2008 - MX-5 - Suspension

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

NOTE:

• Unloaded vehicle: Fuel tank is full. Engine coolant and engine oil are at specified level. Jack and tools are in designated position.

• Difference between the left and right dimension for camber and caster is within 1°.

Steering Angle Adjustment

1. Loosen the locknut of the tie-rod end.

2. Remove the rack boot clamp.

3. Rotate the tie rod and adjust the steering angle.

Standard steering angle

• Inner: 38°42′±3°

• Outer: 32°54′±3°

NOTE:

• Rotate and adjust the tie rod. The difference between the right and left dimension L shown in the figure should be within the specification.

  

• Standard

  3 mm {0.12 in} or less

4. Tighten the locknut of the tie-rod end.

Tightening torque

• 68.6—98.0 N·m {7.00—9.99 kgf·m, 50.6—72.2 ft·lbf}

5. Correct the rack boot deformation.

6. Install and fix the rack boot clamp.

7. After adjusting the steering angle, always inspect and adjust the total toe-in. (See Total Toe-in Adjustment.)

Camber Adjustment

CAUTION:

• Adjust the camber before adjusting the caster.

1. Loosen the fixing nut of the adjusting cam bolt (front lower arm front side).

2. Rotate the adjusting cam bolt in either direction to adjust the camber.

Vehicle equipped with 16-inch wheel

Vehicle height*	Camber
356—365 {14.1—14.3}	-0°41′
366—375 {14.5—14.7}	-0°22′
376—385 {14.8—15.1}	-0°06′
386—395 {15.2—15.5}	0°09′
396—405 {15.6—15.9}	0°21′

Vehicle equipped with 17-inch wheel

Vehicle height*	Camber
351—360 {13.8—14.1}	-0°51′
361—370 {14.3—14.5}	-0°31′
371—380 {14.7—14.9}	-0°14′
381—390 {15.0—15.3}	0°02′
391—400 {15.4—15.7}	0°15′

*

From the end of the front fender to the center of the wheel (mm {in})

	Left wheel	Right wheel
Positive direction	Clockwise	Counterclockwise
Negative direction	Counterclockwise	Clockwise

3. Tighten the nut.

Tightening torque

• 117.7—137.3 N·m {12.1—14.0 kgf·m, 86.9—101.2 ft·lbf}

4. Adjust the total toe-in. (See Total Toe-in Adjustment.)

Caster Adjustment

CAUTION:

• Adjust the caster after adjusting the camber.

1. Loosen the installation nut of the adjusting cam bolt (front lower arm rear side).

2. Rotate the adjusting cam bolt in either direction to adjust the caster.

Vehicle equipped with 16-inch wheel

Vehicle height*	Caster
354—363 {14.0—14.2}	6°27′
364—373 {14.4—14.6}	6°13′
374—383 {14.8—15.0}	5°59′
384—393 {15.2—15.4}	5°45′
394—403 {15.6—15.8}	5°31′

Vehicle equipped with 17-inch wheel

Vehicle height*	Caster
349—358 {13.8—14.0}	6°34′
359—368 {14.2—14.4}	6°20′
369—378 {14.6—14.8}	6°06′
379—388 {15.0—15.2}	5°53′
389—398 {15.4—15.6}	5°39′

*

From the end of the rear fender to the center of the wheel (mm {in})

	Left wheel	Right wheel
Increase	Counterclockwise	Clockwise
Decrease	Clockwise	Counterclockwise

3. Tighten the nut.

Tightening torque

• 117.7—137.3 N·m {12.1—14.0 kgf·m, 86.9—101.2 ft·lbf}

4. Adjust the camber and total toe-in. (See Total Toe-in Adjustment.)

Total Toe-in Adjustment

1. Loosen the locknut of the tie-rod end.

2. Remove the rack boot clamp.

3. Adjust the total toe-in by rotating each tie rod (left and right) in the opposite directions by the same amount respectively.

Total Toe-in Standard

• 2±4 mm {0.08±0.15 in} (0°11′±21′)

NOTE:

• Toe angle changes by approx. 3.3 mm {0.13 in} per one rotation of the tie rod for one wheel.

• Each tie rod has a left-hand thread. When increasing the toe-in angle, rotate the right tie rod toward the rear of the vehicle, and rotate the left tie rod toward the front of the vehicle by the same amount.

4. Tighten the locknut of the tie-rod end.

Tightening torque

• 68.6—98.0 N·m {7.00—9.99 kgf·m, 50.6—72.2 ft·lbf}

5. Verify that the rack boot does not have any twisting, and install the rack boot clamp.