Need Clutch info & advice

[Bill in SD CA]

Hi, My 1st post! Glad I found you all!!

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 with @ 46,000 miles on it - been a great car up 'til yesterday. Clutch started slipping as I was driving home for lunch. When I got home I checked the fluid level and there was room to add some more. I returned to work and when I got off I added about 4 or 5 ounces.

Drove home, back, and forth to work today and I can tell the situation is really edgy. I'm not giving gas until the clutch pedal is fully up to avoid any further slippage.

I'm figuring there's no adjusting the clutch ---- right?

And for the bad news ----- what am I looking at for cost to replace?

Do I have to go with the whole clutch kit or can I get away with just the clutch disc?

How bad's the labor?

Dealer or not?

Be gentle.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[flash75]

Normally a clutch doesn't suddenly start slipping unless something breaks. Usually it begins slipping a little and it gradually gets worse. No adjustments.

I don't know how much it will cost, but there is more labor involved in a front wheel drive than with a rear drive vehicle. Call around and get some quotes. If you know a good general repair shop they should be able to repalce a clutch, probably at less cost than a dealer.

I believe I would replace the complete clutch, and have the flyweel resurfaced unless it
looks unworn.

Welcome to the forum and good luck on the clutch repair.

Clifton

 

[sunrun176]

Seconded on both the good general repair shop and replacing the complete clutch -- it comes as a whole kit. You've got the thing in the air and disassembled; better to do the whole clutch than to pay labor again to have to go back in there later if something else fails in it. Also, might as well replace anything else that's in rough shape and has to be removed to get at the clutch/transmission (e.g. ball joints, etc.).

 

[Bill in SD CA]

Thanks for the replies. Will go for the kit and check around underneath for other degradation as well.

Bill

 

[SuperProtege5]

Chances are if you go to the dealer, it'll run you about $800 for parts and labor, maybe a little more. I have no idea what an independent shop will run you as I have a fairly good relationship with my dealer.

 

[3iGirl]

I just got my clutch replaced at a private garage on my '06 for just over 1K...