Clutch problem

[drew32]

My friends '99 protege is having trouble shifting. We changed his trans fluid last night and it started to work right again, but then he couldnt shift.

His clutch is acting real weird, it is sticking, and feels like there is no pressure. Also it is making a weird noise, not too loud, when you press it down fully. I'm thinking it might be the throw out bearing but i am not sure.

Any other ideas?

Also if it is the throw out bearing, how hard is it to replace? I am kinda mechanically inclined but havnt worked too much on clutches and transmissions.

Thanks!

[lilpoindexter]

If you need a throw out bearing you gots to take the tranny down, so id just get a whole new clutch if you were going to do that...I bought a beater 99 1.6/5spd with a butchered up botched up clutch job...they reused their old throw out bearing, and didn't turn the flywheel....what a mess...replace everything you can get your hands on...its kind of a major undertaking...so if you take it on...make sure you have something else to drive just in case the job takes longer than you thought (it will!)

I would look at the slave cylinder for any leaks...ensure you have the clutch line bled out with all the air taken out, or it will act goofy as hell...mazda is known for making weak slave cylinders....just see if there are any clutch fluid leaks around the slave cylinder.

Lastly after i did my clutch i used 80w-90 gear lube from walmart like a dumbass...The manual recommended 75w-90...my gear changes were harsh and cruchy when cold (i live in detroit...cold is like 0f)...i bought 75w-90NS redline synthetic fluid.....expensive...but aaaaaahhhhhhhh soooooooo smooooove