I had to leave my 1986 non-turbo RX7 at the local import car repair shop yesterday. Symptoms are loss of power, shake and rattle, and most oddly, both front wheels are extremely hot (especially the driver's side) along with a slight burn smell. Yet, it doesn't do it all the time. When it's not acting up, it purrs like a kitten, has get up and go to spare, and acts like it's not really 21 years old.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be happening? At this point, I really don't want to put a lot of money into it for repairs, and I do need to rely on someone else to fix it. I trust the repair shop, but it would be helpful if I knew what I might be facing.

Thanks for any insight you might be able to provide.

Bobbi

 

Your front wheels and the burnt smell indicate brake calipers not releasing. I can't diagnose the other problem remotely, too many variables, not enough info.

 

I think it's all one problem.

There's really not much more information I can give. It seems to run fine, then all of a sudden it starts this shaking and "appears" to lose acceleratiion (maybe from the brakes?)

Probably a dumb question, but what would cause the calipers to not release?

Thanks for your response.

Bobbi

 

maybe a line thats slightly crushed, so when you step on the brake it forces fluid through, but it hold it there and keeps your calipers closed.. hell i don't know.. just a guess


but the shaking sounds like warped brake rotors

 

Sticking front calipers. The caliper drags, which heats up the fluid and causes the caliper to press harder. The shaking happens because the rotors start to warp...

 

woo i was partially right haha

 

Might be related to brake as the say above.

 

I received the diagnosis today. The calipers aren't releasing. So, I get to pay for two new calipers, a set of brake pads, and labor. When I groaned at the estimate, the owner of the repair shop said "That's one of the problems with these cars. They just won't die." Neat that he loves RX7s!

Congrats to Don49 and Aaron Cake for properly diagnosing the issue! I hope this thread helps someone else with the same problem.

Thanks so much to all!

Bobbi

 

I would put a set of rotors on that as well or else you'll get nasty vibrations when you try and stop IF the rotors are warped

 

Why not just have them rebuild the calipers, or do it yourself?

 

Have em check the brake lines too. Either the Calipers are sticking due to stuck calipers, or clogged brake lines not letting fluid back into the brake master cylinder. Also you don't have to buy new rotors. If they aren't warped too bad they can still be turned out. Check out Napa for the calipers. I think it takes a couple days to get em but they they have good prices. And make sure you BUY YOUR OWN PARTS. Never let the shop supply parts. They will mark them up as much as they can. Just my 2 cents.

 

I got my RX back, and he runs (and brakes) like a champ.

I understand everyone saying I should/could do it myself, but I gave that up years ago. Being a single female caring for an adult son (mentally retarded) and working full time, I had to swallow my pride years ago. I have a great repair shop in my town that specializes in imports, and it helps that they love RX cars. I know that they jack up the price of the parts, but I'm at the stage in my life where I'm willing to pay others to do the work.

Oh, to be young again!

 

edit: opps, should have read all the responses first. Glad you got it all straightened out.