Miata Mailing List: August 1992, Message #34
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   From: (none)
Subject: RE: suspension problems
   Date: (none)

>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

Is this tie-rod the peice of the steering mechanism which turns the
wheels, or a peice of the front anti-sway bar?  I'd like to check mine,
because I've had problems with the right front tire holding a precise
alignment.

>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?

I've noticed a slight tiny ooozing from the rear seal of the transmission,
I'm glad it can be fixed under warranty.

>
>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.
>

The only one I'm aware of was one around October of 89 concerning a
transmission problem, for which the car was recalled.  The dealer
replaced the back-up light switch, because some part of it could shear
off and fall down into the transmission.  I'd sure like to hear about
any others.

Steve Grossman
Software Engineer