Strange handling problem.

[raf_gti]

Shame on me, I've X-posted this in General Gassing, mainly as I was after a 'non MX-5' opinion on it..

Having just come back from an overseas trip the car has been sat idle for 7 weeks, after having covered 500 miles this past week I've come to the conclusion that something is 'up'.

On changing gear from 3rd>4th or 4th>5th when I depress the clutch the rear end feels like it is really squatting down, a similar feeling to when you briefly accelerate hard in the snow. I am changing up about 4k rpm so perfectly normal driving.

It feels very un-settled on the M-Way, wandering about the lane if not kept in check.

It's very hard to place accurately on a corner, not the best for pushing on.

Tyres are Bridgestone RE050 in decent nick, correct pressure all round, although the front's are wearing on the outside more than I'd hoped..

Hopefully it is just a GEO issue which is easily sorted, I'm just confused as to how it appears a good bit worse almost over night!

[snotrag]

Check that a brakes not dragging - it can cause some weird effects. It would make sense too based on whst you said. When my rear calipers was buffered the car would accelerate straight, then when you lifted off pull left.

[Munter]

Handbrake on for 7 weeks. What snot says sounds likely.

Take it for a blast and see if the rear wheels are much hotter than the fronts.

[raf_gti]

There was no obvious sign of the brakes dragging, certainly no grating sound which I'd generally associate with draggy brakes.

Will take if for a drive again and see how it goes.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Take it for a gentle drive then check how hot the discs are (don't touch!!!).

raf_gti said:

...although the front's are wearing on the outside more than I'd hoped...

raf_gti said:

Hopefully it is just a GEO issue which is easily sorted...

2+2=?

[raf_gti]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Take it for a gentle drive then check how hot the discs are (don't touch!!!).

raf_gti said:

...although the front's are wearing on the outside more than I'd hoped...

raf_gti said:

Hopefully it is just a GEO issue which is easily sorted...

2+2=?

I know I know!

But the handling has gone from being 'not perfect' to 'pretty poo', would rather have the GEO sorted when I can afford it rather than being 'forced' into it when I can't!