MX5 Vibration - unbalanced driveshaft?
Discussion
Hello All,
We've just entered the world of MX5 ownership with a '99 Mk2 1.8i. When we bought the car, the previous owner explained that there was a wheel wobble but this was due to the aftermarket wheels being unbalanced. When we test drove it we didn't notice it because we didn't didn't go above 50mph.
Having driven it home last night we noticed that it there was a bad vibration above 60mph. Today we've had the wheels balanced and it's still there. The garage said it could be the drive shaft being unbalanced... is this a common issue on MX5's? Does anyone else have any thoughts?
The garage did also say that it could be the wheels that aren't balanced or the tires so the first plan is to get a set of standard wheels back on it that we know are straight but if that doesn't clear it then...hmmm, not sure!
Any help would be much appreciated!
Edited to add - 45k miles, 1.8i, 1999
We've just entered the world of MX5 ownership with a '99 Mk2 1.8i. When we bought the car, the previous owner explained that there was a wheel wobble but this was due to the aftermarket wheels being unbalanced. When we test drove it we didn't notice it because we didn't didn't go above 50mph.
Having driven it home last night we noticed that it there was a bad vibration above 60mph. Today we've had the wheels balanced and it's still there. The garage said it could be the drive shaft being unbalanced... is this a common issue on MX5's? Does anyone else have any thoughts?
The garage did also say that it could be the wheels that aren't balanced or the tires so the first plan is to get a set of standard wheels back on it that we know are straight but if that doesn't clear it then...hmmm, not sure!
Any help would be much appreciated!
Edited to add - 45k miles, 1.8i, 1999
Edited by QED87 on Thursday 19th May 15:13
I had this issue too when i first bought mine (1993 1.6 Eunos S Special), quite violent shaking on the motorway above 60mph but not on the B-roads at that speed and above. The car had a different make of tyre on each wheel and they were fairly close to being worn.
Had four new tyres and had it balanced and tracked and the problem went.
Had four new tyres and had it balanced and tracked and the problem went.
Thanks All,
I've just done the chalk test on all 4 wheels/tires and 3 of them are out of shape...me thinks me's found the problem! Fortunately a friend/fellow hillclimber has a set of special edition 15inch wheels with a almost brand new set of Toyo tyres on going spare... all ours for £100! Thanks Webbo!
Pictures will follow... thanks again!
PS I have to add this isn't actually my car, it's my wife's. But having driven it I will never curse the MX 5 again... wonderful car, needs more poke though!
I've just done the chalk test on all 4 wheels/tires and 3 of them are out of shape...me thinks me's found the problem! Fortunately a friend/fellow hillclimber has a set of special edition 15inch wheels with a almost brand new set of Toyo tyres on going spare... all ours for £100! Thanks Webbo!
Pictures will follow... thanks again!
PS I have to add this isn't actually my car, it's my wife's. But having driven it I will never curse the MX 5 again... wonderful car, needs more poke though!
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