When I put the clutch in, as of late there is a noise. A ticking noise that seems louder when its cold out. Has anyone heard of something like this? I am guessing it may be the release bearing or.....

 

If it happens only when the pedal is depressed then it's probably the throwout bearing. Mine has made a whining noise for the past 20k miles.

 

Sitting at a dead stop, if you press the clutch IN, and then hear the noise, then it could also be the Pilot Bearing. As a diagnosing symptom, you may also hear a 'clunk' or have difficulty getting the car into 1st or Reverse gears from Neutral. This is due to the pilot bearing going out and spinning the transmission even through your clutch is pushed in (disengaged).

The Pilot Bearing is located inside the back end of the Eccentric Shaft and also has a grease seal to keep the grease on the PB. When my PB went out, there was a grinding noise anytime that the transmission and engine were spinning at different speeds - most notable when engaging 1st gear or reverse. This wasn't a problem when shifting underway (2nd/3rd/4th/5th) because you're speed-matching the engine rpm and transmission speeds which places no load on the PB. The PB is only spinning when the clutch is pressed in (disengaged), and the transmission is stopped (no vehicle motion).

PB replacement is a royal, understated, polluted, PITA. The tool to do the job is a necessity and can be purchased from www.mazdatrix.com - called the Pilot Bearing Puller (a slam-hammer with the right end piece). The PB should be replaced with any clutch change since it's a part that can go out at any time, particularly when it's unlubricated.

When mine was replaced, it came out looking like a hand grenade had exploded. Lots of little chunks of roller bearings, and nothing bigger than 2-3mm in length. The outter race was still stuck in there and had to be ground out. New bearing was installed in 5 minutes. Problem fixed.

 

its actually REALLY easy. Get yourself a tub of wheel bearing grease, pack the pilot bearing and the hole in the center of it as full and tight with the grease as possible. Find a bolt, or something thats as close to the inside diameter of the pilot bearing as you can, insert into the pilot bearing, hit hard with hammer.

viola, pilot bearing out (or at least half out...) then re-pack and repeat if necessary.

hydraulic properties are wonderful things.

 

The only time that I have trouble shifting, is from 1st to 2nd.... Thats just cause 2nd I would imagine takes the brunt of the abuse when driving hard.. Time for a new tranny.... But the only time that there is a noticable noise is when the clutch is engaged, and more so when its cold...could warped clutch or flywheel cause this?