1st gear stutter: What could be causing it?

[peter330]

ya 3/4 of them are torn

Honestly, this thing will probably die within the next 2-3 years and just looking to fix this problem with minimal effort and $$$ so that's why I was asking. Mounts are not cheap

 

[CheeseHelmet]

The mount that will make the most noticeable difference is the front one. IIRC rockauto sells them for less than $30, or you can pick up a used AWR mount for a little more in the FS section.

 

[tweety2300]

well either fix the problem which is your mounts or get used to it. if that came out harsh sorry but with these cars and most people being too poor to fix problems immediatly you kinda just have to ignore the clunk and rattles or turn the radio up so you cant hear them. i feel you if you knew the amount of stuff thats broke on my car youd feel pretty good about just motor mounts... i can make a list if you would like

 

[AG DesignWorks]

Visually inspect the engine mounts first. That costs nothing. No need to wait and pay for a service check at the dealer.

For locations of engine mounts, see attached pdf: View attachment 178494

The passenger side one is easy to check. Crawl under the car to check the front mount, might need to feel for tearing with your hand. The driver side mount is a little harder to check but it's pretty beefy, if the front and passenger mounts are okay, the driver side is most likely fine. The rear mount is a b**** to check. I don't even know if you can fish your hand back there to feel for tears.

Well, I got under the hood and looked at all the mounts and they all looked to be in good shape. I couldn't see any cracking, dry rot, or tears in the rubber on any of them. They all appeared to be solid and healthy. The next lilkely culprit will likely be the transmission itself. I'll have to see if I can get the problem to appear on a test drive with a mazda tech.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Well, I got under the hood and looked at all the mounts and they all looked to be in good shape. I couldn't see any cracking, dry rot, or tears in the rubber on any of them. They all appeared to be solid and healthy. The next lilkely culprit will likely be the transmission itself. I'll have to see if I can get the problem to appear on a test drive with a mazda tech.

Often just by looking at the mount it's not easy to tell. Did you try rocking the engine? If it moves easily there's a mount that's torn somewhere.

 

[tweety2300]

Ya that doesn't work for the side mounts I did it and it didn't do much till it got a lot of force. And my passenger is beyond done for

 

[323]

this happens to me too. tends to happen after driving around for a while, prolly about 30-40minutes+ .

 

[AG DesignWorks]

Yes, the problem always comes up after at least a 30 minute drive, in stop and go street traffic. It seems like if the clutch pedal gets used alot, that's when it starts to happen. If i've been on the highway at speed, it doesnt.

 

[peter330]

Yes, the problem always comes up after at least a 30 minute drive, in stop and go street traffic. It seems like if the clutch pedal gets used alot, that's when it starts to happen. If i've been on the highway at speed, it doesnt.

+1 on this it happens to me too. Seems like a common problem, if you do get it diagnosed please let us know. Can anyone else chime in? I'm changing all my motor mounts to stock except the rear, I'll let you know if that changes anything for me

 

[Flav]

I personally don't think its the mounts, I have this problem too. have had it for as long as i can remember now.
my best guess would be clutch related.