Mazdaspeed6 Clutch Fix TSB
- Thread starter chuyler1
- Start date
Oh...... I just wanted to check, cause if your dealer had told you 8k, you would probably want to find another one (boom02)
the gamper
Member
Got her back today
OK guys, got my speed back today. Got to tell ya A week in a Kia Optima really makes you appreciate your car. Hell, it really makes you appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of a Chevy Cobalt.
Anyway, should only have been a 1 day job if the parts were pre ordered. I had some other issues with my Sirrius Radio and the dealer was sort of dragging their feet on the clutch issue, probably added another day. Supposedly it was the first one they had done.
THE NEW CLUTCH
My car was a type A, so totally new clutch installed. Quite a parts list. I have only logged about 20 miles or so since I got it back. First, I would estimate that there is about 20% less spring to the clutch. I would also estimate that it begins to engage maybe a little more than an inch closer to the floor than the old clutch did. The biggest difference is that when it does enguage it is not nearly as abrupt. Not sure if that is due to the clutch design or simply the result of less spring. In any event, it is easier to operate and easier to enguage it smoothly from a stop.
In all honesty, it takes no getting used to the new clutch because it is really similar to the old one. The less abrupt engagement is really the biggest thing, and really that doesnt take any getting used to, its just more natural.
Now that I have had the chance to experience them both, I would say to those not sure if they want or need it done to their car that: personally, I dont believe the new vs. old clutch is like night and day at all. Perhaps it has been built up on the forum a little too much. The new one is somewhat easier, likely much easier for someone who doesnt drive a manual regularly. But if you are already used to your clutch and have never thought that it was much of a problem, you are probably just fine with the original equipment. For those of you haveing difficulty with your dealerships when trying to get the work performed under warranty, I wouldnt swet it too much, as I said, I just dont think it is really all that different. I dont think you are missing out.
What it will do, is allow you to avoid the lurch and bog of a lazy or haphazard takeoff. It is simply easier to be smooth. The old clutch can be just as smooth but it takes a little more concentration and a little more effort.
Hope this helps.
And for those of you in Metro Detroit, Ferndale Mazda has good service and friendly staff. If you arent happy with your dealership, check em out.
OK guys, got my speed back today. Got to tell ya A week in a Kia Optima really makes you appreciate your car. Hell, it really makes you appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of a Chevy Cobalt.
Anyway, should only have been a 1 day job if the parts were pre ordered. I had some other issues with my Sirrius Radio and the dealer was sort of dragging their feet on the clutch issue, probably added another day. Supposedly it was the first one they had done.
THE NEW CLUTCH
My car was a type A, so totally new clutch installed. Quite a parts list. I have only logged about 20 miles or so since I got it back. First, I would estimate that there is about 20% less spring to the clutch. I would also estimate that it begins to engage maybe a little more than an inch closer to the floor than the old clutch did. The biggest difference is that when it does enguage it is not nearly as abrupt. Not sure if that is due to the clutch design or simply the result of less spring. In any event, it is easier to operate and easier to enguage it smoothly from a stop.
In all honesty, it takes no getting used to the new clutch because it is really similar to the old one. The less abrupt engagement is really the biggest thing, and really that doesnt take any getting used to, its just more natural.
Now that I have had the chance to experience them both, I would say to those not sure if they want or need it done to their car that: personally, I dont believe the new vs. old clutch is like night and day at all. Perhaps it has been built up on the forum a little too much. The new one is somewhat easier, likely much easier for someone who doesnt drive a manual regularly. But if you are already used to your clutch and have never thought that it was much of a problem, you are probably just fine with the original equipment. For those of you haveing difficulty with your dealerships when trying to get the work performed under warranty, I wouldnt swet it too much, as I said, I just dont think it is really all that different. I dont think you are missing out.
What it will do, is allow you to avoid the lurch and bog of a lazy or haphazard takeoff. It is simply easier to be smooth. The old clutch can be just as smooth but it takes a little more concentration and a little more effort.
Hope this helps.
And for those of you in Metro Detroit, Ferndale Mazda has good service and friendly staff. If you arent happy with your dealership, check em out.
Personally I think the hype is that everyone thinks their clutch sucks.
When mine was fixed it was like night and day. Yet there appears to be quite a difference in clutch feeling between even type-A cars. I know the first car I drove back in 2006 was atrocious, I'm sure you could search for my initial review. When I drove it again months later @ ZZL it was tough but manageable (not sure whether that one was type A or not but it prolly was due to the date). The one I drove before I purchased mine in March of 07 was another type-A with very few miles but it wasn't bad at all. I made the deal and the car I ended up with was impossible to drive until I at least did the clutch mod. As soon as I found out about the TSB I took the car in. The dealer didn't want to fix it initially but I expressed my concern and explained how my wife can't even drive the car. They fixed it, my wife can drive it now, and I don't get a surprising snap/sputter/stall when I release the clutch anymore.
Basically my point is that not every car is bad, there was probably some misconfiguration at the factory and cars that were out of line were really out of line and cars that weren't were stiff and heavy but that was how it was designed.
When mine was fixed it was like night and day. Yet there appears to be quite a difference in clutch feeling between even type-A cars. I know the first car I drove back in 2006 was atrocious, I'm sure you could search for my initial review. When I drove it again months later @ ZZL it was tough but manageable (not sure whether that one was type A or not but it prolly was due to the date). The one I drove before I purchased mine in March of 07 was another type-A with very few miles but it wasn't bad at all. I made the deal and the car I ended up with was impossible to drive until I at least did the clutch mod. As soon as I found out about the TSB I took the car in. The dealer didn't want to fix it initially but I expressed my concern and explained how my wife can't even drive the car. They fixed it, my wife can drive it now, and I don't get a surprising snap/sputter/stall when I release the clutch anymore.
Basically my point is that not every car is bad, there was probably some misconfiguration at the factory and cars that were out of line were really out of line and cars that weren't were stiff and heavy but that was how it was designed.
princenborgh
Member
Acceleration after clutch fix?
Using TSB from this thread, got permission from Dutch Mazda HQ to also get the clutch fixed on my MAZDA 6 MPS (Mazda Performance Series = Mazdaspeed6). Many thanks, guys! Hopefully overall acceleration will become smoother, but will it still be as quick?
Official test results of a (900 km) new (2006; type A pre-modified) 6 MPS, running on cheap unleaded EURO95 fuel and on a damp track:
0- 30 mph = 1.8 sec
0- 60 mph = 5.8 sec (factory spec 6.6)!
0- 75 mph = 7.9 sec (Dutch speed limit)!
0-100 mph = 14.2 sec
0-125 mph = 24.5 sec
50-75 mph = 3.9 sec
50-75 mph IV = 4.2 sec
50-75 mph V = 5.4 sec
50-75 mph VI = 9.1 sec
This is almost BMW M3 performance level (and 50-75 mph is even quicker)!
Using TSB from this thread, got permission from Dutch Mazda HQ to also get the clutch fixed on my MAZDA 6 MPS (Mazda Performance Series = Mazdaspeed6). Many thanks, guys! Hopefully overall acceleration will become smoother, but will it still be as quick?
Official test results of a (900 km) new (2006; type A pre-modified) 6 MPS, running on cheap unleaded EURO95 fuel and on a damp track:
0- 30 mph = 1.8 sec
0- 60 mph = 5.8 sec (factory spec 6.6)!
0- 75 mph = 7.9 sec (Dutch speed limit)!
0-100 mph = 14.2 sec
0-125 mph = 24.5 sec
50-75 mph = 3.9 sec
50-75 mph IV = 4.2 sec
50-75 mph V = 5.4 sec
50-75 mph VI = 9.1 sec
This is almost BMW M3 performance level (and 50-75 mph is even quicker)!
Koenig - I know what you're talking about with 2nd gear. It happened to me a lot when I first got the car. Don't know whether it's because I got more used to the car and shifter, or if it worked itself out, but it doesn't seem to happen anymore. I have just over 14,000 on my '07.
What I do get now is a tendency to grind in 2nd, the same way my '05 Mazda3 Hatch used to do. That only happened when the air conditioning was on. Been trying to remember to leave it on/off for testing. It's a weird thing with these trannys.
What I do get now is a tendency to grind in 2nd, the same way my '05 Mazda3 Hatch used to do. That only happened when the air conditioning was on. Been trying to remember to leave it on/off for testing. It's a weird thing with these trannys.
well I drove about 2 or 3k miles on my car before getting the TSB peformed, I never had any problem with 2nd seeming to want to block me out from shifting....... I noticed it about 1k miles AFTER i've had the TSB performed.
no other gear blocks me....... and i've noticed it does it with both the a/c on and off.
It just feels like it's not smoothly engaging and meshing, or that something is in there blocking when i shift, like it's popped out of place.
BlackCherry06
Member
- :
- '17 CX-3 GT
Took mine in this morning for a CEL and the emissions recall, and asked them to perform this TSB while it was there. Called me back later today and told me they're going to be installing a new clutch. I'm happy to hear it. I've been driving M/T cars since I was 16 and when I bought this one, I figured all the bucking and slipping would subside when my left foot learned this new clutch. That was April and I'm still slipping and bucking. I hope this clutch is better.
I can't believe I missed this before..... according to euro fuels isn't 95 similar to the states 89 or 91? these cars are designed for the higher octane fuels, so I think you should be running the 101 or whatever the euro stations sell as top grade fuel.
Hey man what emissions recall? The only things I've gotten in the mail were 2 recalls regarding the the uh....... valve and something else...... I forgot, both involve reflashing the ECU....... but I've gotten nothing about exhaust...... do share please....... thanks.
Chuyler thanks for letting me know. I realize now it was the Valve after rereading the papers, I still haven't had those performed. I've had no issues with the car. BTW.... springs are great, thanks again (2thumbs)
ZUZOOM I'm getting the same problem. I took it to my dealer but they won't really take the tranny or whatever apart unless it's constantly doing it.
Mine does it once in a while. Never EVER did it before I had the TSB performed. It's almost as if they are ruining a synchro or something with the 2nd gear when installing the TSB. Very weird.... take it to your dealer and see if they will check it out/fix it.
BlackCherry06
Member
- :
- '17 CX-3 GT
Got my car back yesterday. What a difference. I love the new clutch. It feels like it should, with a proper engagement point and no bogging or slipping. Props to Hancock Mazda for a job well done.
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I have issues getting into 1st gear when the car is rolling (especially after creeping over speed bumps). I also have issues with 2nd gear occasionally...I usually have to move back to neutral and try again with more force. I can't imagine how it must be with a short shifter because this transmission is anything but fluid....but I don't think that has anything to do with the clutch since it has always been like that.
same issues here. it pisses me off sometimes trying to go into first.
That's really odd........ mine is going through the same symptoms you guys have........ SOMETIMES i can't fluidly go into first and have to push a lot harder and it feels like i'm hitting stops and you can feel it go like "click... click...click" before going all the way
and 2nd gear likes to fight me unless I force it in hard.
Thing is I never had these shifting problems before I had the TSB done :\
I guess the transmission itself is crappy eh?
and 2nd gear likes to fight me unless I force it in hard.
Thing is I never had these shifting problems before I had the TSB done :\
I guess the transmission itself is crappy eh?
princenborgh
Member
Koenig - You're right, Mazda 6 MPS should run on the more expensive Super Unleaded EURO98 fuel (instead of cheap EURO95). But in the acceleration test (0-60mph in 5.8 secs) they did use EURO95, in a new car (600 miles on the clock) and on a damp track. So think what it can do when the Mazda did a couple more 1000 miles, on a dry track with EURO98 (or better fuel, like Shell V-Power).
PS: I decided to wait with my Clutch Fix on my new Mazda 6 MPS (a show room 2006 model; type A pre-modified), which I bought new with a large discount recently in October 2007 (I'm Dutch), at least till my first service interval (@5000km). And because I'm becoming more and more used to the clutch, or maybe it is gets better in time, even then I still will be in doubt!
Well, if you get the chance to drive a car with the new clutch, or even test drive a mazdaspeed3, go for it, you will notice the clutch is a lot different. I had the type-a clutch, and few people could drive my car and VALET were always stalling it.
With the new clutch VALET no longer stalls it and most other people are capable of driving the car being it's their first time driving it.
I think if you drove a TSB clutch you'd notice the difference.
and you're right, 5.8 0-60 on the cheap fuel.... just imagine the better super/premium fuels. Can't to see that.
With the new clutch VALET no longer stalls it and most other people are capable of driving the car being it's their first time driving it.
I think if you drove a TSB clutch you'd notice the difference.
and you're right, 5.8 0-60 on the cheap fuel.... just imagine the better super/premium fuels. Can't to see that.
Just got an '06 MS6 a couple days ago and was wondering why it was taking me so long to get used to the clutch. I've never owned an automatic so it usually doesn't take me long to get the feel for a new car/clutch.
Glad to hear it's not me that's the problem!
Glad to hear it's not me that's the problem!
