- My model of MX-5 is: __ 2011 1.8L MK3
- I’m based near: __ Glasgow
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __ Routine/ recommended maintenance
I have recently bought my first MX5, its about 13 years old now with 75,000 miles on it. I am making some cosmetic changes along with some fun ones such as coilovers, polybushes etc, I also have a few more performance upgrades planned for the near furute. I am also working my way through a maintenance list which I have came up with based on my info gathered from this forum along with previous car experience, so far I have carried out:-
- Brake fluid change
- Diff fluid change
- Gearbox oil change
- Cleaned MAF sensor
- Cleaned throttle body
- Coolant flush and change
The things left on my list to do is
- Power steering fluid change
- Spark plugs
- Engine oil flush and change
- Rust prevention(converter/waxoil/underseal)
Is there anything else that I should be adding onto this list or recommendations for the things on it? Granted some things might not be necessary but I am having fun working on the car and learning as I go!
thanks, Daniel
Clean out the hood drains.
Lube the hinge points on the roof ( Normfest dry lube is good )
Lube the bonnet release and fuel flap release.
Check & lube the brake caliper slide pins.
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I have heard a few things about clearing the hood drains or checking for water ingress points but not to clued up on where or what it is, I might watch a couple of youtube vids as I have heard there is plenty, I have a bit of squeeky/ grindy brake noise occasionally, is that possibly something that would go away with lubing the slide pins?
Appreciate the reply!
you tube vids show the drain clearing its pretty easy and worth doing before winter will probably do mine again next month, takes about 20 mins per side, 10mm and 14mm socket and small flat blade screw driver for clips. seat belt reel needs to come out, couple of trim panels to come off to get at it , big rear one can be pulled out the way
I would get the dipstick conversion to make reading the oil easier. Regarding rust prevention, try to avoid using underseal, it will be flagged up on the MOT if you place the stuff. Inject all the box sections with anti-corrosion such as Dinitrol ML
I am aware that these cars are very oil sensitive so keen to keep a good eye on it. What is the dipstick conversion? Is it just another dipstick available that is easier to see the oil mark?
Just another dipstick that
makes reading the oil easier
Just found it and ordered it from MX5 parts, hopefully that helps as the stock one sometimes feels like a bit of a guess as to where the level is. Appreciate that!
It’s even quicker using a trombone brush - about 5 mins a side and no stripping down.
@Danielkerr Welcome!
In addition to the above:
Scuttle grommets: Remove withered felt washers and fill with bathroom silicone.
Rear crash barrier: remove rear bumper and crash barrier and rustproof.
Enjoy your new car!
