Mk2 1.6 feels a bit strained in upper rev range
Discussion
I took the missus' Mx5 to get some new tyres fitted on Saturday, but something just doesnt feel right about it.
When we first got it, Im sure there used to be a nice little surge as the engine reached 4.5k - 5k rpm, but it felt really flat to me and sounds a bit strained.
On tickover it sounds fine, doesnt hunt, nice and smooth and revs cleanly, it just feels really flat when driving.
It was serviced last August with the correct grade oil, filter, air filter and NGK spark plugs and has done around 4k miles since.
One thing that I did notice though, was that when the wheels were off at the tyre fitters, the NSF caliper looks like it has been sticking a bit, as the pad is noticable lower than the OSF.
Ive ordered some new pads (EBC Kevlar) so Ill fit them this weekend and strip the caliper down and copper grease the slider bolts, but could this have been binding a bit and slowing the car down, or is there something more sinister wrong?
Btw the cambelt is due to be changed, which we'll be doing shortly.
When we first got it, Im sure there used to be a nice little surge as the engine reached 4.5k - 5k rpm, but it felt really flat to me and sounds a bit strained.
On tickover it sounds fine, doesnt hunt, nice and smooth and revs cleanly, it just feels really flat when driving.
It was serviced last August with the correct grade oil, filter, air filter and NGK spark plugs and has done around 4k miles since.
One thing that I did notice though, was that when the wheels were off at the tyre fitters, the NSF caliper looks like it has been sticking a bit, as the pad is noticable lower than the OSF.
Ive ordered some new pads (EBC Kevlar) so Ill fit them this weekend and strip the caliper down and copper grease the slider bolts, but could this have been binding a bit and slowing the car down, or is there something more sinister wrong?
Btw the cambelt is due to be changed, which we'll be doing shortly.
Does your missus "drive" it? They do like to be thrashed regularly - this keeps the intake manifold & exhaust clear and keeps it revving cleanly.
Chances are though that you've just got yourself used to how another car feels. I had a 106 diesel as a loan car for a week while some work was being done on mine once. When I got it back it felt like my 1.8 had no low down torque as I'd got use to how to drive a 1.4 non-turbo diesel.
Oh, and it's a bit late to tell you now but EBC Kevlar are pants.
Chances are though that you've just got yourself used to how another car feels. I had a 106 diesel as a loan car for a week while some work was being done on mine once. When I got it back it felt like my 1.8 had no low down torque as I'd got use to how to drive a 1.4 non-turbo diesel.
Oh, and it's a bit late to tell you now but EBC Kevlar are pants.
No she doesnt really 'drive it' as such, as she generally pootles to work and back, so it prob never gets taken over 4k rpm.
Ive got some throttle body and intake manifold cleaner spray, shall I give it a whizz of that to see if it improves.
I drive a Mk4 Golf 1.8T, whilst not exactly rapid I suppose it does feel quicker due to the turbo.
I did read quite a few reviews on the pads and although there were a few negative ones, the majority were positive, apparently they're quite dusty though. Plus they are less than half the price of Mazda ones, and as said it rarely gets driven hard, the current Apec ones are awful, no feel what so ever.
Going to clean up the calipers, re-do the slide bolts, fit the new pads and change the fluid, which will hopefully improve the braking.
Ive got some throttle body and intake manifold cleaner spray, shall I give it a whizz of that to see if it improves.
I drive a Mk4 Golf 1.8T, whilst not exactly rapid I suppose it does feel quicker due to the turbo.
I did read quite a few reviews on the pads and although there were a few negative ones, the majority were positive, apparently they're quite dusty though. Plus they are less than half the price of Mazda ones, and as said it rarely gets driven hard, the current Apec ones are awful, no feel what so ever.
Going to clean up the calipers, re-do the slide bolts, fit the new pads and change the fluid, which will hopefully improve the braking.
vrooom said:
What can you use to squirt the intake with? wd40?
Ive got some throttle body and intake manifold cleaner that you spray into the intake system.I bought it to clean out my throttle body, but did so with it disassembled rather than spraying it in.
Its carb cleaner pretty much.
Could be a sticking/dragging brake caliper; a common fault. Check the temp of the discs after a run - any of them a lot hotter than the others? BTW when cleaning/lubing slider pins etc, try using an appropriate grease (lithium for high temp. areas is best) - Copper 'Grease' is an anti-seizing compound, not a lubricant..
Edited by bluetone on Monday 30th March 20:20
bluetone said:
Could be a sticking/dragging brake caliper; a common fault. Check the temp of the discs after a run - any of them a lot hotter than the others? BTW when cleaning/lubing slider pins etc, try using an appropriate grease (lithium for high temp. areas is best) - Copper 'Grease' is an anti-seizing compound, not a lubricant..
What he said - they are known for binding. Does it pull to one side? Put your hand near (not on!) the brakes after a run and see if one is hotter than the other.Edited by bluetone on Monday 30th March 20:20
Other thing might be changing the HT leads.
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