I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5. While driving the front axle or front tires feel like its gonna fall off but only in slow speeds, 0-45mph. it sounds like a shaking noise on a bad roller coaster ride. At first I thought it was the bearings but I don't think so after some research. Any ideas of what it could be?

SOURCE: 2002 Mazda Protege 5: I

I would check the sway bar linkages, they are usually the first to go, and they are only $40. Its an easy 'do it yourself' project, remove the old one with torches or a grinder (with a small cutting wheel). You can also use a vise grip and sockets but it takes longer.

You can't tell these are damaged until you remove the part. I change mine every 100 000km or so.

SOURCE: Grinding noise in front end

Hi
Had the exact same problem, on a used 2003 Protege ES with 82,000 miles that I purchased.
Started with the loud "road noise" I thought well maybe thats just the sound that it makes.
And then noticed that it varies when turning.
This will continue to get worse and then your abs light will come on when it gets bad enough to trigger the sensor..
It turned out to be a bad wheel bearing.
Take it to a shop and have an experienced mechanic check it out. Its repairable.

SOURCE: Front wheel noise

Does this knocking noise mostly happen when you are turning the car? If so this is caused by a worn CV joint. It's not an expensive fix, but I would rather go to a mechanic than attempt it without prior knowledge of how to repair this. I hope this helps.

SOURCE: How to replace knock senor switch on 2002 mazda protege 5

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the intake manifold.
3. Disconnect the sensor connector.
4. Remove the sensor from the engine block.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
   
   Fig. Knock sensor removal and installation-Mazda 3
   

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the intake manifold bracket.
3. Disconnect the sensor connector.
4. Remove the sensor from the engine block using special tool 49H018001 or equivalent.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
   
   GL G

SOURCE: I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5. I think that the

1. Most often, bearings will give off a tell-tale grinding noise when in motion. Determining the wheel bearing that is making the noise can be difficult since the noise and vibration travels across the entire axle.
2. Many bearings will hum or roar loudly while driving straight and intensify upon acceleration of the wheel, then dissipate when turning. Others may make a grinding noise when taking a turn and applying an axial pressure to the wheel.
3. Place the car on jack stands with the car in neutral and the ignition off. Spin the tire/s that you suspect to have bad bearings. If a bearing is at the point of failing badly, you will be able to hear the noise or feel the grinding while spinning the tire.
4. Your noise could be tires, bearings, or also brakes. Regarding bearings, grease can definitely dry out but unlikely unless the bearings were packed incorrectly - might not be a bad idea to repack them anyway. They could also just need tightening.
5. Wheel bearings will howl and will get louder as your speed increases. Through a corner, the bad bearing will be even louder. If its loud turning right its a bad bearing on the left side and vise-versa.
6. You can also test the wheel bearings jacking up the vehicle, and grabbing the top of the tire and trying to pull it side to side. If there is much movement you will know that its the bearings.

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