Bolts Shaking Loose

[jesuismoi]

I'm very upset, and I'm having issues with my dealer.

The bolts in the frame mounted clamps for the tops and the visors are shaking loose (as in, they've fallen out while driving down the street!) of my 2002 Miata. I bought the Miata new in Jan 03 and it only has 24,000 miles.
The dealership said, "well, we took it on a road test, and it seems fine to us." and refused to look at anything else.

As of writing, of 6 bolts, 4 have fallen out and had to be screwed back in.

I've googled, and no luck.

Does anyone know what might be causing this particular problem?

We had to take the (factory installed) hard top off the other day, as the bolts were so loose that they wouldn't even go back in under the weight of the top.

I really love my little blue Miata, but it's scaring me that it appears to be falling apart. I'm really worried there could be a serious problem that's causing shaking enough for this to happen, but trying to talk to the mechanics is like hitting a brick wall.

Heaven only knows if anything has fallen off the BOTTOM of the car!

 

[Mplvan]

Wow, I never had any trouble with my 2002. Ask the guys over at www.miata.net (best miata forum) If there is a answer they will know. Don't worry about your miata its a great car and the gang will figure it out. Louie

 

[MiaTurbo]

..frame mounted clamps for the tops and the visors..

? what piece are you talking about?

 

[k-lea]

I'm not a fan of miata's right now..

/random

 

[lagunamiata]

Stop by Auto Zone, Pep Boys, Advance, heck Wal-Mart and pick up some Loctite. Make sure you get the blue stuff, not the red (permanent). You won't get the bolts out if you use the red.
Anyway, a little drop on the threads of each will keep them from backing out.

Where are you located? I'd suggest you go to a different dealer. You're still under warranty so take the car in when something is loose and make them fix it right. If that doesn't happen call Mazda NA and talk to them.

 

[bestmazda01]

i was going to say... USE locktite and be done with it.

 

[kcbhiw]

And again...blue Loctite.

 

[MiaTurbo]

still curious as to which bolts he's talking about...

 

[jesuismoi]

More Information

? what piece are you talking about?

Sorry about the delay. I thought I told this thing to email me any responses, but I guess I didn't.

The piece shaking loose is the clamps for the tops... the part that is actually on the frame/windshield of the car.


I took in the car and all they did was put the bolt tightener on it. I don't even think they checked to see why the car was rattling (oh, they did a road test and said it seemed fine to them.) I can't even get them to GUESS as to WHY This might happen.

Now my bolts are tight but other things seem off -- like the glove box is crooked and the corner of the bottom of the steering column keeps popping up... also, I think due to whatever's making the bolts go.

I'm afraid to put the hard top back on since it's so much heavier.
-Cheryl

 

[jesuismoi]

Stop by Auto Zone, Pep Boys, Advance, heck Wal-Mart and pick up some Loctite. Make sure you get the blue stuff, not the red (permanent). You won't get the bolts out if you use the red.
Anyway, a little drop on the threads of each will keep them from backing out.

Where are you located? I'd suggest you go to a different dealer. You're still under warranty so take the car in when something is loose and make them fix it right. If that doesn't happen call Mazda NA and talk to them.

Sorry to sound dumb.. what is Mazda NA and how do I talk to them? Two dealers both brushed me aside and won't even guess as to WHY This is happening. Just "tighten the bolts and go away little girl"

Meanwhile my car friends are severely worried that there's something off in the alignment or a loose weld on the frame!

 

[lagunamiata]

Sorry 'bout that... Mazda NA is Mazda North America.
1-800-222-5500
Our business hours are Monday through Friday:
8:00AM - 4:45PM (Pacific)
9:00AM - 5:45PM (Central/Eastern)

Where are you located?
Have you looked in to a local Miata club? http://miata.net/clubs/nam.html
Most likely, whatever is wrong, someone has seen it before. And if the club is active, they probably have a person at a dealership that really cares and will help.

 

[WildMride]

i had one bolt on my na fall out from the striker plates abouve the windshield. just got some lock tite and put it back in