- My model of MX-5 is: __NC 3.5
- I’m based near: __Preston
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __What I need to do to correct to standard.
The front now rides too high and it leans to the n/s as well. Been checked by a mechanic who says there’s no evidence of any component damage. Has suggested an alignment check first. Main dealer or suspension guru?
What, if anything has been done to the car which has caused the issue?
Btw, ex Mille R / RSV R / Tuono 1100 Factory owner here😉
Hi overdrive. Mine got destroyed in an accident in 2002. Loved that bike. Got a cb1000rabs now. Very chuckable.
Don’t know of any reason for problem, except someone reversed into me a few weeks ago and damaged the front end. Mainly cosmetic but broke one of the plastic grille mounts. Can’t see that the very low speed impact could have affected the suspension. Car’s done 53K. Lot of speed bumps and badly maintained roads in my area, but I’m generally pretty careful.
2 Likes
Here’s my ride a few years ago . Bimota Furano (Yamaha FZR 1000 engined…Superbike
Ohlin’s front and back. Very fast in its day But a moped compared with the more modern bikes of today.…
You might be a victim of the infamous “Twisted Bush Syndrome”
Use “Search” here.
And no, I’m not joking.
It may be that the front suspension was fiddled with, and tightened up in the air which means some bushes are “locked” and sort of jammed.
3 Likes
Very nice. Bit like hens’ teeth even a few years ago.
1 Like
Another ex Aprilia owner here, ETV1000 Capo.
Things I would be looking at:
Any signs of bent arms (mine were, straightened with heat and persuasion)
Any thing look broken - broken spring especially.
Do shocks and springs look matched (bodged repair?)
Does anything that looks like it should be central look out of line - collapsed/worn/missing bush?
If everything looks good, I would then slacken bushes, spray with a silicon penetrating fluid, and hit with a hammer to get them to spring to the correct position. To do this, the suspension must be level and loaded, so you need a couple of railway sleepers or something better to park the car on and get underneath. Theory being that if someone has tightened up the bushes with a wheel off the ground, they will be in torsion when the wheel is back on the ground as the arms rotate under load, and that acts like a spring lifting that corner. Left like this the car is uneaven, and the bushes will wear/tear prematurely.
1 Like
Thanks for the advice so far guys. I’m not going to be doing anything myself, as I don’t have the expertise or experience. Should the main dealer be able to advise/sort it, or would I be better looking for a suspension specialist?
Ps had a CBR600RR until the wrists decided enough!
1 Like
Tell Main Dealer to ramp it up with the wheels weighted not dangling.
Then, untorque the bolts until the bushes are unstressed and then retorque while the car’s weight is still compressing the suspension. They MAY…if it is the issue and only IF…get a loud pistol shot sound as the bush lets go. That may or may not sort it…whatever it is.
Check for a broken spring.
Not always quite so evident as you may imagine,
If they do not savvy this straighforward procedure, take it else where as MvTrucky made valid points about potential suspension damage. Frankly, if the garage did not pick up on all of this, you may be better visiting a specialist with a Hunter Laser etc anyhow.
1 Like
Thanks Ray. Unfortunately I’m in Preston in Lancashire so not doable.
Will do Scottish Fiver. My garage man not happy to try your suggestions as he doesn’t have alignment equipment and doesn’t want to make things worse.
I’ll put my trust in main dealer here.
Many thanks again to all who replied.
Regards
Brian
2 Likes
Personally, I would go to an independent garage with the proper kit to do a 4 wheel alignment.
Sure if you explain the issue they will know the problem.
Plenty of search engines to give you a good garage near you.
Not Kwik Fit mind!!
2 Likes
Thanks Scarlet. Will check it out.
Defo not Kwik Fit etc!
Cheers
3 Likes
You’ve got CBS autos in Nelson near you, MX-5 specialist. I’d be contacting them for a look see.
1 Like
Sorry to interfere with the flurry of questions and answers here. But We are all trying to visualise your problem without being able to see the car and so it’s guess work, If your car is sitting lower on one side You may have broken a spring on hitting a serious ‘Pot Hole’ Etc, The ride hight is a bit high on a NC if it hasn’t been lowered on 30mm springs, They generally tend to sit “ too high “ on the Factory settings. But Don’t dismiss the other advice about a seized up anti roll bar component. It too is known to prevent the Car from sitting right if it is tightened too much Someone suggested Loosening the bolts and see if the car finds its correct level Etc. Good advice there !
Can you show a picture of your car ? Here’s one that is standard hight and one that has been lowered 30 MM
I get where you are coming from, but even seeing a picture would be guess work surely. 
1 Like
Hi, What I was hoping a photo would show up Is whether or not The problem was obvious to the naked eye, I appreciate that a photo could do no more than to show the extent of any abnormality Only that an ‘abnormality’ exists, Etc, Best regards from Ray in Essex…
Roger that.
1 Like
Can you rule out any suspension damage if the wheel was pushed back during the accident?
Whos paying for getting it right?
Not sure if you have anyone closer to you but paul is probably one of the best people to sort the car out (but he is in Sheffield)
Opening post.
1 Like
Thanks guys. Not sent a photo as it would just show car high on o/s front and low on n/s rear. I’ve booked it in for a diagnosis tomorrow so will come back to forum later. Examination by a mechanic shows no obvious damage to any suspension components.
2 Likes