Suggested Miata overhaul/freshing items

[MiataSteve]

The old '90 got 20 track days this year. I am definitely driving harder. With all the wheel bearing failures at the last event (me included) I will replace all four. Besides the normal brake and fluid maintenance what other items should I pay particular attention too? Ball joints? Tie rods? Inspect or just replace??? (Shocks and springs are new this year.)

[962porsche]

I have always done what is called a nut and bolt check with my cars before I go to the track .
I have a hole check list of things to do .
checking the suspension and steering is always tops on the lists for all my cars .

my new suspension should be here early next week so then I start on my car too .
the thing with me is the timing belt.
I was looking up in the catalog for new belts and hoses on my car and I see they list the Miata 1.6 motor as a interference motor . I though it wasn't ?

[jeffw]

The old '90 got 20 track days this year. I am definitely driving harder. With all the wheel bearing failures at the last event (me included) I will replace all four. Besides the normal brake and fluid maintenance what other items should I pay particular attention too? Ball joints? Tie rods? Inspect or just replace??? (Shocks and springs are new this year.)

Be sure to replace both the hub and bearing in the back. They're two parts, unlike the fronts.

Check motor, diff mounts and other rubber if they're original to the '90.

Consider freshening all the cooling hoses if they're quite old.

Keep an eye on the front subframe as they tend to crack around the control arm mounts.

Check the inner and outer transmission boots. The inner holds the shifter in place and a failure there would end your weekend if I wasn't there with spares. If the outer (larger) boot cracks, you'll get a lot of excess heat in the cabin.

[TroyV]

I'd also consider having a good look at your brake lines. Even the best ones can fray in inconspicuous places and rupture. The front lines see a ton of flex over a season.

[Stynger]

Good time to send the fuel injectors out to be serviced. Fuel filter.
Change spark plugs, be sure wires are fresh.
Check clutch slave (pull rubber back and look for fluid, there should be none) if it's good, buy a spare, it will go at the worst time.
V/C gasket, CAS seal if it's been a couple of years.
New wiper blades.
Check those heater hoses at the fire wall. On the 1.6, if the CAS leaks oil, it's right on one of those hoses and deteriates the rubber.
Check drive belts.

In all honesty, we're talking about a 25 year old car. If ball joints and inner/outer tie rod ends have not been replaced, you are on borrowed time. These are the things that can ruin a track event if they fail, or worse.

Do it now, get a fresh alignment, hit the track hard next season.

This goes for all you Miata drivers. These cars seem so reliable, basic service tends to be over looked.
How many of you check the oil between runs? Flush brake/clutch twice a season? Trans and diff fluids once a year?

Just saying.....

[TroyV]

Excellent advice as always, Mister Les.

[962porsche]

I totally agree . les hit the nail on the head about the clutch slave .
I installed a new one and then the car sat for about 4 months . I went to get the car ready for the Thompson 1 event and when I pushed in the clutch the new slave started leaking .
I'm now keeping another new one on hand as part of my extra parts supply .

[CP]

It appears that Mazdaspeed is now selling their own blueprinted front hubs for $190 each versus $150 for the standard unit. From a recent email blast:

Link

[wizzman]

It appears that Mazdaspeed is now selling their own blueprinted front hubs for $190 each versus $150 for the standard unit. From a recent email blast:

Link

$223.50 for a front hub with long studs?

[horizenjob]

How much better can they make the hub for $40? They say its rounderer, but I don't know if a tighter tolerance is better if the part is getting hot. I was taught to keep the front bearings pretty lose on my FF, but it's a completely different car so who knows...

[MiataSteve]

Thanks everyone, extra thanks Les. Car went into its winter home today. Parts on order...just in time for Christmas