I hope not.. that sounds expensive.
MX5 Owners in here....bring your curling tongs
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It does on the NC, it happens all the time.
Well, see how the sealant repair goes. If that doesn't stop the leak then that's what it will be.
Soldato
As others have said, it's the grommets foam backing beneath the scuttle panel that perishes and then water pees in to the footwells and surrounding trim. It's a common issue on the NC's (have a feeling the NB suffers the same but could be wrong) and usually a bit of sealant around them solves it. Although given the grommets are only a few quid, most replace them at the same time.
(for reference, new grommet with sealant).
Same; got the bits as a precaution a year or so back but have yet to fit them. I get the smallest of drips on a bit of the trim once a year so have been putting it off.
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Soldato
One for the NC owners - how do you remove the rear view mirror?
Got a mirror to swap in and i've tried to following Colored in Light's video (https://youtu.be/8qDW2eBza1s?t=135) where he removes one for a Homelink mirror upgrade but i can't seem to get the poxy thing to release, regardless of whatever i shove and poke up the release hole on the back of the mount.
I feel like i'm missing something but from what i've read, it should be that simple to release the catch.
Got a mirror to swap in and i've tried to following Colored in Light's video (https://youtu.be/8qDW2eBza1s?t=135) where he removes one for a Homelink mirror upgrade but i can't seem to get the poxy thing to release, regardless of whatever i shove and poke up the release hole on the back of the mount.
I feel like i'm missing something but from what i've read, it should be that simple to release the catch.
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Damn dude! Looks like it takes a bit of force. The guy in the video pretty much lodged his screwdriver into the trim when he eventually removed the mirror with the amount of pressure he used. Could just be a case of the mirror being seized. Does it look identical to the fitting in the video? Admittedly looks awkward to remove. Do you have a slim enough screwdriver? He's got it pressed against the windscreen whilst pushing up. Reminds me of trying to swap out the battery on the key fob. Had to use the right tool to get that clip down.
Man of Honour
It hadn't occured to me that Mazda would be so short sighted those would lead into the cabin.
I stand corrected!
New grommets arrived today. They are deceptively small. In the photos they look much bigger. Of course, I'm still waiting on sealant otherwise I would have tried to do that today. =DAs others have said, it's the grommets foam backing beneath the scuttle panel that perishes and then water pees in to the footwells and surrounding trim. It's a common issue on the NC's (have a feeling the NB suffers the same but could be wrong) and usually a bit of sealant around them solves it. Although given the grommets are only a few quid, most replace them at the same time.
(for reference, new grommet with sealant).
Same; got the bits as a precaution a year or so back but have yet to fit them. I get the smallest of drips on a bit of the trim once a year so have been putting it off.
The QOL windscreen wiper stalk arrived today as well. Just two screws and a straight swap by the looks of it. Did you have to disconnect the negative on the battery before installing it out of interest?
I'm still having a battle with the interior light. I've managed to get it to work in the ON position but with the switch in door open position, it's not coming on. The next suggestion is to take the trim off and remove the light to gain access to the switch itself. Bit of a pain.
Looks like I might have to end up getting rear brake discs, pads and tyres done thanks to the advice given on MX5OC.
The coilovers I was looking at, I think I'll aim for the MeisterR Sportive. What with all the other expenses going towards the car I'm going to be flat broke in time.
Soldato
@01001101 - I mean, you probably should given it's electrics but I didn't bother. Just swapped it straight out and then switched the car on to make sure it worked before sticking the cowl back on.
If you do ever remove power to the car, note that it throws (iirc) a traction control warning light until you reset/calibrate the steering sensor - Google the exact method but you turn the car on (don't start) and then go lock to lock on the steering wheel a few times. Car off and then start and all should be ok.
Re. brakes, you can tell fairly easily whether they need doing and there's a shed load of options for the NC, including upgrades.
Worth mentioning, it's fairly common for calipers to 'stick' due to surface rust build up on the pistons, typically caused by them not being used. You can usually tell it's an issue when pressing the piston back when fitting pads.
And if your changing them yourself, I was recommended (MX5 specialist) to clamp off the brake lines to stop crud going back into the system. You'll also need a winder for the rears and I would get a proper kit rather than those ratchet block type winders which are a pain - from experience.
If you do ever remove power to the car, note that it throws (iirc) a traction control warning light until you reset/calibrate the steering sensor - Google the exact method but you turn the car on (don't start) and then go lock to lock on the steering wheel a few times. Car off and then start and all should be ok.
Re. brakes, you can tell fairly easily whether they need doing and there's a shed load of options for the NC, including upgrades.
Worth mentioning, it's fairly common for calipers to 'stick' due to surface rust build up on the pistons, typically caused by them not being used. You can usually tell it's an issue when pressing the piston back when fitting pads.
And if your changing them yourself, I was recommended (MX5 specialist) to clamp off the brake lines to stop crud going back into the system. You'll also need a winder for the rears and I would get a proper kit rather than those ratchet block type winders which are a pain - from experience.
New grommets arrived today. They are deceptively small. In the photos they look much bigger. Of course, I'm still waiting on sealant otherwise I would have tried to do that today. =D
The QOL windscreen wiper stalk arrived today as well. Just two screws and a straight swap by the looks of it. Did you have to disconnect the negative on the battery before installing it out of interest?
I'm still having a battle with the interior light. I've managed to get it to work in the ON position but with the switch in door open position, it's not coming on. The next suggestion is to take the trim off and remove the light to gain access to the switch itself. Bit of a pain.
Looks like I might have to end up getting rear brake discs, pads and tyres done thanks to the advice given on MX5OC.
The coilovers I was looking at, I think I'll aim for the MeisterR Sportive. What with all the other expenses going towards the car I'm going to be flat broke in time.
The switches go a bit funny in the interior light, I got one off a scrapper and put an LED bulb in it. When you put the metal roof locator/catch things back in, leave them slightly loose, shut the roof and then do them up otherwise they'll rattle like nothing else.
Thanks is for the tip dude! Stuff like that is valuable information.
Found this gem if anyone wants to use it as reference for grommet seals sealant job.
https://mx5vic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NC-water-cowl-leak.pdf
https://mx5vic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NC-water-cowl-leak.pdf
What sort of work, road or track?
If road, I'd go for Brembo or Pagid discs. Pads wise, just Brembo or Pagid at the rear and then a nice front pad of your choice. I have Yellow Stuff on the front of my MX5 and get on well with them.
I've seen people recommending expensive G/J hook discs when the car does no track work, which of course is fine if you can afford them and want the aesthetics, but are absolutely pointless and a waste of money in that situation. I'd much rather put the money into a brake stopper which provides reinforcement to the master cylinder resulting in a much firmer pedal feel and more positive brake action. Something you will feel and get a benefit from every time you drive the car.
If road, I'd go for Brembo or Pagid discs. Pads wise, just Brembo or Pagid at the rear and then a nice front pad of your choice. I have Yellow Stuff on the front of my MX5 and get on well with them.
I've seen people recommending expensive G/J hook discs when the car does no track work, which of course is fine if you can afford them and want the aesthetics, but are absolutely pointless and a waste of money in that situation. I'd much rather put the money into a brake stopper which provides reinforcement to the master cylinder resulting in a much firmer pedal feel and more positive brake action. Something you will feel and get a benefit from every time you drive the car.
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Did you buy the parts yourself and give them to the mechanic to fit?
I'm gutted I don't have a garage. I've love to be able to get to work on the car myself tbh.
I do everything myself, the only time my cars go to a garage is for MOT or tyres... and if I had the facilities to do them myself I would 
Is the MX5 your only car? DIY becomes a lot less stressful if you have another car to use while the 'fun' car is in pieces. You don't necessarily need a garage, but a driveway is a nice to have. Don't worry too much about the weather either because if it starts to rain, you can just slide under the car for shelter while you carry on working
Is the MX5 your only car? DIY becomes a lot less stressful if you have another car to use while the 'fun' car is in pieces. You don't necessarily need a garage, but a driveway is a nice to have. Don't worry too much about the weather either because if it starts to rain, you can just slide under the car for shelter while you carry on working
Your lucky dude! Yeah unfortunately I don't have a drive. I live on a main road which isn't ideal for working on any car. It's the kind of place where if I left any tools while I wasn't looking, guaranteed someone would stop and grab them.I do everything myself, the only time my cars go to a garage is for MOT or tyres... and if I had the facilities to do them myself I would
Is the MX5 your only car? DIY becomes a lot less stressful if you have another car to use while the 'fun' car is in pieces. You don't necessarily need a garage, but a driveway is a nice to have. Don't worry too much about the weather either because if it starts to rain, you can just slide under the car for shelter while you carry on working
Soldato
Currently got Mintex pads and discs all around; they're (only) OK, better than standard Mazda, for road although the pads do 'dust' a bit. I would have gone with Brembo's or EBC's but it was purely down to a delivery time crunch before a Scotland trip.
Is there a preferred retailer for buying brake disc and pads? I imagine that if I asked the garage to source it they would want their comission.