How can I tell what the conditions of the shifter rubber boots are?

 

remove the shifter surround and take a look

 

I know that far....but er... I give up I am asking too many stupid questions. Trying to find out another problem I don't even have the answer too... bah.

EDIT: I only ask is because of the smell last night from going to redline-7500... Someone had suggested it could be a bad condition in the boot rubber shifter. Ahh.. but I dunno.. I'm still learning....

 

.

 

take off the shift **** and plastic shifter trim(the plastic piece on the center console around the gear shifter) you will be able to see the rubber boost that goes around the shift lever. vits common for the boot to be broken and ripped. mine is.

 

first remove the shifter surround.

then you peal back the outer cover. There will be a second boot almost identical to that one.

Then there is the one that is bolted to the floor and the inner boot that is attached to the actual tranny.



Image J is what your looking at for the outer boots.

and Image C is the inner boot

If you think thats where your getting the smell, more than likely the J (outer) boots are torn or damaged.

 

Well, if it's commen then.. that wouldn't be the problem I'm having? Speaking of clutches... my clutch was squeaking today disengaging and re-engaging... Could this all connect together.. or do I not have any clue what I'm talking about?

Shoot me somebody, please... as I'm still learning and I ask very stupid questions

 

The clutch squeek shouldn't have anything to do with the shifter or boots, they are very far apart.

Its very common to have the inner boot ripped or worn out about the same time as the shifter bushings wear out. But if the outer boots (again J in the picture) are not torn then you shouldn't notice any smell.

If you replace the boots, put a little dishwash or car wash liquid soap on the metal shaft of the shifter while sliding down the boots. It helps lubricate the rubber and helps prevent the boots from tearing when installing them.

*edit
And don't worry about learning or asking questions if you can't find an answer by using the search function on this board. I have been working on cars for 20+ years and have owned RX-7s and Mazda's since the early 80's and I still ask questions all the time.
**end edit

 

yeah dont worry about the qustions. thats how we learn. by asking others. and that is also the function of this forum. to ask and learn about RX7s.

 

Ok, thanks guys.. i'll figure something out tomorrow.. going to bed - but will give you updates....

 

The squeak could be the pedal pivot under the dash. A little spray silicone will fix it if so.
What was the smell like? A hot clutch smells like hot brakes.