I’ve made the post a stickey and sent the chairman a PM
In that case do I wait for the Chairman’s response or carry on and pen something?
Thanks Geoff.
I recall taking my MK 1 to a rustproofing outfit in Northumberland 4 a quote and they mentioned the front chassis rails. Didn’t hit home then but this thread has been scary. I would encourage Scottish fiver to write the article and perhaps highlight this thread in the Mk2.5 frequently asked questions.
Now moved to think about rustproofing for my Mk3. It’s five years old now not bad underneath but the usual surface corrosion that’s visible. I wonder if the treatment is better late than never.
Hoping the rain will stop sometime.
Mike
The wheels turn slowly; pen a short note. The editors might then come back to you and ask for a “longer” piece; note though. STHT is not the best place for long, detailed technical articles, as there is a fairly short word count limit. Although people will want repairs, as you point out, to do it properly, is expensive (about what I expected), and maybe uneconomic for most people. The intention I would have thought is to try and get Mazda to at least make some sort of contribution to the repairs, if not actually undertaking the repairs itself, either by appealing to their good nature, or by triggering a VOSA recall. The letter I expect should serve two purposes; primarily to alert owners as to a possible problem, but also as a means for the club to gather evidence about how extensive this problem is (it doesn’t seem to be isolated, and it is not confined to countries using road salt). I would suggest that owners who find their car is sound, as well as those who find issues, should let their area coordinator know (if they are OC members). I think STHT also ends up in some dealerships…
VOSA have a vehicle defect report form:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Vehicle%20Safety%20Defect%20Reporting%20Form.doc
Report the issue (can’t hurt), maybe send a copy to Mazda UK, referring them to this link, as well as the Miataforum link. One of the Mods could also start a poll here, to determine what proportion of cars are affected, such that owners can update it, as they get around to inspecting the car.
Ok AT / Mikliz
I’ll “Keep Calm & Carry On” eh AT?
I’ll put something brief and succinct together sometime this week.
Been a proud owner of a Mk2.5, I don’t know if I sould be worried about this or not!!
If it could be a factory recal status are Mazda UK already aware of it.
Is there anywhere you can go and get a free inspection
I think this should be something that should be in STHT
Would it be possible to have it inspected or an advice centre at the National rally Prescot Hill climb weekend
I imagine nothing will come of it from Mazda. The cars were warranted 6 year anti perforation and they seem to have managed that.
Back in 1984 we bought a brand new Astra with a 3 year anti perforation g’tee. The front wings and rear arches rotted through in 2 years and were replaced and repaired under warranty and protest from Vauxhall. 2 years!!! and only a 3 year warranty anyway!!!
Vosa might issue guidance notes for MOT testers I suppose but really these are old cars and that’s why they’re tested.
Check VOSA for current recalls; there are a number of recent recalls for corrosion relating to quite elderly cars. Pretty much all Suzuki Swifts going back to 1998 were recalled due to rotting rear seat belt anchorages, and rusting front struts. There’s a 2010 recall for 2000 Hyundai Santa Fe’s were recalled due to rusted front subframes/wishbones. Bizarrely, 2006 Bentley Arnages have been recalled because corrosion has affected the ability of the radiator mascot to retract, and so might injure a pedestrian. 1997 Subaru Justys (how many of those were sold) were recalled in 2011 due to rusty front struts.
I’d await an engineer to comment, but it strikes me that this corrosion is in a whole different league from the rear sill corrosion; the latter does not render the car unsafe to drive, but potentially, severe corrosion of the front chassis legs can lead to all kinds of safety problems. The corrosion uncovered seems to be so extensive, that clearly, the corrosion started during the warranty period, and in any case, was in an area that cannot be easily inspected.
From VOSA’s recall guide for manufacturers:
The defect in the front chassis legs cannot be identified during a service, since removal of the engine tray is not usually required.
There isn’t actually a time limit on when a recall might be made; there was a recall at one time for Japanese seatbelt buckles going back 30-40 years for instance (the red button breaking).
Very interesting thread this, I have been searching for a while on this since the discovery of this type of corrosion on my own 2000 MY mk2. I spotted a bit of bubbling while changing the front discs. So in answer to whether it affects the mk2, the answer is definitely yes. The car recently passed an M.O.T with no mention of this area. My own does not appear to be that far gone but I am going to get it up on a ramp soon, get the undertray off and have a proper poke around. As others have suggested, depending on how it is I will look inside. I will upload some photos also.
It does appear to have that sandwich type construction that is mentioned elsewhere. As regards comparison, a mate has an '89 mk1 with twice the mileage and whilst it is far from perfect it is better in that particular area. It seems a different design. I am sure now this issue has been brought to light more and more will find that they have the same issue. A factory recall would be fantastic, come on guys get campaigning, after all it is a safety issue ultimately even if the cars are well out of warranty.
I shall keep a close eye on this thread and update with my own findings once I’ve taken my head out of the sand!
This is really quite depressing, having already noticed the beginning of trouble on the bottom of the rear wheel arches on my 2005 2.5 icon and now the added worry of the chassis legs, it really is making me think it might be time to jump ship and change either to a Honda s2000 or a BMW z3 neither of which seem to have significant corrosion issues.
The Z3 has had some very serious rear subframe rusting issues.
and cracking from stress on the larger engined ones
Thats what i NEEEED!!! Where did You get this section out from? How much was it!!! PLEASE LET ME KNOW! Pleeeeeaseeeee! Im desperate and my morale is on sub zero… i have been searching for ages for those rails… 
Steady on fellah!
I’ll find out tomorrow if I can. As Ive mentioned in this thread already they are £314.00 + Vat. (Each. 
)
Are you saying yours are gone too? Try and take some photos please?
Check the Miata thread; parts numbers in there. Also, on miata.net, there is a factory crash repair guide, that gives the numbers. Guess they only come from Mazda.
withdrawn
Or an MGF (dons tin helemt)! No real rust issues there, although there is the ever so slight problem of the head gasket (which is supposedly solved on the TF).
I traded in my MGF recently for the MX5, partly because it’s reputation proceeded it as having no known problems and reliable. I’ve now got the known problem of hot starting problems and my front chassis rails are going to drop off. Don’t get me wrong I like the old girl but bloody hell!!!
Rich,
Can we not start stuff like this please? I have no axe to grind with Mk3 cars or their owners. I do have an axe to grind with Mazda in general and, trust me, I am not alone with owners of ALL the marques for some reason or another. 12 year anti perforation warranties are lovely reading in the showroom I’m sure, just as the 6 year Mk2/Mk2.5 warranties were until, like a lot of other manufacturers, you try to invoke them especially if you have not been a Good Boy and had your leg lifted for Dealer Servicing and missed “body inspections”.
You try paying 2k so far like I’ve had to do to have a car’s rot fixed and frankly see how you feel in a few years. I trust it will not be required with your lovely Mk3.
I’m not finished yet unfortunately given the new wings/sills go on next week…so that’s another £700.00 plus please. Have some of that matey!
As for what I think of Mk3’s? When we retire in 2/3 years time I’m SORNING my Mk1 for summer use only, taking over our repaired Sport, and upgrading my wife to a Mk3.5 thank you very much …so chill old chap. That car will be cavity Dinitrolled etc from stem to stern with special attention to it’s chassis rails and other potential rot areas. Can you guess why?
Take the pragmatic view Rich. Mx5’s are made of various (often very thin) high to medium strength steels. Ok? So, no zinc around, no Audi-esque galvanising, but some resins here and there, oh…and a spit of paint too. Lovely. In this salt ridden country that is hardly a recipe for longevity. If it was, why do you think so many Mk2.5’s…and it seems more Mk2’s…are in so much trouble?
Our Sport has beancounter-escapee liners. They worked…not front wing rot. Whoopee then!
It had some sort of epoxy in the chassis rails in one of the sandwiches. Did not make any difference.
I cleared and Waxoiled it’s rear end bits. The designed in double skinned water traps meant…it did not make any difference.
Great idea water traps.
All 5’s are “lovely”…until they crumble unseen beneath you Rich. If you have read this thread properly, you will note I was told our car was “unsafe at any speed” and our rails may well have been rotting when we bought it, all shiny bright, 6 years ago. As far as I’m concerned, in another 5/10 years I see no real reason why later models should not follow suit. They are the same basic concept of design with painted rails…so best of British there.
Rich…I’m trying ,with many others I may add, to ensure the safety of all 5 enthusiasts and assist them in enjoy the longevity of their cars, not take a swipe at anyone. If you have anything constructive to offer, feel free. I’m listening.
Now… I’m busy working this afternoon to help pay for my next round of doing to my 5 what ought to have been done 10 years ago…so if you will excuse me?
Many thanks.
withdrawn
apology accepted