lazy handling

[Richie L]

Hello there,
I have developed a handling issue with the MK2.5.Cant seem to get round corners without a correction in the steering angle with i think the rear feeling a bit washy.I thought I had a leaky shock but I dont.Had an NCT in April with the following results
nearside offside imbalance
front 33Mm 32Mm 3%

rear 25Mm 27Mm 7%

The shocks on the same axle appear to have a good ratio but when you compare front to rear does this look a bit soft.
Any tips would be appreciated

[Geese]

Start at the root. Check your tyres and pressurse first

[Richie L]

Thanks Geese.Yeah I had Cloggy drive it and the tyres are ok.Pressures are spot on to the nearest tenth of a lb and tested with 2 gauges.When i push on the rear wings it does actually feel a bit soft to me.Bilsteins on board with 100kms on the clock.

[Ivan]

Get the lazer aligment done that always makes a difference.
3 times last year i had it done

[Richie L]

HI Ivan,
I agree that makes sense but the report also shows 0m/km sideslip for both axles so I guess that was done before at some atage.Are the rears softer than the front normally?Thanks for coming back

[Geese]

NCT only checks toe for sideslip. They don't check camber. No hard getting teh alignment done if it's been a while.

Is it standard shocks you have? If so find someone else with standard shocks and compare.

[Steve]

you sure your shocks aren't adjustable?

[Richie L]

Didnt know that about camber thanks Geese.Standard issue Bilsteins are fitted and unfortunately are not adjustable.I have some adjustable Tein shocks on another motor and can set that up just right.I wish I could do the same here without swapping out everything.With 100kms up am I hitting lifespan on the shocks anyway do you think?

[Ivan]

would have taken it that shocks last way longer than 100,000kms
would think nearer the 160,000km mark, suppose depends roads driver etc

[Richie L]

yeah and half of those clicks were in Japan.I'll take a look at the anti roll bars tonight I know I'm missing something straightforward here.If you drove it compared to another of the same vintage its not tight on the road.This is my third MX5 with both others high milers and handled like they should.

[leamyj]

Your bushings all ok??

[Richie L]

Dont know how do I check?No knocking noises that I am aware of anyway.
I have done an eyeball on them today and cant see any perishing etc.

[Steve]

Get the lazer aligment done that always makes a difference.
3 times last year i had it done

+1

[ger]

Get some sort of pry bars or a crowbar into the gap between the wishbones and the sub frame, look for lateral movement in the wishbone bushes on their mounts.

Also check the bushes on the end links, a small amount of movement there creates vague steering.

Your symptoms sound like the handling I had with worn wishbone bushes. Its the metal sleeve that wears allowing the whole wishbone to move forwards and backwards. The rubber bit of the bush on visual inspection can look ok. Didn't have any knocking when i had this problem.

[Richie L]

Thanks Ger.

Did Top Gear inspire you to help fix my problem.?