Ok, i've got an 87 N/A, and was just going to ask a question. I've already searched the forums and found a few possible explanations, but nothing really concrete. The problem is that the other day i shifted out of fifth and it didn't want to go into 4th, or any gear for that matter. it wouldn't move from neutral. after i shut the car off and tried again with it off it worked, and worked fine for a while afterwards. then any time now that i go to neutral, it sometimes does not want to go into any gear, especially reverse it seems. it makes a funny grinding noise into reverse. i gathered from the forums possibly throwout bearing, but i'm not positive, since most people had different situations. ANy feedback would be helpful. i'm going to call a transmission place tomorrow, however, i just want to at least be given some idea of what the problem is before i get hosed or suckered into anything. I just pray it isn't my actual transmission that's kicked the bucket! any help is greatly appreciated!

thank you in advance

 

Sounds like you're having similar problems too me, I have mine in pieces at the moment and found that the selector bushings were deteriorated the same with the rubber boots and needed replacing I found all the replacement part numbers and intructions on how too do it here http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm I hope it helps some

 

If the car wont go into gear, it is usually the throwout bearing. I would suggest getting a new clutch kit. They arent expensive for an OEM replacement (only like $120-150 at an auto parts store.) If you have 2 jack stands and a friend that will help you lift the tranny back into the car (or a nice jack with a tranny jack adapter which can be bought for like $40-60,) I would say do the clutch job yourself. It should only take you about 1 full days work of work (5-8 hours) to do if you never did one before and you take your time. I did my first clutch job during my senior year in high school while I was on the wrestling team. So, I only had about about 2 hours a day to work on it and I still got it completed in only three days. You just have to stay motivated. You will be suprised how simple it is... A tranny shop will charge you waaaaaayyyyyyyy too much. Anyway, in either route--GOOD LUCK and godspeed.

--Matt

 

thanks a lot, both of you! even if the clutch is alright still (no slipping in high gear, actually quite a new clutch) is it just cheaper to buy a whole kit as opposted to just the bearing? I'll also take a look at the bushings and see how worn they are, wouldn't hurt to replace those either.

 

maybe learn how to shift

 

Just the throwout bearing would be cheaper, but you might as well replace more while the tranny is out. Definately replace the pilot bearing. The clutch fork is up to you. Also, replace the front tranny seal.

I'm SOOOOOOO glad you're on the forum. If we had more people like you, ALL the questions would get answered.