I have 13 plate NC 3.75 with a retractable folding roof. Sadly it has developed a creaking type noise which seems to come from somewhere not too far from my right ear. This noise is only apparent on rough roads when, I suppose, the body is flexing. On motorways the roof is silent and of course when the roof is retracted it is also silent.
I have looked and peered and tried to find any free play but it all seems solid and correct. I should add that the car is water proof and that the roof goes up and down with no problems or untoward noises.
It has been suggested to me that a limit switch could be adjusted so that the roof is clamped down a little bit tighter. If that is how it works.
If anyone has any experience of this problem or can suggest a course of action PLEASE let me know because as with all rates and creaks they can drive you mad!!
If all else fails please suggest an expert on the Dorset/Hampshire border.
First port of call would be to grease the lugs where the roof locates and lube the faces where the roof meets the top of the screen, this cures it quite often. I beleive you can also adjust the roof catch…if memory serves me right the gap between the roof and top of screen when closed should be between 4-11 mm.
I can’t help you but with mine I tried the wrapping the pegs in insulation tape which is often discussed. I tried that and it made it so tight i couldn’t use the lock handle it wouldn’t close shut and lock in place.Made me wonder if mine was creaking due to been too tight.
Well sad to say that is not the answer but well worth a try. I am having the car serviced in a couple of weeks so if I don’t have a cure by then I’ll ask my local independent garage to have a look.
Gone are the days when I would have cheerfully ripped all the trim off and gone delving. Really need a folding top specialist.
Thank you both for the links. I’ll spend some time reading them Hopefully before too long I will be a useful source of info for my local garage.
Thanks again.
I had the same problem when I bought mine last year. The dealer adjusted the centre latch and although it feels tight when closing, it fixed the problem.
I’m sure I found a post on here which describes the adjustment but can’t lay my hands on it now I’m afraid.
you have described the roof as creaking, not knocking. I would try treating the rubber seals between the roof panels etc with gummi pfllege or similar.
exactly what Bally said fixed it for me. The sound is subjective and will depend on humidity etc. That said, I also regularly use the Gummipfledge which definitely helps maintaining the seals. Hopefully, it’ll stop the door seals sticking in freezing conditions which was a problem on my Copen but, touch wood, not on the Mazda.
Thanks for the post about the seals and their preservation . Even without any creaking etc it’s a good preventative maintenance idea. As they say ‘i’m on it!’
Thanks again.
Hi, I only partially solved it with the silicon spray. I remember that I bought a Haynes manual and throughly checked all the motors, gears and bearings in the roof assembly but all was tigh and to me seemed ok. Eventually I sold the car as, being 75+ getting in and out in confined spaces was getting difficult.
I bought a Jaguar F Pace so no worries there !!
Sorry I can’t be more help. I suggest that you try on of the MX5 expert garages that advertise in the Soft Top Hard Top magazine.
All the best. Nick