I have an '04 MT with a nice squeak when the clutch is engaged. It sounds like the throw out bearing and have read many reports of this issue. However, I also have trouble getting back into 1st like when I am getting ready to pull off at a red light that is worse when it is cold. Second and third are also a little notchy. I'm not having any grinding and with a little finesse it will go into gear. I was wondering if the squeaking bearing could be th culprit or if I have some much deeper syncro issues. Any thoughts?

 

The throw out bearing is very loud on the 8's so that should be normal. It doesn't sound like you have a synchro issue, change your transmission fluid, hopefully the notchiness and gear engagement will feel better. You can't really do anything to make the throw out bearing sound better.

 

I should have mentioned that I changed to RP synthetic with very little improvement.

 

RP is actually bad for our transmission! Get the RP stuff out there as soon as possible!

RP doesn't have the right modifiers and additives that our transmission needs. Royal Purple actually eats away at the synchros.

 

you should of used REDLINE...rp in our trannies isnt good, from what ive read

 

I can swap the fluid but the problem existed before. Thanks for the help and quick replies!!

 

Is it more like a "chirp" sound? How many miles on your clutch?

 

I would recommend changing the fluid to something else rather than RP. I had a small grinding problem and it went away when I swapped over to Redline MT-90.

 

The only problem with Redline is that, being largely a race fluid, may not last as long as the OEM-type, "off the shelf" fluids. The RP has been a problem for nearly 100% of those using it, too. I have been using all those other, "unsuggested", fluids with no problem. We are also about to scientifically test another brand we have had luck with.

 

More like a constant annoying squeak. I press in the clutch and it goes away. I bought the 8 used so I don't know how many miles are on the clutch but no slippage yet. I will change out the fluid and see if that makes a difference.

 

That actually may be two things; 1) The release bearing is chirping against the pressure plate. 2) The pushrod that pushes against the release fork needs to be lubed. I would suggest greasing the pushrod that is outside the trans under the car (driver's side, 11:00 position on the tranny) and adjusting the clutch pedal free-play to factory spec of 1/4"-1/2" at the pedal pad (where your foot presses). Also keep in mind that if your free-play has increased recently you may have a problem with the pedal assembly itself.

 

^ I have a chirp/squeak when I have it in neutral at a stop...if i lightly rest my foot on the clutch pedal the squeak goes away (I never ride the clutch), and it is definitely from under the car in the transmission area. It has developed somewhere over the last 5k miles, and my 04 just hit 50k.

nm while I was typing you gave good suggestions I will try...thanks CRH!

 

Same applies for you, Edwards.

 

^yeah you answered it while I was typing, thanks again

 

Thanks... Will do!!

 

I have on 05 MT and have with a chatter when i let off the clutch also. I took it to the dealer and had the guy check it, as i still have warranty. He said it was normal with the 8's. AFter expressing some doubt he took me and showed me a print out from Mazda Japan that backed him up.

It appeared to be some sort of response due to many complaints about the chatter in the MT's.

 

^ Mine is not a chattering (metal on metal), I have a squeak.

But as CHR said, I need to lube the clutch release cylinder. After getting down next to the car and having someone play with the clutch pedal, it is coming right from that spot. Now I need to find a jack and stands out at school to fix it.

The clutch release cylinder is #5 and it shows where to lube it.

 

change rp out, our tranny dont want to see any friction modifiers which rp has.

redline mt-90 is not a racing fluid.

 

Bump!

Im about to tackle this, same squeaky problem. Can anyone verify if it can be properly greased without taking the slave off? Can you properly grease it with it in place? I haven't gotten under there yet but Im pretty sure this is my problem.