Newbie - Be nice!

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21

 Your not even trying to make friends are you? Next your going to say that you spend 7 months of the year living in Monaco, To get out of paying tax. :)

Anyway, The best thing about the MX5’s suspension geometry is that EVERYTHING can be adjusted, The toe, camber and caster, On the front AND back ends. Because of this you can get the car to handle EXACTLY how you want it to (I personally like a car to over steer slightly, I might not get around corners as quickly as some others but its what I’m used to and what I feel comfortable with.)

The problem is that as the '5 handles SO much better than everything else in its class, Even one thats got every aspect of its geometry out by a bit will still feel nice to drive. (I hate to say it but a lot of people out there wouldn’t know the difference between a well setup car and a skip waggon, Excluding everyone on the forum, Obviously).

The company’s that specialise in setting up cars spend ten’s of thousands on very accurate equipment. Its not a “DIY” job unless you happen to have a fully kitted out rally or formula one workshop at your disposal (And if you do, Then thats it, I’ll never reply to you again :)  ), So its a case of paying the cash and trying to get your moneys worth of there free coffee while someone tinkers with your car.

 

22

Hey, I didn’t say I enjoyed it! I’m hoping it will be of use to some people if their company tries to pull a fast one, or for general queries… Either way, believe me it’s borne of necessity not choice [:)]
Sadly, I don’t have a workshop so off to a garage it is, I take it I should be looking for something a bit more advanced than Kwik Fit?!

23

(1) agreed

(2) If we get on to tyre choice this is going to be a VERY long thread. (I do like my Michelin Pilot Exalto 2’s :)  )

(3) I don’t use a windblocker. Lots of folk like 'um, But I prefer the rushing wind in my (rapidly receding) hair. Also, I only use my soft top if I go out in summer and I have to leave my car anywhere. If its raining or freezing I don’t take my hard top off. Its quieter, Warmer, some will say it makes the body more ridged and If the weathers good I can remove it and store it in the back of my van in about two and a half minutes. Loads of people seem to have an issue with me saying this but how I see it, Its my choice and it works for me.

24

“You can’t get thicker than a Quick fit fitter”… Oh, hang on, I forgot about HiQ. The last time I went to a “franchised tyre and servicing site” I had them do 3 jobs,

They fitted 2 of the 4 asymmetrical Yokohama’s on the wrong way around (What would my insurance say if I crashed? Luckily, I Just had to switch the rears to the other sides).

When they did the oil change they left the old oil filter seal stuck to the block so when it got warm all the new oil found its way onto the road (luckily the oil pressure light came on just as I got home, Warning me of the problem).

And the “Exhaust hanger” they fixed consisted of a rubber strap and a cable tie, It lasted 2 weeks before it let go…

I’m not saying all of 'um are incompetent, Just the muppet who’s retarded behaviour was let loose on my 2.8 Capri. After the nonchalant way they dealt with my complaint I never returned too (Or for legal reasons won’t name) any of them again.

 With this in mind I may be a little biased, But the truth is that you need to go to someone that sets up geometry as part of there business, Your average HiQATSrapidquick fitters ain’t geared up to (Or have the time to) do anything more elaborate than a basic service and a four wheel alignment check.

My advice to you also extends to basic maintenance, If you can assemble an IKEA chair, You can do a fare few jobs on a '5. For instance, you could (with a manual or by reading walkthrough’s on here) change brake pads, Disc’s, Even the exhaust without a problem. Most basic maintenance jobs are only scary the first time you do 'um, As soon as you see how something works the mystery’s gone and you’ve a better idea of what might be making the little clonking and vibrating sounds we all get from time to time, And whether its something to worry about.

Most jobs can be done with just a decent set of spanners, Sockets, Pliers and Allen keys. Also theres a real sense of achievement when you finish any job and think “I did that” :slight_smile: .

With regards to getting the GEOMETRY (Not just ALIGNMENT, BIG difference. Alignment just checks all the wheels point in the right direction ) checked, Lots of people rave about these http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/ . Only problem is that they ain’t exactly local to you, There more local to… erm… Buckinghamshire. But theres some nice roads out that way from you, You could make a day of it. :) . When I get mine done I’m thinking of going to Powerstation in Tewksbury, Thats about an hour up the M5 so don’t feel too bad that there’s probably not a specialist on your doorstep.

25

Just did a route planner for Wheels In Motion, it’s not too bad a journey - couple of hours tops so might be a job for a Saturday…
Could get them to fit new tyres too while I’m there!
I’ll drop them an email and find out prices etc, cheers for the advice it’s much appreciated :slight_smile:

26

Don’t you sleep?

I get quite bad insomnia some times, But this is redicules… Well, Not long now, Only 3:30 hours till I need to be getting ready for work…

27

Yeah mostly all weekend so I don’t tend to sleep more than 4/5 hours a night… Got to be up at 7 though so I’m hoping I drop off soon…

28

A list of alignment centres here------------------------------

http://mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/438.aspx

29

Thanks for the list, Wheels In Motion is still closest - clearly 98% Mx5 owners live North of London!

30

I drove down from Thetford Norfolk, about 100 miles, well worth the trip-------

31

Well everyone has told me to get it done and I like the WIM forum, they really seem to care and not a “take your money and bugger off” company so will make a day of it… cheers all. Appreciate your advice.

32

 Did you go to WIM? 
 I’m in Dorchester and have been considering a trip up there for a while, but it just seems a bit far so I’m holding out until I can find someone closer!

33

I haven’t done yet, I was going to go around Easter time…
Although, like you, I would like to find somewhere closer - but then again have heard nothing but praise for their quality so… catch22!

34

 I saw a place in Taunton the other day, but cant remember what they were called. Thats only about an hour away. I would have thought there must be somewhere in Southampton.

35

Just found this in Soton and they use the Hunter system, which is what (I believe) WIM use…
 
http://www.pureservice.com/site/content.asp?pageID=WheelAlignment

36

Sorry ignore that they’ve shut down due to going bust!

37

Blandford Tyres do it for £60 apparently though, they might be worth a shout

38

adam my father just had his wheels alignment done yesterday in merthyr tydfil south wales in treads tyres cost £16 laser lined is that what you are after in my town they wanted £40-£60 so we travelled just 6 miles to merthyr good price if anyone wants this done around this area call them 01685359214