New member - old MX-3

[Shadey & Zac]

We've just bought our 1st mx3 v6 Can anyone tell me what the correct tickover rpm should be? and can I adjust it myself? Does the mx-3 have problems with the rear disk brakes? Mine don't appear to be working well (disks ain't shiney) but the car doesn't have any problems stopping. The car has been stood for over a month before we got it and the handbrake works really well, any tips before I start fiddling with 'em?

[mx3TT]

If the car has been sitting for a long time, the rear disks are most likely rusted. You can have thm cut, but if its not that bad the rust with come off easily once in use. Run your hand along the rotor and see if you feel ridges, if you do, get new rotors. It still stops good becuase the front brakes do most of the work, from what I remember its like 70% front and 30% rear.

[Jeremy UK]

The V6 should tickover at around 650rpm once warmed up.

The rear calipers are prone to seizeing up. Theres more info here (the MX-6/Ford Probe use the same rear calipers):

Calipers

I had the same problem, and sorted it with lots of copper grease on the caliper (watch you DO NOT get grease on the friction side of the pads or the disks)

Jeremy

<small>[ February 07, 2004, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Jeremy UK ]</small>

[IanL]

To adjust the idle, ensure the cooling fan is off. Rotate the air-adjusting screw next to the throttle quadrant on the throttle body.

As you said your handbrake works ok, its unlikely that the handbrake pivot arm is seized, but the caliper pins could be. Remove the lower pin, swing the caliper up, remove the pads and check for easy caliper movement.

Another quick check - chock the front wheels, jack up the rear, ensure gearshift in Neutral, start engine, release handbrake, get a helper to apply the footbrake and check whether you can rotate the rear wheels by hand.

<small>[ February 08, 2004, 05:28 AM: Message edited by: IanL ]</small>