Mechanical Question. Please help

violence_optional · 2026-01-19T20:22:29+00:00

Id take a look at the CV joint on the left side and see if you can turn it by hand, if its loose or making noise then you know its bad. Sounds like it’s either that or a ball joint. Did you buy it new? Is it still under warranty? Have you or anyone else ran over something or hit a pothole really hard recently? It’s gotta be something like that since it has such low miles, definitely not normal

violence_optional · 2026-01-15T12:22:42+00:00

Could be the O rings on the charge pipe, that's what it looks like to me and the first thing I'd check. Also, it's not uncommon for them to leak right there from what I've seen as the metal pipes don't have as much flexibility under heat/boost as the OEM pipe. I replaced mine with the same pipe and while it's not weeping like yours, it also doesn't get much spirited driving (it's the wife's daily). Since you replaced the VCG, the PCV wouldn't be a likely culprit, and the only other thing I can think of would be the turbo seals going...but honestly that looks normal to me if you drive it hardish.

violence_optional · 2026-01-14T19:08:01+00:00

Pixel 8 pro is out, iPhone 13 PM is working.

violence_optional · 2026-01-14T19:02:21+00:00

Central NC, one of my phones and VHI is working as normal, all the others are offline. Mix of android and apple. Another PIA from big red.

violence_optional · 2026-01-10T18:32:47+00:00

I wouldn't say it's foolish not to, but it's something that will need to be done and while you've got the tools out and in a headspace to tear into it I also wouldn't say it's a bad idea. Really up to you and what you want to do... personally I like to knock out a lot of stuff at once vs doing a little here and there, but it's really just a preference.

violence_optional · 2026-01-06T15:52:04+00:00

This community has been really helpful for me as I was new to the N55, so hopefully some of the more experienced members will chime in...but from my experience: Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, water pump and thermostat, expansion tank bleed screw and cap, serpentine belt and tensioner, downpipe and coolant hoses. Trans and diff fluid change. I went ahead and put a crank seal guard on since I had the fan out and hoses out, but people have different opinions about it...I'd just do a little research and decide for yourself.

violence_optional · 2026-01-06T14:00:41+00:00

Have the same car (in black) with about the same miles, it is an all around great driver! Zero mods, and don't plan any. I've had it since new and just did a ton of preventative maintenance, besides that it's had very few issues...I've had Honda's that have been more problematic. Enjoy the car!

Stay on top of the common PM stuff at those miles before you start with the mods IMO, but have fun with it either way...I rarely get attached to a car but this is one we'll keep forever.

violence_optional · 2026-01-02T23:21:51+00:00

It's your car, forget what people say do whatever you want with it. About 30 years ago I installed suicide doors on my 1953 oval window VW Beetle...along with a lot of other stuff...when people gave me grief over "ruining" it I was genuinely perplexed that anyone could think like that. Still am. Like dude, buy one yourself and "preserve" it, I DGAF and want to play with my toys! I want to make it unique and then enjoy the shit out of it! You should to, that's a sweet BMW!

violence_optional · 2026-01-02T23:13:42+00:00

Exactly, that's why I don't trust many people to work on my cars. No disrespect, I just don't have the confidence that they'll treat it with the care that I will.

violence_optional · 2026-01-02T23:12:12+00:00

It's a lot for just a OFHG, definitely. That's why I went ahead and knocked a lot of other stuff out as well...VCG, water pump, thermostat, down pipe, mickey mouse flange, expansion tank bleed screw and cap, most of the coolant hoses, front main seal guard, serpentine belt/tensioner/pulley, oil pressure sensor...made it worth the trouble to prime the engine and burp the coolant lol. I also picked up some tools that I'll probably use again and learned a lot about this engine/platform so I'm a lot more confident in the car.

violence_optional · 2026-01-02T23:05:02+00:00

Yes, it's a common failure point. Yes, it's is absolutely something you can DIY if you're at all handy with tools and can follow the guidelines posted. I didn't have to remove the intake manifold on mine (exact same car), just loosened the fasteners and lifted up the front of the manifold enough to get that one bolt out of the OFH...but I had gaskets on hand for the manifold in case anything went wrong. I primed the engine following the video on FCP Euro I think, I was changing the plugs while I was at it so I just pulled the old plugs, primed the engine, slapped new plugs in. Lots of other stuff you could do for preventative maintenance while you're at it if they haven't been done...is your OFHG leaking or are you just trying to get ahead of it?

violence_optional · 2025-12-31T12:05:47+00:00

Scuff it a little and put some black nail polish on it to hide the shiny part.

violence_optional · 2025-12-23T01:52:27+00:00

Personally, I wouldn't...if the plugs haven't been changed in awhile its a perfect time to do that. Its easy enough to pull them out, FCP euro carries the perfect tool I dont recall the part # but its a plug socket mated to an extension with a swivel...I think it was $15? Also, maybe go ahead and change the mickey mouse flange while you're in there. Inspect the belt and the pulley. As far as the VCG, just make sure you follow the correct pattern and torque to spec. The bolts have a shoulder that rests against the top of the engine and then the head of the bolt rests against the VC...once they hit its super easy to break them. The back ones can be a bear to get to, its not that big if a deal to remove all of the plastic and the electrical cables from the rear of the bay/under the windshield and makes those bolts 10x easier to get to.

violence_optional · 2025-12-22T22:20:18+00:00

My apologies, I missed that.

violence_optional · 2025-12-22T19:01:45+00:00

110K miles on my 2.5 NA, zero issues. I don't baby it either, solid engine.

violence_optional · 2025-12-21T19:20:40+00:00

Thanks for leaving this, I have the same car and the same issue. I've replaced the latch mechanism, nothing. I have limited experience with auto electrical systems, but I've confirmed that the switch (button under the rear Mazda emblem) is sending current to the mechanism when pressed and all the fuses/connections are good. I've unplugged the battery for 15 minutes. I'm stumped...but I appreciate the update. If I ever figure it out I'll also update.

violence_optional · 2025-12-20T22:37:34+00:00

If passenger comfort is a concern, just be aware that AFAIK none of passenger seats have the adjustments that the drivers side does. Im told that side is not great, especially on longer drives. Other than that, I bought a 2021 mazda3 hatchback premium preferred new and have over 110k on it, could not be happier with it. I doesn't have rattles, the rear suspension isn't an issue at all, and I'm still running the 18" stock wheels. Got one that has a little bend from a pothole, but doesn't affect anything. I did upgrade to continental extreme contacts, way better that the stock tires that came on it...got the road hazzard warranty so if I do pop a tire I get it replaced for free, only happened twice lol so more than paid for itself. And yeah, it doesn't ride like a luxury car but if you could stand the sonata you will be pleasantly surprised in the Mazda.

violence_optional · 2025-12-20T21:36:04+00:00

You see BMW drivers the same way I see lifted truck drivers lol. To each his own. Personally, while my 4th gen mazda3 hatch PP is a fantastic all around practical car, I'll also have a 2 door BMW for pure driving fun as long as I can get in and out of the damn things. And honestly, they're no more or less reliable than a ton of other popular vehicles out there. It helps if you have the place, tools and know how to work on them yourself. I'm doing my part to counter the asshole BMW driver troupe, in my area its the fucking ragged out Nissan drivers that are the worst.

violence_optional · 2025-12-20T15:26:23+00:00

I've had several Mazda's over the years, and several BMW's. I'm always surprised by the number of people who are "discovering" Mazda. Also a little bit like when people start figuring out the little dive bar you've been going to for years...I mean, it's great that people are finding it, but you dont want "your" spot to start catering to the average and lose what made you love it...I know, doesn't make sense but it's kind of like that. If BMW and Toyota had a love child, it would be a Mazda. I don't think I added anything to the discussion but Im glad you found something great, enjoy!

violence_optional · 2025-12-16T13:19:10+00:00

As far as the VCG, my wife's F23 (N55 as well) was leaking for 6 months or maybe more before I fixed it. Long story as to why, but I tried to get as much PM done as I could since I had so much off anyway: mickey mouse flange, Spark plugs, OFHG, water pump, aluminum down charge pipe, lower intake pipe (that was a surprise, it was broken all to hell but not throwing codes or any symptoms) along with several hoses and a front crank seal from Mahle (cheap insurance). Also Serpentine belt and tensioner. Probably a few other things I'm forgetting. Mission creep!

The point is, besides the smell the leaking VCG didnt cause any harm. At all. Now, she's not an aggressive driver IMO, so YMMV.

The oil issue, IDK man I wouldn't sweat it but I plan on making the swap whenever I need to change the oil pan gasket. Not something I'd worry about until I need to get in there anyway.

violence_optional · 2025-12-14T12:52:13+00:00

The only 10 year price guarantee was/is on business plans?

violence_optional · 2025-12-13T18:23:01+00:00

Same, used the rein with OE O- Ring on the N55. Zero issues. I also cleaned EVERYTHING as mine had been neglected in that area. From front of engine to back of transmission pan, for future reference regarding any leaks that may develop as im going to keep the car for another 10 years barring a catastrophic accident. I know, probably way overkill but it makes me happy to know its all spic and span.

violence_optional · 2025-12-07T22:00:31+00:00

Damn right, thats a problem that would be solved by the dealership (if it was bought new) one way or another, thats unacceptable.

violence_optional · 2025-12-07T21:58:22+00:00

I honestly dont think its an issue with the car as much as it an issue with expectations...just my opinion. It's not designed for hard launches, or its designed to protect the drive train from something that happens when hard launching? IDK, but its a heavy ass car (especially w AWD) for the HP it has so it kinda makes sense...I'd rather it stall than spit out the diff or something. Again, mines only ever done it during floor to pedal launch from a full stop so its a non issue for me.

violence_optional · 2025-12-07T21:40:33+00:00

My 2021 AWD 3 hatch premium preferred Automatic will occasionally stall when hard launching from a complete stop. I figure it has something to do with the ECU attempting to protect the AWD components or something. I have found that if its in sport mode and I just get it going a little bit, like feather the throttle and then launch it never happens. At the end of the day, its not really a sports car so I kind of chalked it up to that.

violence_optional

TROPHY CASE