astrophoenix

first, I'm familiar with the little rattle the transmission make when idling in neutral without the clutch pressed, this isn't it.

my car has started making a noise anytime I engage the clutch (i.e., anytime I press the clutch pedal and it hits the friction point). it makes this noise the whole time I keep the clutch pedal pressed.

at first I thought it was a noise from the air conditioner! it almost sounds like wind noise in the vents. but I turned the a/c off then realized the noise only happens when I press the clutch pedal.

clutch seems to work fine, it just makes this strange noise the whole time the pedal is pressed. I noticed it in the garage, but I can hear it on the road too (barely).

at first I thought it sounded like air roaring but now that I know it's associated with pressing the clutch pedal, now I think of it as a light grinding noise. like there is some friction in there that shouldn't be, and didn't used to be in the past

I have a 2004 with 85,500 miles. I've never touched the transmission fluid.

thanks for any insight.

shaunv74

That sounds like your throwout bearing. If you want to replace it you should do the whole clutch and pressure plate at the same time. I would check with a mechanic you trust to get their opinion on if you need to replace it or if you can wait until your clutch needs to be replaced.

astrophoenix

what happens if I do nothing? will it just take the clutch and pressure plate with it?

Go48

I agree with Shaun. Typical throwout bearing symptom. If you do nothing, the bearing will likely get noisier and may eventually sieze or come apart, perhaps leaving you stranded.

How long have you heard this noise? With 85K miles on the odo, I wouldn't wait too long before addressing the problem. BTW, the tranny fluid has no effect on the throwout bearing.

astrophoenix

I just noticed it today. but it could have been acting up before today, I just noticed it today.

astrophoenix

do you think it would be covered under that new warranty extension mazda just sent out?

Go48

If you are referring to the 8 year/100K warranty extension the answer is almost certainly no. That warranty covers the core engine components only. Not the tranny, not the clutch, nothing other than the basic engine components.

And since you have 85K on the car, the 5 year/60K warranty extension obviously would not cover it either.

shaunv74

Yes Charles R. is definitely the guy to get your parts from. He can definitely hook you up with the best deal around. Look at it this way. It's an excuse to put in a lightweight flywheel now.

On the good side though it's a replacement that any good shop can do. The bad news is it's probably a 4-5 hour job because you have to unbolt and remove the tranny.

I would still get a second opinion from a mechanic you trust since we're not actually there with you listening to the noise.