Some rocking

What frequency?

If it's the same as the rate the wheels are turning, it's probably a bad tire or bent wheel.

It could be wheel bearings, but that's usually more of a rumbling vibration.

That would be the first thing to check.

uneven pavement? maybe combined with low tire pressure? just a thought. dave

Well, since your shocks died years ago...

Yup, his shocks are definitely gone, but it sounds like there's something else wrong. At least on my M1, bad shocks are much more something you notice in bumpy turns (or even bumpy straights).

To Miata enthusiasts, suggesting the replacement of original Miata parts with stock may not be advised. So if I replace the shocks, would it be ill advised to just get Mazda parts?

The OEM shocks are mediocre at best, and expensive to boot. You can get non-Mazda shocks that are both better and cheaper.

Not ill advised, just a missed opportunity. For the price of OEM shocks, you get upgrade to something adjustable with a longer service life. Or you can buy the OEM shocks under their trade name (GYB/GBY) for less money. It really doesn't make economic sense to go back to Mazda for something like a shock.

Tom

Pat wrote:

What is better than the OEM you recommend, but not exotic Something closer to a normal every day riding street shock.

KYB AGX adjustable, set on "2." For the labor involved ($200-400), it makes no sense to scrimp on parts that will only need replacement again in another 30k miles. Premium adjustable shocks cost little more (if any) than OEM from Mazda, and probably won't wear out within the car's lifetime. As a bonus, you get superior control and poise without paying a ride penalty.

I agree on the KYB AGX shocks, they're comfortable on 1 and they are race car stiff on 8 and anything in between!

Keep in mind on these light weight cars tires and tire preasure, effect ride significantly. Recomended street preasures are between 26 and 32, NOT the maximum tire preasure on the sidewall!

You might want to buy shock 'boots' (protective dust sheilds) also as yours are probably dust at this point.

Chris