OH, FOR THE LOVE OF... MAZDA!

The f*&%@in clutch squeak is starting again! Chatter is still gone, which was really loud before, so the squeak had to be pretty loud before the repair. Now, it is barely audible but definitely the same and I notice it all the time, when the clutch is engaged... idle or driving. So maybe both bulletins needed to be applied, in my case.

And of course it didn't start until AFTER I took it back to have them clean up their mess in my intake. Geez. I think I'll just turn up the radio for now and relax and enjoy my "new" car. The new engine has a bit of a different sound. And is VERY THIRSTY. I hope that isn't a result of a damaged fuel pump. Hopefully the gas mileage will get better. When the weather clears up and the driving conditions get back to normal I'll be able to make a better assumption... I used to be one of the luckier ones, 20 mpg in mixed driving.

 

the stuff you were sent home with...

and print out the clutch switch tsb... and i hope that is it...

the clutch chatter was likely caused be a ppf not being realigned after the switch..

beers

 

ppf? Pressure plate... something?

Yeah I think it's highly possible it's the cut switch, by simple process of elimination. But the chatter didn't come back, just to be clear. That's why I want people to know that chatter went away when they replaced my bearing, since it is so common and everyone is told it is normal. In fact I was told the squeak was normal at first, too, even though it showed up recently. I think these noises are all signs that your clutch is faulty and it's only a matter of time before it breaks, and sometimes it is only after a few thousand miles.

I think they should familiarize their techs with these noises, put a recall out on the clutches, and agree to fix them for owners who have the noises. From what I have read on here, these are not just issues of abuse, and is common of certain build dates, as I'm sure you know. Mine is 9/03.

 

the ppf is a big metal brace that runs from the trans to the rear end... after a clutch or motor change if it is not aligned properly you will get a clutch chatter or vibration...

mine did it after the motor change. after the adjustment it was just fine..

beers

 

Not sure if I have that problem, although I do think my idle is a bit rough. I'm hoping it will simmer down after a while.

My receipt says "replaced throwout bearing per TSB for customer's concern." The part is listed as the release cylinder. Looking at diagrams, I can't tell for sure, but I think these are the same thing. If there is something else specifically that you were wondering about I can try to decipher my receipts...

Anyone think I should get some gas treatment or fuel system cleaner of some kind to add to the next tank of gas?

Another annoying thing is the horrible smell, possibly from oil or brake fluid that was spilled during installation, or maybe from the new engine parts... I don't know. It is smelling up my entire garage, just sitting there.

It really is running great, though.

 

That smell is probably from the Cosmoline (sp?) on the new parts. There is usually a anti-rust coating on any mettalic auto parts to keep them from rusting while they sit on the shelf. It should burn off in a week or 2 of driving. I remember I had a bad smell as well after they fixed my front end from a fender bender.