Scuttle shake?

[Genty]

Hi guys,

Test drove a mk2.5 today it was brilliant condition - minimal rust, 12 months mot, lowish mileage. However, when I test drove it, I could help but notice some scuttle shake. Is this normal? Should I be worried?

[CaptainSlow]

Did it have the brace behind the seats?

[Genty]

no, not unless they are a fitted as standard.

[CaptainSlow]

It should be. Worth checking.

[Genty]

sorry, i'm really new to the mx5 world - could you link me up to what they look like?

here is a link to the car i tested: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX-5-1-8i-/2709424...

Edited by Genty on Wednesday 28th March 21:52

[GC8]

CaptainSlow said:

It should be. Worth checking.

Surely the brace was a Mk1 make-do-and-mend, but the NB was stiffer and doesnt have one as standard?

[ronime]

GC8 said:

Surely the brace was a Mk1 make-do-and-mend, but the NB was stiffer and doesnt have one as standard?

That's my understanding. Mazda added more metal around the seatbelt towers on the Mk2, rendering the cabin brace obsolete.

[Genty]

i mean is it normal to have some shake? i didn't think it was particularly bad, and coming from a 2006 astra, i would expect the ride to be firmer.

[GC8]

Did it have firmer suspension? The extra force doesnt simply disappear.

[Genty]

no, think it was all standard

[MX-5 Lazza]

Mk2+ don't have the brace behind the seats.
All MX5s will suffer from some degree of scuttle shake, it's hard to avoid with a topless car. However it should really be too noticeable unless you are driving over uneven surfaces. If it's very obvious I'd suspect a few things: it needs a full alignment, the tyres might not be at the right pressure or the tyres might be getting old. None of these are much of an issue as I'd get the alignment checked soon after buying regardless (unless there is proof that it's been done in the last year) and tyres are tyres.

[Genty]

thanks - think i might take it for a test drive again.

ps what does every1 think of the 5 in my post above? look good?

[PlayersNo6]

Looks like a nice car OP. Those wheels look like recent replacements from the mx5parts catalogue too.

Re your original question - I've been sensing a lot more scuttle shake in mine with the hardtop recently removed, for obvious rigidity reasons. So yes, it's to be expected.

[Genty]

[quote=PlayersNo6]Looks like a nice car OP. Those wheels look like recent replacements from the mx5parts catalogue too.

to be honest, the wheels are my least favourite part of that car. lol

[PlayersNo6]

Because they're 14"? - guessing from tyre profile.

I'm sure you could upgrade to 15 or 16 and get a good price for those wheels and the Michelins.

You mention 'minimal rust' - where was it?

[GC8]

Minimal rust myth. If theres any rust then theres rust. Any car with rust needs to be bought at a price that reflects the £000s thatll need spending on it.

[Genty]

The usual suspect - door sills!

[JonnyFive]

Is it not wheels/tyres out of balance causing some shake?

[GC8]

Good point - at what speed was this evident? Im guessing about 60mph?

[Odie]

As lazza said mk2.5 has a little scuttle shake, i usually notice it after ive removed my hardtop then get used to it. the scuttle shake is miles apart from the scuttle shake you get from 'converted' convertibles like saab convertibles or focus convertibles.