I noticed in the rear wheelwells that the front portion
is covered with a felt material similar to the lining of the
trunk. I think that this is there to deaden the sound of
rocks or pebbles being thrown off the tires. I'm sure
it would work for that purpose just doesent seem too
weather resistant. What do you think it is for?

 

sound deadening is usually under the "carpet"

try pulling the felt lining off to see :D

i think the trunk door needs some deadening tho

 

I noticed the felt lining in the rear wheel well also and thought it to be peculiar as it seemed it would hold mud and grime. The noise deadening idea seems a little feasible as the felt seems to cover only portions where noise might enter the cabin. Anyone else have insight to this?

 

my ford has the same kind of material and after a year in alaska it still looks fine so im sure itll be o.k.

 

That's good to know, I was beginning to imagine 10 lbs of mud caked to each wheel well :D

/Hallucination

 

My Audi A4 has the same type of wheel liner...it is a very nice touch if you ask me. Don't worry, it may look like it will be a PITA to clean, but its not.

BTW, the step-dad's $40,000 BMW has NO liner at all in the rear wheel wells, just sheetmetal!

The liners help to deaden road noise clanging off the wheel wells.

Good job Mazda!

 

Ok so I'm just throwing something in the air for this one but...

Wouldn't something like rhinoliner (or some substance like it) deaden some of the noise as well. Then would also be easy to clean. Granted it would be a bit heavier, but personally I like to have by ride as rather quiet.

Strider-