"pws" > wrote in message
...
> 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.
>
> Is the tread drastically different on this tire than the others? That
> would help indicate how long this has been going on.
> The Miata suspension is so sensitive that you should feel something
> wrong as the control arm shifts. It has to be affecting the handling.
>
> If it has been like this the entire time you have owned the car, it will
> feel like a different vehicle when it is fixed, especially with a good
> alignment.
>
>> 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.
>
> Are you certain that the bolt is missing and that the head has not
> sheared off?
> These are two-piece nut and bolt assemblies. If the nut is there, then
> there should be at least part of the bolt left for it to attach to.
>
> Any chance of getting a picture?
>
>> How dangerous is it to drive the car like this?
>
> Extremely dangerous.
> I would have the entire control arm assembly inspected and replace the
> bolt before driving it anywhere but onto a tow truck.
>
>> How can it just fall off?
>
> Don't know, but I have seen stranger things happen on cars.
>
>> 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?
>> Thank you.
>
> See above.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Pat
>
>
Gee, what are we to conclude if we never here from 96miata again. :-o