1999 Thrust Bearing Issue

billy bronco · May 5, 2004

Is it safe to say, a 99 Miata with 47K miles is out of the woods for failure if it hasen't happend yet? What to look for or don't worry? I'm gonna look at a 99 for sale today, price is low and makes me wonder about below issue.

http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathrustbearingfailure.html

Seems it was early on it showed up.

kcbhiw · May 5, 2004

billy bronco said:
Is it safe to say, a 99 Miata with 47K miles is out of the woods for failure if it hasen't happend yet? What to look for or don't worry? I'm gonna look at a 99 for sale today, price is low and makes me wonder about below issue.

http://www.miata.net/solo/99miatathrustbearingfailure.html

Seems it was early on it showed up.

From what I understand, the thrust bearing failure typically showed itself within the first 20k miles, if not much sooner. I'm willing to bet that you're in the clear. How does the car feel when driving it?

KpaBap · May 8, 2004

It's very simple, have the crankshaft endplay checked. If it's within spec then the engine is fine, if it's out of spec then forget about it. Have them write down the exact measurement too.

Engines have been replaced even before the cars got on the boats, and there's also some that have popped up around 70k miles, so mileage is no indicator.

Mazdaspeedgirl · May 8, 2004

Yep. Your best bet is to have the endplay checked. it's the only way to know.

Some people have even had a car from the suspicious VIN range that never had any problems with it. (dunno)

1999 Thrust Bearing Issue

billy bronco

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kcbhiw

What "Lifestyle"?

KpaBap

Mazdaspeedgirl

Resident Autocrosser

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