"96Miata" > wrote:

>I have noticed for some time that the rear left wheel on my 96 doesn't
>always look right. It is sometimes toed in when parked when other cars are
>toed out or straight. Looking under the car I found that a bolt was missing
>from the car end (as opposed to wheel end) the lower wishbone. This is the
>forward one of the two bolts. How dangerous is it to drive the car like
>this?

That is hard to say, without knowing how much time it takes for the wheel
to break off from metal fatigue. Can you leave a note for your loved ones
to post a message here if you die in a car accident, so that I have a better
answer next time?

> How can it just fall off?

It can obviously not just fall off. It could vibrate out without leaving
a trace. But why?

> When feeling around I notice a nut is
>still in place on the top of this connection. is that a permanent nut and I
>just need a bolt or did this thing sheer off somehow?

How long have you had this car? Is it possible a previous owner or shop
may have had any business fooling with this bolt? Of course, material
defects are always possible, but they seem to be very rare to me.

Leon

>Thank you.
>
--
Leon van Dommelen Bess, the Miata Bozo, the Miata
http://www.dommelen.net/miata
The only thing better than a white Miata is two white Miatas