Help with NB8B repair please

tescoking · Postby **tescoking** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:25 pm

Hey guys, as some of you might know that I have crashed during an event last week. The K-frame, steering rack, sump and rear cradle are damaged.

I have received all the parts now, can someone please tell me how to remove the K-frame and rear cradle so I can replace the new one?

The car is on the lift at the moment. I did think about to remove the K-frame but there are camber attached and engine sitting right on top. I am afraid I can't set the camber correctly after removed the K-frame, also I am not sure will the engine drop if I remove the K-frame. And of cause the rear cradle is very complicated.

So please let me know if you guys have done it before.

Many thanks.

2001 NB8B.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:17 pm

You need to get the Mazda workshop manual - refer previous posts. It sounds like a pretty big job.

tescoking · Postby **tescoking** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:24 pm

It is a big job, do they say how to remove the K-frame in the manual?

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:47 pm

Use the mechanic that fixed your gearbox.

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:53 pm

Front subframe will also drop the engine. You need to remove the engine or support it. Considering your also removing the diff, engine mounts, rear subframe ppf(?) I would think the easiest option is just pull the engine and gearbox out then drop the rest.

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manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:44 pm

Magpie wrote:Use the mechanic that fixed your gearbox.

Sounds like a plan. :wink:

There's this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOQUFyRhpaA

but I think you'll need to support the engine on a block and tackle or an engine hoist because you probably mean to replace the sump as well. You need a belts and braces approach to supporting the engine, otherwise if it falls on you while you're working under there then you might die, other than that no problems.

tescoking · Postby **tescoking** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:45 pm

So is it necessary to remove the K-frame first to replace the sump? Is the diff gonna drop when I remove the rear cradle?

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 7:26 am

So is it necessary to remove the K-frame first to replace the sump? Probably, I can't see you having good enough access to the sump to do it with the frame in place.

Is the diff gonna drop when I remove the rear cradle? Diff is bolted into the underside of the rear cradle.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:08 am

tescoking this post could offend!

Based on the questions you ask on the forum and then how you proceed I'm not sure why anybody bothers responding as you are still number one on the hit parade with "I did it my way".

Whilst I have no problem with DIY, I have hosted a few doddgy days when I lived on the Gold Coast there are some jobs that should be done by professionsals. If you have to ask so many questions and NOT read a repair manual then it would sound like the repair is beyond your skill ability. Further, if your 'fiend the mechanic' is unsure how to do the job (just like the gearbox) then the outcome is not good, especially when you will be driving the car on a public road repaired by somebody who used a forum to guide them.

Bite the bullet and get it done professionaly. Also have a nice day.

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:16 am

Agree your mechanic should be all over this.
Front frame holds the engine up. If the frame is out the engine will fall out unless you support it well.

You can't do a proper job of a sump replacement with the frame is in the way.

Front frame also holds all the suspension

Rear frame holds the diff up and connects all the suspension b

So basically if you unbolt front and rear frame (and disconnect all the wires and lines) you can lift the whole car body off and be left with a rolling drivetrain.

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manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:17 am

You need to find the right panelbeaters and get some quotes. This is a really major job. I thought the youtube link and the other comments might have helped you understand that.

Every single component of dynamic safety in the car is going to be removed and re-installed: all brakes, steering, suspension. Each part requires special experience in those systems to get them back together safely. There's also handling of heavy components under the car which need good equipment and involve some risks. If you've had a knock hard enough to destroy the steering and both sub-frames then there's a pretty good chance of there being structural damage as well which would need special gear to test and re-align.

I could probably do most of this this myself, accept the body alignment, but I'd be looking at 50 hours labour minimum, a few serious tool purchases and some safety and injury risks. I'd pass on it and spend my time much more usefully on raising the cash to pay someone with the right skills and equipment. They'd probably do it in half that time.

If you're thinking about using your mate that did the gearbox then I'd say that most of this beyond the capabilities of the average small mechanical workshop, let alone that place. Integration of body, chassis, drivetrain and running gear work is what we have panelbeaters for. If you were in Melbourne I'd say go to Dick Richie at the MX5 Factory because it's a panel shop that also specialises in MX5 mechanical work. Isn't there somewhere like that in Perth?

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:26 am

Have a look at this thread http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=797114#p797114. This person is having it done professionally, whilst he has insurance I do not think anybody on this forum would suggest that he does the repairs himself.

In the end it is your decision, but consider the other road users and consider the safety aspect. If it was a track only car then the answer would be different.

doro733 · Postby **doro733** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:45 am

Hi Tesco

have a look at this link

https://mega.co.nz/#!Z8ty0agY!FJZ5oC7Ot ... cfmLX6uqac

Mazda-Miata-1999-2001.pdf
17Mb Download 730 page service manual.

As others have mentioned above if your scope of repairs is beyond your skills then certainly get a qualified Mechanic to do the repairs.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:54 am

Magpie wrote: If it was a track only car then the answer would be different.

Actually I'd say the safety aspect is doubly important because it's partly a track car.

tescoking · Postby **tescoking** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:52 pm

It is done by professional, but my friend is too busy to work on other cars. So I just think I could start first and do something simple. Also now at least I have a better understanding of my car after I stand underneath and inspect it. I actually feel great by just standing under and look at all the structures. I can tell where has to be remove where need to be dissemble.
Thank you so much for the reference and info guys. My friend said he will definitely work on my car on Monday, so I might just wait till Monday.
I will get some pictures for reference so others in the future can use as references too.