Vague and twitchy feeling on the motorway

[Lazygraduate]

Been using my MX-5 (early-ish MK2) for a few long drives recently (150+ miles) and noticed that, all things considered, its a pretty crap motorway car. It's noisy, relatively cramped and not all that fast, in addition to liking a drink.

However, on a slightly more concerning note, it feels very vague and flighty above about 75-80mph, like it's weaving all over the place. If it's windy I actually feel nervous going into the outside lane as it feels so twitchy above those speeds. Problem reduced when it's not windy but still present. Tyre pressures are all checked regularly but there are currently 3 brands of tyres on there. This is being changed on Saturday, for four new Toyos.

Any chance it's the existing tyres that are causing the problem? Or are these cars just so light and easily blown about that "they all do that, sir"? Might also be an alignment issue, going to hoepfully have that checked soon...

Anyone had any familiar experiences?

Cheers!

[roddo]

Having different tyres won't help, obviously your sorting this first........but a good alignment will sort it out.

[Eighteeteewhy]

As has been said, start with the tyres. The thing I find with these cars is they are so perfectly balanced and pin sharp any problem really stands out. You can't just "live with it" as you can with other cars.

[Brocks Brookie]

Lazygraduate said:

Been using my MX-5 (early-ish MK2) for a few long drives recently (150+ miles) and noticed that, all things considered, its a pretty crap motorway car. It's noisy, relatively cramped and not all that fast, in addition to liking a drink.

However, on a slightly more concerning note, it feels very vague and flighty above about 75-80mph, like it's weaving all over the place. If it's windy I actually feel nervous going into the outside lane as it feels so twitchy above those speeds. Problem reduced when it's not windy but still present. Tyre pressures are all checked regularly but there are currently 3 brands of tyres on there. This is being changed on Saturday, for four new Toyos.

Any chance it's the existing tyres that are causing the problem? Or are these cars just so light and easily blown about that "they all do that, sir"? Might also be an alignment issue, going to hoepfully have that checked soon...

Anyone had any familiar experiences?

Cheers!

I have matching Kumho Tyres on each corner and suffered similar problembs to what you decribe. Going around roundabouts often not at speed was more bottom clenching than in my 280 Capri. Have recently had four wheel alignment at http://www.blinkmotorsport.com/ The improvement is well worth the cost of £84 inc VAT.

BB

[George mk3]

Paul Roddison in Sheffield is another top place to take your car to be aligned, depending where you are.

Worth a visit. My mk3 "wandered" on the motorway at speed, he sorted it out:

http://roddisonsmotorsport.co.uk/motorsport-servic...

Edited by George mk3 on Friday 30th November 12:09

[devnull]

As has been said continuously, they are super sensitive to alignment, tyres and pressures. I run Uniroyal Rainsport 2's all round on my Mk2 and they seem pretty suited to the car. However I did have some air loss around the beading not so long the other day and it made a collosal difference to the staight line handling, especially on acceleration and deceleration. Have done quite a few 300mile+ jaunts in mine, and its a pretty comfy car to be in. (Bear in mind i'm 17stone and 6'2)

[beeblebrox]

I had a 4-wheel alignment done shortly after buying mine as it was wandering all over the place at speed. The difference was like night and day. Best money I've spent on it!

[Lazygraduate]

Thanks everyone for your replies, looks like a trip to get it aligned once the tyres are fitted is on the cards!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Just to add... don't let a tyre dealer adjust the front toe - they will likely just make it worse. It needs a full 4-wheel alignment done like in this thread.