So my car's synchros are already on their way out (make a good amount of noise in 2nd gear, 1st, and a little in 3rd), but lately my reverse is really starting to act up. Sometimes it won't go into reverse, instead it'll "grind" into reverse eventhough the clutch is completely in, same thing almost happened with 3rd and 1st gears at one point too. another thing that i should mention is that
while driving it last night my clutch got really loose, and really sensitive for some strange reason.

So my question is would i be low on trans fluid, clutch fluid, more synchros are going bad, i need a new clutch, or (the killer) i need a new transmission?

Thanks

 

Check your clutch master cylinder for troubles first. I thought mine was in trouble too - making the same progressive grinding/engaugement problems you describe. I know that my 2nd gear syncro is having problems, but the idea that EVERYTHING would start going at the same time was too much of a coincidence.

I started checking everything starting with my MC - and it turned out that the first thing I checked was the real problem. My clutch MC was leaking and had air in the system. After a new MC and bleed, everything is feeling good again.

 

check your master MC and SC and the flex hose..replacing all 3 is the best bet if that's the problem
as for the tranny noises try switching to synthetic..either Royal Purple or Red Line
this will help but isn't a miracle cure..eventually the tranny will need replacing

 

hmm, as far as i know the master cylinder (not sure if it was the brac MC though - is there a clutch MC and a brake MC?) was just replaced (check history as i type this though), so might it have air in the line + need new tranny fluid?

btw what's the SC (secondary cylinder?) and the flex hose?

sorry i'm pretty new to my RX7, ie. today i learned that they have a hydraulic clutch, not a cable.

 

sc is slave cylinder, it actually pushes on the clutch fork to disengage the clutch. its mounted on the transmission, visible from the drivers side of the engine bay. trace the line out of the master cylinder and you'll find it.

 

there is a master cylinder (MC)for the clutch located closest to the firewall under the hood..the brake MC is further out ahead of it..I know someone will have an actual diagram..my apologies
and the slave cylinder (SC) is located just behind your oil filter atop the tranny bell housing..the flex hose connects the 2 and is prone to cracking over time..check the fluid level..then check for signs of leaking esp the SC...if you find this replace all 3..this is the best bet

 

If it is indeed your MC and SC causing the problems, I have a good condition set in my garage you can have on the cheap. LMK if your in need... it's the least I can do since so many guys here have helped me out in the past when I've been stuck and strapped for cash.

 

alright thank you for the info, makes me feel a lot better that it might not be the transmission anymore. i'll write those things down to take a look at asap. I also have the service manual, so i have some diagrams of the SC and MC.

Still can't believe it doesn't have a cable clutch considering its age.

 

being Mazda's flagship would you expect less?

 

no kidding..in the 2 weeks that i've owned the car the amount of stuff i've found out about it boggles my mind..my 83 GSL has more lurxury features and other random *** features then our 1992 Mercedes.....