CSCS

I think I am in need of a clutch replacement on my '05. Symptoms: Squeaky clutch pedal; grinds going into 4th above 5k rpms; extremely hard getting into reverse; feels like it wants to pop out of first at slow speeds; 5th gear hard to find when "spirited" driving.

My car has 42k miles on it - 4.5k of those I have put on the car. I drive the car maybe 3-5 miles per week, so it hasn't really bothered me, but I figure I should get it replaced under the extended 80k mile warranty from Mazda.

The dealership I purchased the car from gave me a lifetime warranty on the engine & transmission with $100 deductible, but they are located 2 hours away. I'd like to get it replaced locally under warranty if there is a dealership anyone can recommend?

I live in the NW/Medical Center area, if there is a decent dealership in the area? Another question, does the extended clutch warranty offer a loaner car?

I know when I owed my previous '04 RX8 - trying to get anything replaced under warranty was a complete hassle, and from reading the posts it seems to be the same now.

Any help or recommendations is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

If you dont get it replaced by the dealership let me know i can swap it out for ya in a few hours. I live in austin though. your symptoms seem to me that your transmission is the one thats going out though.

houstonrx8er

iTrader: (8)

yea, doesnt sound like a clutch issue, may try sourcing a new tranny

CSCS

If it is the transmission, I might as well just get the work done at the dealership I purchased the car from for $100 deductible.

It seemed from other posts I've been reading that the squeaky clutch pedal and 4th gear grinding were the clutch.

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

You have to check and make sure the pedal isnt broken at the seam that connects to the firewall. (mine broke there)
Squeaky pedal is common. my pedal is in good working order and it sometimes squeegee. 4th gear grind is tranny related unless the pedal or clutch slave are going out.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Squeaky pedal could be the pedal itself and as said, there is a recall on it. Grinding is typically worn synchros, meaning a new tranny is possibly needed. But changing the fluid has been known to cure the occasional grinding issue.

Popping out of gear or not going into gear could be the clutch. North Park is pretty good as far as dealers go but they have had their issues. One of our local guys is a tech there though (jzammarippa) so ask for Jose if you go in. If your extended warranty is a warranty company odds are it will cover at any dealer. I had a 100k warranty with a $100.00 deductible and I never had a problem with North Park when they billed it for a couple of pretty big ticket items.

CSCS

Thanks for the referral. The engine/transmission warranty is only through the selling dealer - Nyle Maxwell in Austin/Taylor, TX.

I figure if it's the clutch I can get that replaced under the extended Mazda warranty.