MX5 due an alignment - might solve a minor braking problem?

[DaiaBu]

Hi all,

 

I had my 2006 MX5 into WIM for lowering (on your springs) and alignment perhaps, 18 months ago. Fantastic result, car felt and looks great - I've been really happy ever since.

 

The car has been driven every day since then so I think it's due for a check up, especially as it's just had a new set of tyres all round (Conti SC3) and the roads in my area can be quite rough in places. Just a couple of things I'd appreciate any input on:

 

1. When the front tyres were changed (Toyo T1-Rs) the wear was pretty even but the guy who did them commented that the inside edges looks more worn than the outside - I wasn't too worried, I assumed this was a result of the camber setting applied at WIM. Aside from that, the tyres were in good condition, just worn to about 3mm. Anything to be concerned about?

 

2. I've noticed over the past few weeks a slightly odd feeling when braking. Basically, as the car rolls to a halt at very slow speed, I can feel a slight 'rocking' sensation. The symptoms feel exactly like warped discs, but there is no vibration when braking at speed - I can only feel it (and not very much) at the slowest speeds as I come to a halt. Also, the discs are only 4 months old or so, and the pads still have plenty of life so I was wondering if this could be a consequence of worn shocks, but they feel fine on a bump test and the car feels very solid otherwise, with no no lurching and nominal body roll (and they have been recently checked out thoroughly, as below). I'm wondering if rough roads might have taken their toll on the set up and an alignment check might be the first port of call.

 

3. Over the last few months, I've noticed a slight rattling from the OSF wheel over sharp bumps. I can only hear it with the roof down/window open and it only happens on very sharp bumps, ie, potholes, road joints, etc - not speed bumps or something like that. However, I've had it in to two separate mechanics recently (one of them a Mazda specialist who conducted the MoT). I mentioned the issue to them both and they said that they could find nothing amiss whatsoever after a thorough inspection - the Mazda independent said that everything was rock solid. Being the curious type, I changed the front drop links thinking they might be an easy culprit, but the sound was still there - could it just be a stone somewhere rattling and jumping about with the wheel movement? It's that kind of sound, and might explain why I only hear it on sharp bumps.

 

Anyway, I want to get the car booked in for an alignment check at WIM in the coming weeks regardless, but I just thought now might be the time to bring up these issues. Any input appreciated!

[Tony]

Hello Again....

#1 reads like the geometry has moved because the MK3 chassis is one of the most stable i've seen, nevertheless the road condition is another thing.

 

#2 and 3 Needs inspection because i could speculate forever on what it could be. Obviously it's something simple or it would have failed the MOT.

[DaiaBu]

Thanks Tony.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping it's nothing major, perhaps it might be more evident after an alignment check. I'll try and get the car booked in soon, but I can only do Saturdays and knowing how popular you guys are I imagine it would be a few weeks yet before you have a slot. Cheers for the quick reply.

[Tony]

Two weeks notice for a Saturday would be fine this time of year.

[DaiaBu]

Just booked in for Sat 24th, great

[Tony]

Excellent

[DaiaBu]

Had the car in today, the front wheels were toeing out slightly. Not sure if it was you I spoke to Tony, but many thanks for the help and taking the time to discuss some of the above issues with me. I was quite interested to hear about the Evolution set up; a looser rear axle sounds fun, but I stuck with the fast road setup ability.

 

The car felt much firmer and more planted on the way home and it seems to feel and sound a bit less harsh over road joints - could just be me though. It's surprising how much better the car felt if I'm honest; I guess that it's quite hard to detect gradual changes in the setup since the last alignment.

 

Anyway, thanks again, great service and advice

[Tony]

It was me and your welcome...... The Evo setup's not for the faint hearted since it was written with TVR drivers in mind who find the fastroad setup to safe.