Chassis Alignment
Discussion
Took my recently acquired 1.8 Mk1 to Tony at WIM for a geometry check last Saturday. I knew what to expect, having had my previous 1.6 set up there. As expected, virtually all the settings needed adjustment, Tony commenting that they'd not been touched since it left the factory some 15 years ago.
Apart from the confidence that comes from knowing that the chassis is completely straight and that the car is now set up as it should be, it's great to have an expert tell you that your second hand bargain is in good order! Apart from the fact that it now handles sweetly, there's been another benefit that I wasn't expecting. I had thought that at least one wheel probably needed a re-balance but with the geometry set up properly all vibration has disappeared and she sits on the motorway as smooth as you like.
When you look at the number of MX5s on the road, it's astonishing to think how many of them must be under performing as a result of poor geometry. If their owners only knew!
Apart from the confidence that comes from knowing that the chassis is completely straight and that the car is now set up as it should be, it's great to have an expert tell you that your second hand bargain is in good order! Apart from the fact that it now handles sweetly, there's been another benefit that I wasn't expecting. I had thought that at least one wheel probably needed a re-balance but with the geometry set up properly all vibration has disappeared and she sits on the motorway as smooth as you like.
When you look at the number of MX5s on the road, it's astonishing to think how many of them must be under performing as a result of poor geometry. If their owners only knew!
gdaybruce said:
When you look at the number of MX5s on the road, it's astonishing to think how many of them must be under performing as a result of poor geometry. If their owners only knew!
Chap, don't ever come and work in a Mazda dealer then 
Most of our customers its just a nice looking car to them, they've got miss matched tyres on them. They've got ling longs and nankangs. They've got broken anti roll bar links and their cars are filthy.
They put the cheapest oil in and don't check it until it comes for service next.
We get some who buy new ones and then come in and complain the MPG isn't that good at 35mpg.. Its a sports car! Do not buy one if you're going to be like this, it pains me!
Jonny671 said:
gdaybruce said:
When you look at the number of MX5s on the road, it's astonishing to think how many of them must be under performing as a result of poor geometry. If their owners only knew!
Chap, don't ever come and work in a Mazda dealer then Most of our customers its just a nice looking car to them, they've got miss matched tyres on them. They've got ling longs and nankangs. They've got broken anti roll bar links and their cars are filthy.
They put the cheapest oil in and don't check it until it comes for service next.
We get some who buy new ones and then come in and complain the MPG isn't that good at 35mpg.. Its a sports car! Do not buy one if you're going to be like this, it pains me!
And because of their "image", some folk don't understand. Their loss!
Jonny671 said:
Very much so.
I drive to work with the top down in the mornings, no matter what the weather and there are fools on a nice fresh morning with the top up. Why? Why do these people buy an MX5 if they aren't going to enjoy it properly.
Because they might mess their hair up! I drive to work with the top down in the mornings, no matter what the weather and there are fools on a nice fresh morning with the top up. Why? Why do these people buy an MX5 if they aren't going to enjoy it properly.
I'm with you mate, beanie hat on, roof down (ok, sometimes heated seats on too) and job's a good 'un.
By the way, does anyone know of footwear you can wear that won't melt when you turn the heater up past 2
71notout said:
Jonny671 said:
Very much so.
I drive to work with the top down in the mornings, no matter what the weather and there are fools on a nice fresh morning with the top up. Why? Why do these people buy an MX5 if they aren't going to enjoy it properly.
Because they might mess their hair up! I drive to work with the top down in the mornings, no matter what the weather and there are fools on a nice fresh morning with the top up. Why? Why do these people buy an MX5 if they aren't going to enjoy it properly.
I'm with you mate, beanie hat on, roof down (ok, sometimes heated seats on too) and job's a good 'un.
By the way, does anyone know of footwear you can wear that won't melt when you turn the heater up past 2
I wear my driving shoes and after a while my feet are boiling hot and I don't realise
It takes all sorts. Wouldn't life be boring if we all had the same opinions?
Yes it does bug me when I see people driving convertibles with the top up on a fine day, often even on warm & sunny days!!
However, it's their car so it's up to them. If they don't want a chilly breeze around their neck, don't want to mess up their hair, want to listen to the stereo, prefer to use AC or whatever their reason is it's their choice. I'll be popping out to Tesco this lunch time in mine and I might well leave the top up as I have some new music I want to listen to.
What gday said about the alignment fixing what he thought was an out-of-balance wheel is something I've argued. I can't remember who it was (it might even have been a different forum) but they were complaining about scuttle shake. I along with some others recommended getting the alignment sorted but he was determined it was something else and spent loads of cash on new suspension, wheels & tyres, chassis braces etc then sold the car because it was "rubbish" without ever getting the alignment checked!
I get mine done very regularly. Usually annually (though a bit less recently due to lack of use - that's rectified now that I have it running better and brought back the joy of ownership) and it always requires some tweaking and that's without hitting any kerbs/potholes and with fairly low miles!
Yes it does bug me when I see people driving convertibles with the top up on a fine day, often even on warm & sunny days!!
However, it's their car so it's up to them. If they don't want a chilly breeze around their neck, don't want to mess up their hair, want to listen to the stereo, prefer to use AC or whatever their reason is it's their choice. I'll be popping out to Tesco this lunch time in mine and I might well leave the top up as I have some new music I want to listen to.
What gday said about the alignment fixing what he thought was an out-of-balance wheel is something I've argued. I can't remember who it was (it might even have been a different forum) but they were complaining about scuttle shake. I along with some others recommended getting the alignment sorted but he was determined it was something else and spent loads of cash on new suspension, wheels & tyres, chassis braces etc then sold the car because it was "rubbish" without ever getting the alignment checked!
I get mine done very regularly. Usually annually (though a bit less recently due to lack of use - that's rectified now that I have it running better and brought back the joy of ownership) and it always requires some tweaking and that's without hitting any kerbs/potholes and with fairly low miles!
jay140285 said:
If you dont mind me asking, what is the cost to get a MK1 set up at WIM??
Mine handles fine, but I would be happier knowing that it is perfect.
Cheers
J.
Depends on how much work they need to do. In may case every adjuster needed attention and, in round figures, it came to £100 incl VAT.Mine handles fine, but I would be happier knowing that it is perfect.
Cheers
J.
A lot for "tracking" but not for a full geometry set up using state of the art kit and with an expert doing it.
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