Mazda RX-7 EFINI TYPE

Hey guys, so an FD came into the shop about 2 weeks ago. He had taken his car to another shop to get a new clutch installed. They put in a Stage 4 6-Puck Competition Clutch.

Not too long after driving away from their shop, his clutch pedal went to the floor, he heard some funny noises, and so he shut off and took the car back to them. After paying a diagnosis fee, they told him the input shaft bearing was gone.

For me, this explanation didn't sit well, since they claimed they had fixed the problem "temporarily", which I told the customer was impossible & I suspected the release bearing popped out due to a bad wedge collar ring.

Anyway, he got a new transmission & I installed it as he requested (everything appeared fine as they said they had "fixed" the problem temporarily, which I assume meant they just popped back in the release bearing) and sure enough, a little while later, it happened again.

So I pulled off the tranny again, and put in a new wedge collar ring, the wedge collar & release bearing appeared fine. Install, and what do you know, it happens again.

So this time(yesterday) I install a brand new wedge collar & ring, inspect the release bearing, which appears unharmed, and put her back again. Sure enough, yet again, the release bearing pops out.

At this point I figure the release bearing is not locking properly (although it seems to lock, it takes a bit of use for it to happen, and you have to be driving, doesnt happen by just pumping the clutch) or is it possible the pressure plate is somehow too heavy for the wedge collar? Which still doesn't really make sense to me, since ACT only recently made the Monoloc, so high hp cars must have been fine for the most part before.

Any ideas? I know some ppl have issues with spec clutches, but haven't read anything regarding Competition Clutch issues. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

- Rashaad

evo_koa

iTrader: (2)

did you engage the throw out bearing to the clutch plate through the inspection hole on the driver side after you installed it. the 93 rx7 has a pull style clutch

XLR8

iTrader: (52)

Are you sure the slave cylinder piston isn't slipping from the pocket of the clutch arm? I had issues with an aftermarket slave not seating properly. Popped out twice, and clutch went to the floor. Switched to an OEM, and it never did it again.

If you can confirm the wedge collar and ring are popping, and you have tried a new of both, I would talk to Spec about their pressure plate. Something may be off here..

Mazda RX-7 EFINI TYPE

I am aware that it is a pull-type clutch & yes I do lock it in through the inspection hole. When the pedal drops, I pop the inspection plate & see that the release bearing has popped out.

Also, it is s Competition Clutch, not Spec.

XLR8

iTrader: (52)

Got ya. Not sure why I was thinking Spec. Reading from my phone before.

Well, it's confirmed that it is the actual collar popping off, and you have tried a new collar and a new ring itself. There really isn't a whole lot left to be off than the pressure plate itself. Not sure of the clamping force but I have used ACT Extreme PP's with no issues. Running their HD PP now, with no problems.

I have always heard stories of making sure the ring is fresh, as it serves a pretty important function. Pricey little thing too, for what it is.

May be time to give the manufacturer a call and see what they think.

Mazda RX-7 EFINI TYPE

They say they have no idea. My guess is that the release bearing needs to be replaced, which they agree with. I'm guessing that it's either defective or got damaged.