the symptoms: sometimes won't go into gear when engine is running, when it is in gear with the clutch in it still tries to go, sometime won't get out of gear
my situation: newly installed centerforce clutch, wrecked the car about 2 months ago, body work redone

ok, so here's the thing... i drove the car home from the body shop a couple of weeks ago with no problems whatsoever. the next day, i was driving around, and it was getting hard to get into gear. when i got home i noticed that my cluch fluid was a little low (which it NEVER is) so i topped it off and started it back up. Now it won't get in gear unless the car is off, and if it is started while in gear, it tries to go forward very slowly.
I know that these are symptoms of the slave, but can anyone tell me why all the sudden? i haven't had time to really work on it, but is there any other possibe thing that this could be?
thanks, jeff

 

jeff,
look for fluid seeping from the slave cylander hose. also, if there is no seepage, the hose MAY be collapsing on the inside. have someone depress the clutch pedal while you watch the slave cyl rod. make sure it extends properly on the fork and fully extends. did you replace the pilot bearing???? you always should when doing the clutch. most people have trouble getting it out, so they don't change it. the tool can be had from mazdatrix for 110 bucks, or you can press it out with grease, a metal rod and a hammer. good luck.

 

Pull back the rubber boot on the rear of the slave cylinder and check for fluid there, also look at the pedal from the inside and look for fluid running down the firewall.

I'd recommed replacing both hydraulics at the same time. I tried to pass by on only changing the slave cylinder...it lasted about 5 hours before it took the master out. Might as well go for it while you're in there.

 

thanks guys,
and yeah, i changed the pilot bearing... wasn't a hassle at all... just needed a slide hammer!
jeff