NC trailing arm stiffness

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2011 NC
  2. I’m based near: Leeds
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: trailing arm stiffness

Hi all, my first post, so be kind!
I’m upgrading my suspension to Ohlins Road & Track. When I split the lower rear trailing arm ball joint, the arm is really stiff on the inner bush. Is that how it should be? I can’t see anything in the Haynes about greasing joints, so would welcome any advice.
Thanks all,
JH

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The bushes on the MX5 NC are fixed in the arms and are clamped by the bolts going through the subframe.

In normal operation the arm flexes the bush in order to allow suspension movement.

This is why the bolts in the subframe end should only be tightened once the car is on the floor in its normal static position. ( so the bushes are not stressed whilst the car is just sitting there )

2 Likes
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Perfect, thanks Dean, that explains it.
JH

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you will love them once you get them set up

1 Like
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I hope so, seems the holy grail in combining road and track friendly set ups, so lets see.