sometimes when i press the clutch the clutch seems to make a weird sound (the same sound as it is when a belt is loose). its not all the time though..what can it be?

 

Could be the throwout bearing starting to fail. When/if the sound becomes more frequent, take it in to the dealer for repair.

 

If it is a groaning-type of sound with a bit of squeak in it, I am having the same problem. It usually comes up when I have been hammering the engine/clutch with some high rpm romps. It is the throwout bearing and I will be replacing mine with a heavier-duty version as soon as I can remember where I saw the replacement part.

Charles

 

no i have traded my my flywheel and clutch w/ the SRmotorsports clutch..is that gonna affect the warrenty?

 

Charles, once you find the replacement part, do you mind posting a link to it?

 

Duh! I don't think there is any way Mazda will cover under warranty, any hardware associated with this after-market equipment. Repair/replacement of a throwout bearing almost certainly will be at your expense.

 

I didn't know how long the factory bearing was going to last with the Extreme Duty clutch I installed. What usually happens is that everything is cool until I bang a few gears at 9,500 rpm. Then the noise starts. I stab the clutch pedal a few times and then it goes away. Other than that, all is well. Of course, once I remember where I saw that heavy duty bearing I'll mention it here.

Charles

 

any luck on the website?? and is it damaging my car if i dont fix it??

 

they recommend when you change the clutch or flywheel to also replace the throwout bearing.

 

but does anything happen to the transmission if it is making that sound?

 

plz anyone?

 

Let's go back to your original question. The noise you are hearing may be, as several forum members--including myself--have speculated, a failing throwout bearing. Or it could be the pilot bearing or one of the shafts within the tranny. Without hearing the noise it is impossible to confirm what's causing the noise. My advice is to take it in and have it checked out by a tech. Good luck and let us know what they find.

 

Specifically to your question about transmission damage, no not really, if you mean the transmission internals. The throwout bearing is within the bell housing, not the gear box.

Under most circumstances, a bad throwout bearing is not going to cause any additional problems right away. But, this is pretty much a crapshoot. If the bearing has lost its lubricant and is siezing (sp?), it could do some things you don't want to happen. Like break apart or break free from its slider. Either way, collateral damage will happen fast and be expensive. Best bet, drive it easy and check it out asap.

Very surprised you didn't replace the bearing when you did the clutch. The labor to replace just the beaing is going to be the same as replacing the clutch.

 

i did replace it that is what surprises me bout the sound

 

The SR Motorsports kit comes with a new TO bearing. Unfortunately, it is the exact same part number that comes from the factory anyway so who knows if it can handle heavier pressure plates. I guess we are finding out. Lemme go look for that HD version.

Charles