Miata advice wanted - bent suspension?

[peterfontana]

Hi,

I've got a 1993 Miata with essentially stock suspension (aftermarket springs, shocks, bars only) and I'm runningthe stock 14x5.5" factory wheels with snows right now. The right rear wheel impacted a curb at parking lot speed (< 5 mph) in a tail-out slide. That corner now has a 3/8" toe out. (I ran a string down the side of the car as a reference, accounding for the difference in track. This same technique on the driver's side shows good toe front and rear.)

I brought it to Randolph Racing - Kevin there was highly reccommended - and he found the upper control arm had a bent front/inner ear and put in a new arm and bushings.

When I got it home I got the string out and the new upper arm did not seem to change the toe out condition.

What should I check next? Could the spindle be bent? I eyeballed it and can find any cracks or obvious deformities in the lower arm, spindle or subframe. I am reluctant to bring it to an "alignment shop". Does anyone have a used spindle and lower arm so I can check these things?

Thanks for any suggestions,

[MMiskoe]

You can try taking out the long bolt that connects the knuckle to the lower A-arm. If it binds a lot, keep looking there. The knuckles can be bent but you would not see it. Unfortunately, most any of it could be the problem.

One thing to note is that I've seen many failures of the rear hub after an impact. The flange that the lug studs goes through will shear off from the hub, leaving the wheel to be held on by the brake caliper. It doesn't happen immediately, usually some number of laps, sometimes hours of laps, but we've never had one fail that didn't get hit.

Matt

[WillM]

Best suggestion would be to take the car to Les @ Apex in Marlboro. He's a long-time member and COM instructor, Miata specialist. I would think that Les could see the problem very quickly (he's seen it all), and could replace/align whatever is needed. Gordon (username: grippy) has control arms for sale, complete with bushings. $25 each, I believe. There is a post about it in the classifieds. Gordon is close enough to Apex that any parts you source from him could be left at Apex for pickup.

Matt makes a good point concerning the rear hub. You'll want to examine the area and replace the hub if damaged.

After the alignment eccentrics and other suspension bolts I'd look at the subframe and lower arm.

[paultg]

Peter,
I have a 1991 Miata with 14x5.5 stock rims and snow tires, I also have a rear subframe, control arms (upper/lower), and spindles from a 1994 that came with a rear diff I picked up. I work in Andover, Ma but live in Southern, NH.

If you wanted to try and meet up and look at my car (take some measurements) let me know; but as Will has said; Less would be able to tell quickly, repair it, and align the car for you all in one shot.

Paul G.

[peterfontana]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will see Les.

Paul - thanks for the offer to use your car as a reference, but I don't think I'll need to.

[paultg]

Ok. If you do end up needing to meet p just send me an email. Les is great; I have had him align my car and been to the shop a few times. It is like heaven for a miata fan at his place.

Paul G.