Diagnosing the limp

[lostistc]

It's about time I start pursuing this car thing full-on..

For those of you who don't know, I had a bit on an encounter with Middle Mountain some time ago. A less-than-ideal starting week at JMU, all things said and done.

The shop that fixed things... didn't. Well, not completely at least, there's still a distinctive wobble. The source of this is presently unknown. It might be the tire (damaged?), the wheel (different weight?), the spindle (which is from an ABS car, which mine isn't), the strut (leaking - had to find that out from another shop though), or who knows what.

Presently, all I want to do is take the wheel off and get a look at things in person.

So, aside from the thoughts and input of those more knowledge than myself, I was hoping someone has (and would be willing to share) the gear needed to pop of a wheel or two.

Thanks.

[Goodspeed]

I'm presuming you're still in Hburg...DJ and I will be working on our cars tomorrow at some point and I can give you a call when we start.

He has to mess with an IC coupler and I need to change my oil, so we'll have a jack and jackstands out there

[Dave]

I would bet that its a bent wheel. Pull the wheel in question and roll it on a smooth surface. If it's got a wobble, it's either a ruined wheel, or extremely poorly weigted.

[NTIman]

A broken or shifted belt in a tire may also cause a wobble.

[Jeff]

I have a tire machine that can check loaded runout and has a arm to detect a bent wheel. I'm in Woodstock, VA. If you want I can put it up and take a look at it with you free of charge.

[lostistc]

Ah, sorry, I didn't quite clarify previously. The wheel is actually a new one, presumably the old one was busted. Apparently there are multiple different 7-spoke rims for the miata, each with different weights, which is why I thought that might be the problem.

A quick roll on the ground, and more thorough inspection, the wheel seems to be the right version and in good shape. The tire is the same, a bit worse for wear, but doesn't have any obvious/visible problems.

After having a couple of the guys take a look at it, and getting a good look for myself, it's obvious that what they meant by "you've got a leaking shock" is "your shock is completely blown" - which is it. It's now so painful to drive, I grimace the whole time I'm behind the wheel. Long drives leave me with sore facial muscles.

So, whether the shock's the source of the problem or no (and I dearly hope it is), it's gotta get dealt with.

With 200k miles on the current suspension, I thought this would be a good opportunity to replace the whole deal, and put some of the spirit back in this car. The Flyin' Miata (Stage 2) suspension kit is on the way...

...so now it's just a matter of finding a time/place to install it. Anyone up for another wrench day?

[.RJ]

Dont forget to check your bushings @ 200k miles too.

[D_Eclipse9916]

This friday, after all my classes would be fine to knock it out.

[lostistc]

Oohh, yea, bushings... Unfortunately, I'm really at the limit of what I can spend just on the FM suspension kit. So I'll have to wait for the bushings (though now would be the ideal time).

@DJ: Hrm... I'm don't think the parts will be in by this friday. Next week work for you?

And thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. It's nice to be able to finally do some of my own work and have people around to make sure I'm not totally screwing up. I think Ken said it best in his thread: "I don't wanna be just another kid who pays people to throw on parts and not understanding what they do."

UPDATE:
It's a nice thing, having parents who appreciate your car. Just talked to my mom, and she said she'd loan me the couple hundred bucks for some bushings.

That said, bushings is a big job, on top of an already pretty major job. So it's really DJ's call (and whoever else is helping out) on how much time is spent fooling around on a miata. All I need is the suspension, get that done and I'm already more than happy.

[lostistc]

Well, after a few extra phone calls and a couple downgrades, the Flyin' Miata stuff finally came in Friday. They kinda let me down with the whole getting-it-here-quickly thing.

This week I've got one thing Tuesday morning, and then Friday is the final final + move out.

DJ, you got a afternoon to spare? Take your pick, it'll work for me.

And if that doesn't work out, anyone know of a good place in/around the 'burg that'll be able to take care of this for me (preferably doing the job right) in a day or two?

[Scott]

central tire in Verona will do a good job for you if you don't DIY