Miata Mailing List: August 1992, Message #33
sponsored by



     


   From: (none)
Subject: Suspension and Other Problems - Warantee Repairs
   Date: (none)

I want to alert everyone to a problem that I had with my front
suspension that was fixed under warantee which may account for some of
the vibration problems that have been described in Miata Magazine at
specific speeds (about 65 mph).  I have had my car since Sept 1989 and
began to notice a 65 mph vibration problem about 6 months ago along
with loss of the sharp turn in response.  Also noted was an increase
in steering wheel shake when hitting minor bumps.  My dealer didn't
identify the problem at first but after I persisted they noted that
the "tie rod" (called a stabizer control link in the workshop manual)
waa bent.  I  found that suprising since I do not travel over roads
with excessive bumps or potholes. They replaced it as well as the
lower arm ball joint.  Six months later the same problem happened to
the other side.  The dealer did not notice anything until I pointed
our that the tie rod on the other side was slightly bent.  This was
repaired under warantee and the car again no longer vibrates and the
steering wheel feels as stable as when the car was new.

I suspect that this is a problem on many Miata's.  Although I don't
pamper the car and drive the car the way it should be enjoyed, I 
don't abuse it or drive over poor roads.  The fact that it occurred on
both sides of the front suspension makes me suspect that this is a
common problem.  I don't know if Mazda has released a specific repair 
bulletin for this problem.

Also, the last time the suspension was fixed the dealer rrplaced the
rear transmission seal.  I never noted any transmission leakage.  Does
anyone know if this repair might have been a result of a Mazda repair
notice to the dealer?

BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE I WANT TO ASK THOSE ON THE LIST IF THERE ARE ANY
REPAIRS OR "FIXES" THAT SHOULD BE MADE (THAT I AM UNAWARE OF) UNDER
WARANTEE BEFORE MY FACTORY WARANTEE RUNS OUT IN ABOUT A MONTH. 

Mazda probably has released a series of maintance or repair bulletins
to the dealers which are frequently but not always taken care of when
you bring in you car for service.  I  don't usually go to my dealer
for minor items (routine service). Furthermore, they appear to be too
busy to take the time to carry out any factory recommended "fixes"
unless you specifically complain.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Herb Samuels