New Mazda3 GT noise questions

[mkassar]

I have just picked up a new Mazda 3 GT Standard and have observed some unusual behavior with regards to the transmission.

Right from the minute I drove it off the lot, I noticed an odd noise and vibration as I release the clutch and give it gas. I can replicate this effect any time I pull of in 1st gear and is not as noticeable switching to 2nd or 3rd or 4th or 5th or 6th.

I also notice an odd vibration, similar to a situation where you try shift into higher gears gears when the revs are too low.The car/engine seems to have trouble going smoothly so I feel l need to downshift to a lower gear to pick up, yet it does not quite have that effect. In other words it often feels a little flat with some steering wheel vibration, unlike my previous 3 standard mazdas, all with smaller engines.

So I am just wondering if any others out there have had similar experiences in the early days of their Mazad3. I am pretty sure I did not feel this in the two test drive cars, I tried.
Nonetheless at 130KM I am going back to the dealer for them to assess.

Thanks for your input,

Mike

 

[Smiley2010]

I've only driven few 2 other standard cars in my life (other than my 2.5L 2010 Mazda3), 2002 Protege 5 and my lil brother's 2010 Hyundai Genesis 2.0T coupe. There was a thread here maybe about six months or so back that talked about the shifter and what not on the 2010 Mazda 3. It seems that there are some kinks that need to be worked out before the car runs "smoother" but either way I find that the first gear to 2nd is always a bit tricky. I'm not sure if this is done intentionally but until you get used to it and (perhaps get the car broken in a bit) I had some weird noises and some roughness switching in first to 2nd.

Probably a good idea to get the dealrs to get it checked out (hopefully they'll do a good job checking it out!)

 

[fateexceeds]

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but it sounds to me like you're releasing the clutch too fast. The 2.5L engine (heck, the MZR family in general) has pretty good torque too, especially in the low gears, so I'd imagine that's why you're feeling vibrations. I may be wrong, but I think it's worth trying to really focus on being precise with your shifts and feathering the clutch in and out carefully and see if you still notice the problem.

Also, I highly recommend installing a short shift plate and solid shifter base bushings. The SSP will reduce your throws without lowering the knob height, and the base bushings will help make your shifts feel more precise by removing some of the play in the shifter caused by the stock rubber bushings. I have the JBarone stage 2 kit, which is awesome and is very inexpensive ($95 shipped): http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123775589.