mx5cartalk.com

Hi All,

Still getting a handle on my MX5. Find that the suspension's a little bit nervous, particularly when coming off the power between gears. Doesn't seem to have much bump-steer and tracks dead straight. Any ideas? Tired suspension rubber joints?

Hi Dave,

How many Km has she done? Any mods to the suspension and/or engine? When was the last wheel alignment done?

J

davamb wrote:Doesn't seem to have much bump-steer and tracks dead straight.

I don't understand what the problem is with this .

Hi guys,

She's done 140,000k and is bog stock (apart from a cold-air intake which I removed the second day after I got her - way too loud). Seems to be in quite good condition for her age.

Guess it's a little hard to describe, she just seems a little unsettled after you lift off the throttle between gears. I s'pose when the back end is coming out of squat suddenly.

Maybe it's just me being too fussy, just doesn't feel 100% right to me.

davamb wrote:Hi All,

Still getting a handle on my MX5. Find that the suspension's a little bit nervous, particularly when coming off the power between gears. Doesn't seem to have much bump-steer and tracks dead straight. Any ideas? Tired suspension rubber joints?

how long have you had it davamb???............before you go blaming bits on the car, take some time to settle into it...........the car will let you know how it likes to be dríven.........go on a few runs with other MX5's

I would get a Wheel Alinment first and get them to set the rear toe in to about 3mm . What yo will probable find is that the shock are worn and the sudden lift off the throttle is causing the rear toe change and giving you the funny feeling form the back
I had a the same thing when I first got mine and a good W/A fixxed most off it. this weekend I am changing all the busses to super pro

Russellb wrote:this weekend I am changing all the busses to super pro

Could you please post your impressions of any changes to the ride/handling after the install?

Have done it to Pilsners car and the turn in is very much improved
There are no down side from the install so far teh ride harshness and noises are the same a normal I was mighty impressed
they are a bit of a prick to do but now ive done one i have made all the pressing tools required. the first set took about 10hr to do. but I have a spare set off arm that i installed all the bushes into and now just takr car off road for 3-4 Hrs and yay i'm done
I am using the off set bush kit to get more camber and caster on the front

davamb wrote:She's done 140,000k and is bog stock

The shocks will be dead by now. Mine had caved by 120,000km. New shocks will transform the car.

Russellb wrote:I would get a Wheel Alinment first and get them to set the rear toe in to about 3mm . What yo will probable find is that the shock are worn and the sudden lift off the throttle is causing the rear toe change and giving you the funny feeling form the back

Thanks for the feedback Guys,

I've only had her for a bit over a week, still getting the hang of it. Steering is very sharp though a little heavy (no PAS of course, but I don't mind). The damping and rebound seem pretty normal, the ride seems to be a little harsh, but I'd expect that from the amount of travel the suspension has.

Is it easy to adjust the rear toe-in? Not something I'd attempt myself of course, just wondered if I need a suspension shop with fancy equipment or can just about any reputable shop do the job?

davamb wrote:Is it easy to adjust the rear toe-in? Not something I'd attempt myself of course, just wondered if I need a suspension shop with fancy equipment or can just about any reputable shop do the job?

Most places will be able to do a four wheel W/A but the end result come down to the guy running the machine
someone like Pedders or a suspention place down your way would probably be better at it than say a tyre place. That said here in Canberra
the clubmembers use Tyre power in Tuggranong. Thay have the latest machine and the guy that owns the place is a total car Nut
plus club members get a four Wheel Alinment for $55