Mazda3 2014 Engine Mount & Clutch Shudder
- Thread starter MRC01
- Start date
My 2009 Mazda 5 with ~170K just started doing a weird thing. When I release a bit of the clutch pedal (way before engagement)), the pedal sometimes quivers. And engagement will shudder, requiring more revs to smooth the engagement. I have previously replaced a failed right hand mount for a weird noise in that area. My plan for this new issue is to replace the mount under the car (easy) before I do the mount on the driver side (difficult). Does your car have a lower mount?
Starting several years ago, there was a bit of clutch judder in our (now Jr's) '09 Mazda5.
I would bleed the system at the slave cylinder periodically, which would help for a while.
Last spring the clutch master cylinder failed completely. I replaced it, which was not a fun job, but drivability has been excellent since then.
May I ask how you went about bleeding? Is there a bleed nipple, and did you just gravity bleed? Or did you use a tool to apply pressure at the brake master cylinder?
It's pretty similar to bleeding brakes. The slave cylinder is on the outside of the transmission case, easily accessible when the front wheels are on ramps.
I attach a rubber hose to the bleeder screw on the slave cylinder, and run the other end down into a jar of old brake fluid. Then I crack the bleeder screw open slightly, and depress the clutch pedal, driving the brake fluid* and any air out.
I put a chunk of wood under the clutch pedal to limit the distance travelled - some people say full extension can damage the clutch master cylinder.
Because the hose runs into a jar of old fluid, it will not draw up air when the pedal is released.
* The clutch master cylinder shares a reservoir with the brake master cylinder, so they use the same DOT 3 brake fluid.
Good luck - I hope this helps. If you do need to replace your clutch MC, I'll post a link to when I did mine.
@xspeedy, here's the link to the thread about the clutch master cylinder.
Quivering pedal and jerky engagement sounds a little like a failing throwout bearing.
@xspeedy, here's the link to the thread about the clutch master cylinder.
Much appreciated. I don’t know why, but until I bought my S2000 with a separate clutch fluid reservoir, I never thought about bleeding the clutch on the Mazda. I have done the brakes a few times, so while much of the fluid in the system is good, I’m thinking the fluid I get out at the slave isn’t going to look so hot. Better late than never I guess.
Edit - I have a Motive bleeder with a BMW attachment that I recall fits the Mazda. I may just try pressurizing the system and cracking the bleeder. I’m hoping I can get away from having to pump the clutch and all. With the Honda, I was able to just let gravity do the work.
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