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Today at Atelier Kaz - Private NSX Enthusiast, ex-Honda R&D engineer with F1, Indy/CART background

Final Touch 02

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Removed all alignment related bolts and nuts.


Already the oxidation started with small seizure as well.
Very famous issue not only on our NSX but on other Honda models as well.
Applied silicone grease in preparation for the alignment session.




The FR track rod was completely seized.
Even after managed to release the locking nut, the rod just didn't want to move.
Had to apply ATF/Acetone mixture and also there was no way I can use the spanner for such heavy seizure, used the pipe wrench.
Eventually, the rod started to move.
In fact, during the alignment session, we still had to use the pipe wrench as 12mm spanner didn't work and just kept slipping.


Not regularly used but handy special torque wrench for alignment locking nut.

Similar story at the FR caster adjuster.
It was partially seized but thanks to our member NSXGB for letting me studying the structure in detail long time ago,
managed to free it after some persuasion.





The FL caster adjuster was easy.
It's been a while since last time I saw NSX without seized caster adjuster apart from my NSX.
I disassembled the pivot because of clicking noise and greased it up fairly soon after I bought my NSX as a new car so
even after 20 years with over 145K miles, still the caster adjuster moves freely.





Time for the alignment service.
Initially, when this NSX arrived at my place, my first impression during the test driving session was very nervous on
rough surface and going through the roundabouts.
I put it down to 10 years old tyres even they were just mounted but also the alignment didn't feel right.



Well, the alignment figure was all over the place....

Almost no camber at the FL, front was toe-in when you want bit toe-out or 0deg.
Imbalanced camber and toe at the rear end, etc.

SAI figure was bit off at the FL but this can't be adjusted so needs to keep eye on this in the future.


I normally use my own alignment setup considering the driving style of the owners and from time to time,
I even have to change the target due to maxed out adjuster.



Took extra time for this NSX and also had to use the pipe wrench at the FR trackrod but happy with the final outcome.


On the way back, combined the 60 – 70mph cruising mode test driving session to set the emission flags.
Happy to report no wind noise from the roof.

The driving feeling before/after the alignment was night and day difference.

For the cool down session, went to my usual course and it even started raining heavily for about 5min.
Good for testing the roof weatherstrip and there was no dripping.


The tyre pressure was still at OEM setting so probably too high for my taste but still, the car properly chewed
into the road surface and the steering wheel could tell the road surface much better.



Still using the new brake pad so I can only apply gentle braking but I think the owner will notice improved braking stability once he can start using the hard braking.





I can't wash the car until it cools down so decided to look into the leather like cloth cover on the glove box lid.
It was the typical phenomenon at the plastic and foam panels inside the cabin.

For some reason, even after a short period leaving the factory, some sort of oil like material comes out from the plastic/form themselves
and addition to this, the age and temperature effect causes the trim to start peeling off.
Because of this oil like material, even you degrease the area and try to use adhesive, sooner or later, same thing will happen.


I normally use liquid gasket with staples to delay the peeling off process.




Looks much better now.






Decided to remove the centre console again as I didn't like the faint metal sound coming from there
during the cool down session on rough road surface.


It looked like that aftermarket big filter box behind the audio head unit was touching the metal bracket under the
centre consoler and making scratching noise.

Secured it harder this time and no more movement.



So, just need to wash the car and carry out the final test driving session to check the glove box lid and centre console area.




Thank you for using my service as well as waiting patiently due to extra services/parts resulted in much longer service than originally planed.
Same goes for all owners waited patiently for the delay caused this time. Thank you for your understandings.



Hope you will keep enjoying your NSX and looking forward to servicing it again in the future.


Regards,
Kaz

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