mx5cartalk.com

First of all, I searched this up on the search and found that some people had similar problems with a rattle during deceleration at around 3 - 3.5k RPM.

My rattle seems to happen during both acceleration and deceleration, no matter what the gear, what the speed or if the clutch is fully disengaged. I haven't been able to locate the source of the rattle, but it sounds like its coming from the engine. I've had this rattle since I bought the car about a month ago, oil levels are full, basically the problem was still there after a full service. I will probably take it to a mechanic to look at as I also have another problem (see below), but I just wanted to see what your thoughts on this is / any experience in it.

My second issue, and one that I should of asked but forgot to, is that when I want the car to move forward slowly without giving it too much gas (and burning the clutch) the car starts vibrating quite violently. It's not the same as the vibration before a stall, its a lot more noticeable. A friend of mine suggested it could be a loose bolt in the control arm. Other than that, when driving normally the car seems completely normal, and I've only been avoiding this vibration by giving slightly more gas and letting the clutch out slower.

*edit* I found a third issue, maybe this ones a little easier. I hear a sound much like a cricket when I turn on my car, it might be something not lubed properly or something, but when I disengage the clutch just a fraction, that noise will stop completely.

Any ideas would be helpful, thanks.

Well your first problem could possibly be a heatshield rattle. Im saying that because you pointed out that it rattles when the clutch is engaged.. I dont know if i read that right im really sleepy. But keep it in mind, its a common mx5 problem. Good to get it checked if u have access to a jack or someone with a hoist.

Let us know how you go.

your second issue sounds like the much discussed & roundly despised NB clutch shudder, usually fixed by replacing the clutch.....however, if you can learn to live with/work around it, the clutch will last for years. The couple of NB's I've dríven that are like this, I simply piled a few extra revs on & didn't muck about letting the clutch out, the shudder was still there, but not as noticeable. the only time it seems to be really bad is when they're cold.

hope that helps,
AJ

Thanks a lot for the help.. that just leaves the final problem with the cricketing sound, which seems to have gotten louder lately. i'm taking it to the mechanics tomorrow morning, I'll let you know how it goes.

Well i get that same cricketing/chattering sound when i change gear and accelerate for a brief period of time.

But yeah deffinately check out that heatshield rattle. Its usually the heatshield just behind the cat and it surrounds the exhaust shake it and see if it rattles. If its at the mechanics ask him to check it whilst its on the hoist, if theres a problem just have it spot welded or cut off. Spot weld is easiest, take it to an exhaust place and they will do it for ya. Mine was free with my exhaust installation but maybe they will charge you ten bucks.

My mechanic says it is most likely a clutch bearing making the cricketing noise, so I've ordered a new clutch and getting it installed Monday - Wednesday, and he is also going to machine the flywheel. As for the ratting at 3200RPM, he similarly suggests it could be the heat shield and he's going to have a look at it and clamp it up and whatnot.

The shuddering hopefully will also go away with the new clutch installment.

So I guess its not all too bad, all up cost is $575... Guess that means more DIY substitutes for the car

Is 575 the going rate for a clutch install and machined flywheel includes parts? Out of curiosity what clutch did you get?

Just went Mazda clutch... my other choice was an exedy heavy duty performance clutch for an extra 100... but I didn't end up going for it.

Not sure what the going rate is, if I got ripped off I aint going there again haha

Oh nice because that cricketing sound is getting worse. And i was told my clutch was going and it makes sense. It makes no noise reving with flywheel disengaged, and no noise when rolling, just when throttle is applied which has lead me to believe my clutch is making the noise. Hrmmm.

I agree with the clutch shudder, I have the same, but a few more revs at take off fixes it. the thrust (throwout bearing ) bearing is probably the second noise you can hear. I have that as well. and the small rattle you get could be your exhaust, possibly something inside the muffler. I get that, but i'm putting a new system on as soon as I wade through the mine field of choices, But hey my car is 19 years old, will never be perfect.
noise from a clutch bearing, as you guys put it , will only go when the clutch is depressed (engaged)

Thanks for the sum up... sigh if only we could DIY a clutch

The "cricket" sound could be coming from a dry joint where the rod from clutch slave cylinder pushes against the clutch throw out arm. Classic symptoms are a chirping type noise that goes away with very light pressure on the clutch pedal. 5 minute fix:- get under the car, push the the rod from the slave cylinder back into the cylinder a little bit, apply grease to the now exposed rod/throw out arm joint, pump clutch, start engine, enjoy the peace and quiet of your handy work.

Much cheaper and easier than replacing the clutch.

If that doesn't fix your problem then you'll need to delve deeper into the clutch mechanism, but I'd try that first.

Wow I'm going to try that tonight!

one problem. I have no idea they are and what they look like

You should buy a workshop manual, especially if you are into DIY. They aren't too expensive, I got mine for something like $25 through a forum group buy.

Check miata.net, it may have an article showing what you need to know.

Says to jack up the front right side of the car, its the same for Australian Mx5s right?