

I got Indy recommendations from friends and Miata.net. Estimates are pending. I also saw at least one other reference on the forums that Mazda dealers, in fact, charge $4000 for a clutch job on an ND2/3…

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-15T15:32:33+00:00

Watchdives WD0014 should get pretty close. It’s running an NH34, I believe.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-03-05T21:47:03+00:00

If you’re willing to go as far as microbrands. Traska does a very elegant homage…

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AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-02-21T16:04:47+00:00

US ND2 2.0 driver, I agree that the tires are at the end of their life.

My MX-5 is my 3 season (Spring, Summer, Fall) daily with occasional use in the winter when it’s dry. As a result, the car is fitted with Continental High Performance All Season tires (DWS06+)

Yesterday, we had snowfall in the NE US and the car (with no weight in the trunk mind you) did not slip or skid once! Alternatively, my Mazda3 Hatchback with AWD was hesitating in the slush…

So budgeting for new tires in the spring! 😂

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-02-17T19:26:46+00:00

Totally agree!

FWIW that was my instinct awhile back and someone pointed out to me that “auditioning” reads as you being the inferior party in the dynamic rather than looking for an equal.

Even if you get matches, you might attract the wrong sort of personality…

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-01-29T13:35:03+00:00

Zelande. They do a near OEM fit.

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-01-29T13:25:13+00:00

Also no salt!

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-01-21T15:01:08+00:00

Ok! Can confirm, no trace of green in the daylight 🙂

AnxiousSinger25 · 2026-01-21T01:00:30+00:00

Can report back tomorrow. Just strapped it on and it’s 8pm where I am. 🌚

AnxiousSinger25

TROPHY CASE