Performance & TuningDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata — lowering springs made the car nervous on rough roads

GarageRoadieCommunity StarterDec 5, 20252024 Mazda MX-5 Miata ClubColumbus
Ride height looks right, but the car now feels busier over broken pavement. Alignment is in range. Would you look at bump travel, damper match, toe or tire pressure first? I am in Columbus.
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11 replies

EVMomCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 5, 2025permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
SunBeltGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 5, 2025permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “5 miata — lowering springs made the,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
EVMomCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 5, 2025permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. This is from a 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Columbus. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
TrackGeek594Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 5, 2025permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
EVCommuterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 5, 2025permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Columbus. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'd rather be boring and correct. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
UsedCarCommuter769Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 6, 2025permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Columbus. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
UsedCarCommuter769Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 6, 2025permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Two 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miatas can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. When does it actually happen? Doing the boring step first on purpose.
ShiftCollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 6, 2025permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “5 miata — lowering springs made the,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
EVCommuterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 6, 2025permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “5 miata — lowering springs made the,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
EVCommuterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 7, 2025permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
UsedCarCommuter769Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 8, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Was this after sitting overnight? I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
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