Well I just picked up an s5 non turbo. 100k on the rebuilt motor that runs very good. Two big problems. 1.Shifter is SLOPPY, and under the boot there is what im guessing is gear oil. Who makes a shifter that is shorter in height and throw?

2. Very bad clunk from rear end area on decel and cruise. Also does it on turns sometimes. After these two problems ill be able enjoy my car. Any help is appreciated.

 

mazdatrixs makes a shifter thats good.

check all the bushings on the differential, if they check out
do a contact pattern on the ring gear, check for proper backlash and pinion depth.

i would start there

 

As stated above, both Mazdatrix and Corksport make short shift kits.
Also available on eBay for considerably less money (which is the way I went).
No matter what kit you get make sure to replace the rubber boots when you install the shifter.

Probably the front diff mount.
Very common failure point.

 

shifter bushings and front diff mount. done.

 

I haven't jacked it up but does it carry u joints? Might do them while im under there. Where can I get the diff mount? Also I see the ebay short shifter looks like an ok piece for a daily, but would I need any other bushings when I go in there. I want every bushing replaced.

 

i would not replace the U-joint if theres no issue with it, if its still a concern of yours i would disassemble and inspect the needles and cup for ware, lube and re assemble if it checks out.

if its trash, just buy a new one. but be sure first before you go spending money.

 

Exactly how do I go about making sure the diff mount is the problem. I just drove it again and it vibrates between 40 and 55 mph no matter on or off the gas.

 

I have bought (and returned) a few ebay shifters, none of them come with the top bushing, and the bottom bushings and slot bushings are not all machined properly. They are reverse engineered to look right but function varies. Get a real short shifter kit or just the bushings from Mazdatrix. It's more frustration buying and sending back ebay shifters until you get one that works, than it's worth.

 

most likely a U-joint problem, also check propeller shaft balance.

 

1. Replace the shifter bushings and the rubber boots above it. Pretty easy.

2. Front differential mount is sheared in half. That's a very common problem on those cars. Had it happen to my Turbo II about 10 years ago.

B

 

The U-joints are not replaceable, so you either need to buy a new shaft or use a ghetto method to replace the U-joints. I recommend just buying a new shaft. Mazdatrix sells an aftermarket driveshaft that is quite affordable and it has replaceable U-joints.
http://www.mazdatrix.com/g9.htm

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm

 

Mazdatrix, as said. They have good quality in general. You can also use a Miata shifter. And new boots as said. While you're at it get new shifter bushings to fix the sloppiness. It's an easy job to change all of these at the same time while sitting inside the car, no jack. Mazdatrix has instructions IIRC.

 

Well I jacked it up and the motor mounts are toast, the trans mount is gone too and the rear diff mount is broken. Who has suggestions on the best bank for buck place to pick these up.

 

That is typical. Your best bang for the buck is to enter two SCCA autocross events in your region so you can join Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development (free) and get good pricing on parts. You don't need to drive well, as they will sign you up no matter how bad you are, lol. You only need to drive well for the contingency awards, which is a different program.
http://www.mazdamotorsports.com

Other than that, you can order the parts from Mazdatrix. The stiffer competition mounts are usually a little less money. You may want to replace the suspension bushings while you are at it, as they are probably also toast.

 

i like my banzai mounts

 

Do headers make a real diff on these cars. I have a pacesetter which isn't known for their quality sitting here and I don't know if I should go through the trouble of putting it on. Also thought about pulling the intake apart and cleaning it but don't know if its worth the time.

 

six of one, half dozen of the other.....


if it was me, and its functioning properly, i would not talk it apart.