Del Val Miata Club

Serving Miata Owners in the Delaware Valley Region

How much vibration is "normal"?

  • September 25, 2023 1:02 PM
    Message # 13258806
    Anonymous

    Hello,

    I recently purchased my first Miata (2022 GT) and have joined the club here. I look forward to meeting some of you and participating on some future rides :-)

    Since I've never owned a Miata previously, I am wondering how much vibration is considered "normal" when driving on the highway at 80mph?  I assume its not supposed to be glass smooth like a Lincoln Continental LOL - but I have noticed some vibration in the cabin at higher speeds. Apologies I don't have any other reference point - so thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.  Tires look good at 29psi, and car has < 10K miles.

    Thank you.

  • September 26, 2023 7:39 AM
    Reply # 13259138 on 13258806
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Well a few points to consider. What exactly you feel as vibration may actually be noise as well. How "sensitive" you are to vibration, there are a lot of folks who seem overwhelmed and ironically surprised by the sensory inputs driving a small lightweight sports car can cause. That is to say everyone has a different idea fo what "a lot" of vibration is.

    At that speed, hopefully on the highway, and assuming top is up you are dealing with:

    Buzzing the engine in the 4K range, noisy but not a lot of vibration typically.

    What condition the road under you is in, asphalt or concrete, left lane or right lane (trucks tend to make this worse)

    Are your tires and wheels still in balance? I pay for a higher level of balance on mine 2016. The wheels bend easily if you have found any potholes. Most likely source of vibration.

    Assuming a soft top you will get some vibration noise if the top is up. Top down less of that replaced by wind buffeting and tire noise.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software