Hardtop squeek

JESTER · Postby **JESTER** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 10:18 am

Picked up '93 na6 last night as the car itself is in great condition my only gripe with it is the hardtop is squeeky when driving, to the point where it can be heard over the stereo on low volume. It's just as if something is loose it's a very rubbery sound. I took the hard top off and pushed down on the two latches on the back of the car and it did make a similair squeek. I understand I can remove the covers and adjust the bolts underneath/tighten them so I'll try that tonight. Any other tips & tricks to minimise/get rid of this squeek? I might film a drive around the block over the weekend so you can all hear it.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:36 am

Same here - you might be able to minimise it, but not sure you'll stop it completely, although I haven't tried as the stereo drowns it out for me.

The two Frankenstein bolts either side of the boot deck which the hardtop feet fit over can become loose, sometimes due to corrosion, which can become apparent when tighening.

Also worth checking the two front & two side latching points as these certainly work loose over time.

And if the soft-top hasn't been removed & it hasn't been upgraded to an NB soft-top with glass window, & if there isn't already a thick towel or similar between the folds of the soft-top to stop the rear plastic window rubbing, it's worth puting one in there. An additional benefit is that puting something in there reduces the up & down movement of the soft-top when going over undulations etc, which also reduces noise. The NB8 hardtops (at least) also had a couple of stoppers on brackets at the inside base of the rear window presumably to control the lowered soft-top.

JESTER · Postby **JESTER** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:52 am

Yeah I'll have a look tonight. It could be a mix of noises, didn't think it was the soft top but it could well be. I wouldn't mind if it was a little noise but it's quiet loud. Might go take a passanger for a run tonight and they can play the role of "find the damn noise". I don't think it's the mounts inside the car as it's not easy to get the soft top to latch on they're quiet stiff. It could however be the side ones. Will try your suggestions.

wassup · Postby **wassup** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 2:15 pm

Under each of the 2 silver latches at the back of the hardtop there are replaceable plates.

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product1800.htm

Also the rear (black) belt line might need to be rubbed/ cleaned down. I used silicone spray to make it nice and clean and it caused the HT to sound like a cricket. I had to remove the HT and wipe it down clean to remove the noise.

Hope this helps

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 5:20 pm

Squeaking ... yes its a fair bet that you have a movement between 2 parts. To identify squeaks try spraying selected areas with a simple temporary lubricant like soap and water.

Kev05 · Postby **Kev05** » Sat Nov 03, 2012 5:01 pm

I believe the squeaking is caused by the fibreglass flexing as a result of bolting it on too tightly. Loosening it will result in annoying wind noise. It's either one or the other, the downside of owning a hard top.

TwoHeads · Postby **TwoHeads** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:13 pm

Yep, they squeek, same as they rattle from scuttleshake wheen the softtops down too. Use KY gel on the rubber to reduce squeeking :-) dont use vaseline as that can degrade the rubber - that's why KY is used with condoms so they shouldn't break :-) Available from your friendly local pharmacy or nearest nurse (2 small sachets as used in hospital were perfect amount)

Two heads

JESTER · Postby **JESTER** » Tue Nov 06, 2012 4:11 pm

Cheers guys I bought some silicone spray but yet to try it out. Hard top has been stuck on the car due to melbournes miserable weather. I've found turning the stereo up to be a great temporary solution. :lol:

mazdaz · Postby **mazdaz** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:24 pm

I fitted a roll bar which stopped all noise from the hardtop, perhaps the increased rigidity helps, either that or its a mouse?

Novice1 · Postby **Novice1** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:34 pm

Similar problems with my hardtop, squeaking noises.

Also since hardtop installed I hav noticed more wind buffering when windows down.......can any one explain this phenomenon.

Novice1

yoda7356 · Postby **yoda7356** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 12:38 pm

I think you will find that the shape of the hardtop behind the windows is what causes the extra wind noise. I noticed the same thing when I installed my hardtop.

John.

Novice1 · Postby **Novice1** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 12:49 pm

yoda7356 wrote:I think you will find that the shape of the hardtop behind the windows is what causes the extra wind noise. I noticed the same thing when I installed my hardtop.

John.

Thanks John. That makes sense.
Novice1