- My model of MX-5 is: __2006 NC
- I’m based near: __Scotish Borders
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Suspension, bushes etc.?
Hi there. I’m a new member, only joined two weeks ago. I’ve had a NB in the past and my wife a ND. This is my first NC and I really like it but, when travelling at speed on the car feels light and " floaty ". The handling/steering also becomes slightly nervous. I’m the 3rd owner and when I bought the car 3 months ago it had done 39k miles. It’s a 2L sport with Bilsteins and lowered springs factory fitted. I’ve just had a wheel alignment done and also four new tyres fitted with no change in the way it behaves. I have MeisterR 's on the work bench ready for installation but would like some advice on the car’s handling before I fit them.
Thanks in advance
Pieter
Fit the Meister’s and get it aligned properly and notice the difference.
What tyres fitted?
Hi , any loose plastics under front of car or missing / damaged splitter ?
This could cause lift at front end.
I experienced this a few yrs back in my 911 , semi detached front lip splitter… High speed , front end lift, light steering , new boxer shorts needed 
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Change the bushes! It makes such a big difference, if you just slap on coilovers it’ll be better but still not amazing
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Hi Mick
I fitted Khumo Ecsta ST71’S.
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Thanks for all your responses. There is no damage to the plastics. I had a chat with a chap at MeisterR and he also said that replacing the bushes might be a good idea. The car has only now done 41k but before my ownership stood for a very long time outside close to the sea. I guess that could affect the rubber bits underneath. The old tyres were certainly perished. The alignment was done with a Hunter at Kwik Fit but a colleague has since told me about a specialist wheel alignment shop near Glasgow. I’ll take my MX5 there after fitting the Meisters and have a good look at the bushings while the car is up in the air.
Thanks again for all your input.
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I’m wondering if any suspension bushes have been tightened when the suspension was hanging instead of when the wheels where planted on the ground/ramp!
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dont forget to check thoroughly around the steering track rod ends and any ball joints on the stub axles also the wheel bearings the sort of feelings youre having usually come from front wheel unwanted movements…
I would definitely reassess after that, Kwik Fit generally doesn’t have a reputation for expertise in this area. They can get wheels mostly pointing in the right general direction however getting a good balance of camber, caster and toe doesn’t normally form part of their service.
I’m not knocking… those who say replace the bushes, however for me that would be more of an act if you were building a track focused car.
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If the alignment was done on a hunter machine then they should have given you a printout of the settings. If they did then show them on here
Bushes degrade over time, leading to poor handling. This can be very noticeable at speed on the motorway. You can still replace with an oem component. I had this issue with my old nc. It had a good set of coilovers on but didn’t feel quite right.
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What tyre pressures are you using?
Makes a big diffence.
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That’s a good thing, well 4 good things, my favourite tyre.
Get an alignment done from a specialist, preferably someone who knows these cars once you’ve had the Meister’s fitted, a proper job, just saying 
I had the exact same conditions, did the same as you, alignment and new tyres all round but no difference.
Heard a knock one day coming from the front left drifting in a field.
Turned out to be the passenger Side Front droplink.
As soon as I changed it, everything was stable again 
Thank you all very much for the feedback.
I never received a printout from Kwik Fit on the wheel alignment.
Tyre pressures are as recommended.
It’s the first time using the Kuhmo Ecstas and so far I’m very happy with them.
I’ll have a look at the drop links, bushes etc once the car is on the lift at a wheel alignment specialist.