Symptoms:
Slipping clutch
Engine revs in gear but little or no increase in speed
Fix:
Replace clutch
Labor:
Prices:
Brake cleaner, spray can - $5
Clutch disc - $150
Clutch kit (Mazda) - $350
Clutch kit (aftermarket) - $400
Pilot bearing (Mazda) - $15
Throw-out bearing (Mazda) - $40
Prices are in U.S. dollars.
Unfortunately, you'll need to remove the clutch
disc to inspect it. Once the clutch disc is out, check to make sure
linings (front and rear) haven't worn down to the rivets. If they are very
close to the rivets, you should get a new unit. If they have worn down
past the rivets, you'll need to replace the disc and pressure plate (if the
damage is on the pressure plate side) and/or resurface the flywheel (if damage
from the rivets is relatively minor). Also check for glazing on the clutch
disc linings; this is a sure sign of abuse.
If you can afford it, we
highly recommend to get the pressure plate replaced the same time the clutch
disc is replaced. A clutch kit would include both the clutch disc and
pressure plate. If you are short on cash, you can reuse the old pressure
plate. Inspect the unit for (heat) damage; if it looks okay, get some
sandpaper (about 200-grit) and lightly scuff the pressure plate mating
surface. Please check out the "Pressure Plate" section for more details.
We also high recommend you to swap out the pilot and throw-out/release
bearings purely as preventive measures against failure. You really don't
want to be redoing this job just to find out a $30US part went bad! Please
check the "Pilot Bearing" and "Throw-out Bearing" sections for more details.
It is also recommended to get the flywheel resurfaced by a local machine
shop. If you do not have the resources to resurface the flywheel (and
there is not obvious damage to the flywheel), go ahead and scuff the flywheel
mating surface with some sandpaper (about 200-grit) just like with the pressure
plate. Please check the "Flywheel" section for more details.
Questions? Comments? Send mail to:
reted@fc3spro.com
12/26/2003
