Help with Clutch Problem

rippledabs · Post by **rippledabs** » June 21st, 2007, 2:43 pm

Hi, My clutch has been making a wierd noise for the past few months, when it's disengaged (pedal in).

It sounds like a squealing or slipping. I assume it's the clutch plate slipping against each other, but I'm not sure. It doesn't make noise when clutch engages. (1.8 V6)

It drove normally since then, but all of a sudden today, the sound got louder. In Idel, when I press in the clutch, the engine idle speed decreases to 300-400 rpm, and it's very hard to put into gear. I have to jam it in pretty hard.

I think it's because the clutch isn't dis-engaging fully.

I checked the brake fluid. (I think the clutch uses the same fluid reservoir?). It's between the low and high marks. Can I assumed it's not a leak?

Do you think it's air in the clutch line? I'll bleed it tonight. Can it be anything else? Thanks in advance for the help.

m90daytona · Post by **m90daytona** » June 21st, 2007, 4:45 pm

only thing that comes to mind is the throw out bearing. its under load w/ the clutch pushed in and then its under no load w/ the clutch pedal out. if it was a bad clutch or disc it would be noisy when engaging and if it was a bad trans it would be noisy when driving. if the line needed blead then you woulnt be able to disengage the clutch at all. you can try it though.

rippledabs · Post by **rippledabs** » June 21st, 2007, 7:04 pm

I bleeded the clutch line, and I can shift easier, but it's still making that whirring or slipping sound. Also, the engagement isn't as smooth as before. I can feel some shutter.

I found this link about the throwout bearing, and it is probably it.
http://www.carcare.org/Manual_Transmiss ... ring.shtml

Any advice on what I should do? I am hoping I dont have to replace the whole clutch, although i probably should. 150k on stock clutch.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » June 21st, 2007, 7:10 pm

Replace the clutch, throw out bearing and clutch bearing. It is a bear of a job if you don't know what you are doing. Depending on how mechanical you are I would take it to a shop, bringing a clutch that you bought or get a friend who knows how to do it help you out.
There are many threads on which clutches are good for the MX-3.

rippledabs · Post by **rippledabs** » June 21st, 2007, 7:18 pm

Will a clutch Kit include all those things, or Do i need to order it seperately?

One last noob question. My wife's sisters wants to learn how to drive stickshift. Will a worn throw-out bearing damage anything else if she drives around in a parking lot?

I dont really want to install a new clutch only to have her sisters abuse it during the learning.

Thanks very much for the help!

Sorry I posted this in the wrong section, i didn't see the tranmission section.

jemcote · Post by **jemcote** » June 21st, 2007, 9:37 pm

it was the throowout bearing for me.. and i changed the clutch by the way.