Kristin

Okay, I don't know a whole lot about cars. My older sister had my 1987 Rx7, non turbo, before I did. It had been sitting for 4 years and hadn't been started. After replacing the battery, and all of the spark plugs, it started. But it has a few problems. The speedometer works, but its obviously wrong. It says I'm going way slower then I am. And my brakes work, but they just kind of slow me down. When you "slam" on the brakes, it kind of just slows down. They have really good slowing down power, but stopping is just way different then what I would expect. And my rear axle makes an awful clunk...It was really really bad when I first drove it, but I think its gotten better. I think its only doing it when I shift, and its only doing it like half the time? I don't know. Any input is appreciated! Kristin

RotaryRocket88

Well, the brakes are crappy because the brake fluid has soaked up water vapor to the point where it is compressible. Completely drain and replace the brake fluid. Also, inspect each caliper to be sure none of them have seized. Single piston calipers are more likely to have this problem.

As for the speedometer, I really don't see how it could read low, but if you want you can pull the instrument cluster and run some WD-40 down the speedo cable. Maybe the grease is all dried up and that's keeping it from turning at full speed?

For the rear-end clunk, I would jack up the back of the car and turn the rear wheels. See if you can reproduce the sound and narrow down where it's coming from.