Yesterday I had a local shop ( import specialist ) install a new Bonez performance clutch in my car. On my way to pick it up they called and said that when they got it all back together the clutch wouldn't disengage and you couldn't shift at all with the motor running. Since I ordered the parts and there where no instructions I called Rotary Performance and they said this happens all the time and I needed to install the braided line and adjust pedal and all would be fine. In the meantime the shop called MazdaTrix and they said it was probably a bur or something in the pilot bearing seat. When I called the shop back they told me it was now working miraculously. I picked up the car, when I first went into reverse the clutch was trying to grab with the pedal to the floor, I drove home and everyting was fine until I got in the driveway and tried to downshift and it wouldn't go into any gear. Today I put the braided line on, bled the system, and adjusted pedal all the way out. When the pedal is pressed it moves the clutch forks about an inch, not sure what is normal. Still won't go into gear, any ideas?

I also had a new lightweight steel flywheel, rear seal, and all new transmission mounts installed.

The bad thing is that since I provided the parts, the shop wants to charge me labor to go back in and check the pilot bearing. I don't think it's a bad part, I think it's a bad install and they should fix it for free.

 

Whoa, at first it looked like the shop installed the clutch disc backwards (don't ask how I know this )...

Now it looks like the pilot beaering got SCREWED and is falling apart...

I agree - the shop should be rsponsible for fixing their mess.&nbsp You can't make them do it if they are total assh*les.&nbsp

Good luck!




-Ted

 

I went out and started it in gear and the clutch seemed to pop loose or something and I was able to drive around the block and go through the gears. Something is not right still, it chatters some and grabs some

 

The symptoms suggest pilot bearing problems. The guys at the shop did a crappy job installing your clutch. Get your money back!

 

I went out and started it in gear and the clutch seemed to pop loose or something and I was able to drive around the block and go through the gears. Something is not right still, it chatters some and grabs some

 

bad pilot bearing dude---do you hear any noise?

 

Only hear noise sometimes, they put in a new pilot bearing but I think it's sticking or something. I had them save me all the old parts, and they gave me the old pilot bearing in peices.

 

If they are not careful with the transmission/engine install, a trans input shaft hang-up on the pilot bearing can easily damage a brand new pilot bearing in a split second.



-Ted

 

Yup it sounds like ur pilot/throw out bearing!! I had the same problem a few times and the last time it cost me a new tranny!!! There's a few things that may have happened,most of which are previously stated but I'll go over all of them.
as RETed stated a hang-up on the input shaft,bad news.Did they grease the new bearing? Did they use a mazda pilot bearing removal tool? If not they mave have damaged the seating for the bearing,causing it to "wiggle" free.How did they install the new bearing,did it slide in nicely w/little resistance or was it hammered in? How much more holding power over stock does this clutch have? They may be correct w/the upgraded lines,but if u've done that and its still the same,then it is DEFINATELY your pilot/throwout bearing!!! Have it fixed IMMEDIATELY,mine decided it didnt wanna live anymore at 95mph on I-95,spinning for half a mile is NOT fun!!!!

Hope this helps some!! G/L!! If u need more help feel free to shoot me an IM@hahamyrx78urvtec.

 

It was the pilot bearing, mechanic either damaged it or didn't clean everything out real good. Everything is fine now.

 

Did they charge you to go back in there and check it out?

 

they probably cant get the pilot bearing out during the clutch swap, can u say oem part

 

Yes, but that issue is far from over. The guy admitted that the new bearing was fine, said that they thought that there was a bur or something that damaged it. He says that when it's not their parts nothing is covered. I knew they wouldnt cover bad parts but thought they would stand buy their work.

The other really stupid thing they did. Over the weekend I changed the rotors, lines, and rear calipers, when I drove it back up for them to fix the clutch I realized that I didn't get all the air out when bleeding the brakes(my kids where helping) so I asked them to bleed them. Their mechanic said that I had all the calipers on backwards and the bleed screws where on the bottom instead of top so they couldn't bleed them properly, they even printed this on my reciept. What an idiot, there are bleed screws on top and bottom.

 

Could you tell us what shop this is so we can all avoid them?


-Ted

 

Import AutoHaus - Chesterfield VA with a couple other locations in Richmond. They supposedly specialize in imports, there are always a few Mercedes, Volvos, and Porches in their parking lot.

I've also got 2 Toyota's, a Honda, and a Mercedes, they will never touch another one of my cars.

 

Holy mother of christ. I'm not religious, but I just found that post. Anyhow, my clutch just popped on me last night (it's constantly engaged) and I was considered dropping it off there since it's only a mile from my house. I'm glad I read that. Ever get it fixed? Where'd ya take it?

 

They fixed it, but charged me again.

I went there because it's so close too. I have a freind that works at a garage and would have done it for me but it's on the other side of town. Next time I'll make the drive.