mx5cartalk.com

Alright so a mate of mine is looking at buying an MX-5

He was looking at an NB at a car yard yesterday and noticed that the distance between the wheel arch and the wheel is different on both side

Now he checked using his finger and found out it wasn't even and it wasn't the only one that was different

I remember someone posting something about car manufactures making it different so its more realistic (I didn't think it was true)

So now it makes my mate and I ask is this normal? Can you guys check yours to see if its even on both sides

Where the white is in this picture is where he used his fingers to check

They should be the same. You would need to get a wheel alignment to check the set back.

Could be caused by poor alignment or as a result of a big front end shunt.

I read about this as well. Apparently they were going off the same theory where if you mirrored your face, it just looks wrong so they make them (in this case the wheel arches) different to make it look normal...

I think ill have to go and take photos and do an overlap in photoshop to see if this is correct or not. I'll post up the comparison pic when im done.

the caster may be different on each side. that would cause the difference in gap. can the caster be adjusted on the 5's?

Caster can be adjusted and would alter the gap but it wouldn't change the shape of the wheel arch.

I'll be taking pics on flat ground, equal distances from a set point on the car body (maybe the side reflector) and then overlay them without adjusting anything other than colour for better visibility of the overlap. If everything ges smoothly, we should know soon.

^ Um, I don't know what you're talking about?

The wheel arch shape should be exactly the same on L and R. Front to back yes they'll be different, but I am reeeasonably sure they're not different L to R.

I understand all AZNTIEN is talking about is that the gap from the wheel to the body is different on the left to the right...

Alfadog wrote:^ Um, I don't know what you're talking about?

The wheel arch shape should be exactly the same on L and R. Front to back yes they'll be different, but I am reeeasonably sure they're not different L to R.

I understand all AZNTIEN is talking about is that the gap from the wheel to the body is different on the left to the right...

I don't think they would be different either but i've heard this mentioned before on this forum and no one really knew if they were or weren't. Its just got me curious.

I know mine is different but I can't really comment because I did have a hit with some big rocks

Regie wrote:the caster may be different on each side. that would cause the difference in gap. can the caster be adjusted on the 5's?

So from reading that I'm assuming you can move the wheel forward and back as well

Alfadog wrote:^ Um, I don't know what you're talking about?

The wheel arch shape should be exactly the same on L and R. Front to back yes they'll be different, but I am reeeasonably sure they're not different L to R.

I understand all AZNTIEN is talking about is that the gap from the wheel to the body is different on the left to the right...

Yep thats what I mean its not a massive difference about half a finger

But I did along with others on here remember someone posting up something about wheel archers not being exact same shape on the L and R

AZNTieN wrote:But I did along with others on here remember someone posting up something about wheel archers not being exact same shape on the L and R

That would really surprise me if true!

Caster moves your wheel forward/backwards yep - like this

ah ok

so if there a difference in both side my mate doesn't have to be so worried? a wheel alignment will fix it yea?

Perhaps. It depends what's causing it. A noticeable difference from side to side is unlikely due to caster alone. Only a wheel alignment will reveal the truth - it may not be possible to fix with a wheel alignment.

Yeah if it's very noticeable, could be from a shunt.

A mate of mine had a Z31 at school with this same issue - turned out his chassis was bent.

There are a number of variables. An older car will have worn components which can easily give rise to \"sagging\"- this is a normal function of older age! Also the ground may not be level. A new car on level ground will sit level and the wheel arches will also have the same clearance - in my opinion.

Tire pressure, un even ground, worn suspension, crap smash repair, or some fat dude put coilovers and corner weight it.