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hey guys today my 1990 na6 mx5 has started to make a squealing noise when i push my clutch in the noise then cuts out when the clutch is out i donno what it could be, thrust bearing? i herd to change that bearing the motor and gearbox has to come out, so would it be worth doing the clutch and bearing?

Clutch pedal spring maybe. Have a look under the dash & put some grease on it.

Most likely the throw out bearing or thrust bearing. Engine or gearbox removal is required in either case.

JBT wrote:Most likely the throw out bearing or thrust bearing. Engine or gearbox removal is required in either case.

is there a guide how to replace either on this forum? ive tried searching but havnnt had to much luck

Try here: http://www.miata.net/garage/garageengine.html

The thrust bearing just presses out of the flywheel and is a press fit back in. Flywheel needs to be removed.

almost certainly throwout bearing- the clutch specialists will tell you straightaway. To fix - same as clutch- gearbox out. Someone who has not done it before and no experience or equipment probably not recommended. Anyone interested read a Haynes manual - this covers NA's- and get a quote- a clutch specialist works on an hourly rate and an amateurs time could be double? PS the bearing in the flywheel is a spigot bearing- the bearing which presses on the pressure plate is the throwout- however you still have to remove the gearbox. Anyone replacing the subject bearing(s) is going to replace the clutch as well.

Mr Morlock wrote:almost certainly throwout bearing- the clutch specialists will tell you straightaway. To fix - same as clutch- gearbox out. Someone who has not done it before and no experience or equipment probably not recommended. Anyone interested read a Haynes manual - this covers NA's- and get a quote- a clutch specialist works on an hourly rate and an amateurs time could be double? PS the bearing in the flywheel is a spigot bearing- the bearing which presses on the pressure plate is the throwout- however you still have to remove the gearbox. Anyone replacing the subject bearing(s) is going to replace the clutch as well.

agreed - unless it is something wierd, the throw out bearing is going to be the cause of the noise.

As a general rule, when a clutch needs replacing, a clutch kit is bought and the clutch plate, pressure plate and throw out bearing are in that kit. So if the bearing is gone, the clutch is likely to be showing signs of wear and unwise not to replace it based on the effort to get to the bearing.

Is it hard? No it isnt but I havent done a gearbox out job without a hoist and workshop tools for over 20 years. Pulling a box out when the car is on stands is a bugger of a job I would think. I wouldnt recommend it to the under prepared.

Mr Morlock wrote: Anyone replacing the subject bearing(s) is going to replace the clutch as well.

...and vice versa.

My 1995 NA had a screeching spigot bearing/thrust bearing and the gearbox had to be pulled to replace it. The clutch plate and throwout bearing/release bearing had plenty of life in them but, I replaced them anyway seeing as "we were already in there". I was very fortunate to have the huge assistance of a friend from the club who had a block and tackle, a hole in his garage floor so we could get at it all from below, lots of expertise/patience and a rattle gun to get at those bluddy bell housing bolts from behind.