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Hey everyone i need some advice on how to go about fixing a problem that has been accuring for quite sometime now.

A fellow mx5 owner has told me a solution to the sound that was coming from my transmission which was a winding and rattling noise, so the problem we think is that the throw out bearing has shat itself!

I have taken the car to mx5 mania where i get all my mechanical services from because they have been pretty good with. So I explained the problem to them and they confirmed this issue I also have noticed an oil leak which I had mx5 mania look at and they said it was a seal gone which the only way to fix this was the same procedure by taking the transmission out. So greatly i can use the moto "kill 2 birds with one stone" and have the throw out bearing replaced which entales removing the transmission obviously and then do then seal to stop the leak. This is the plan and mx5 mania quoted me $400 LABOUR to take the tranny out but im not sure how much the oil seal and the throw out bearing will be.

So i am here for some advice on having this repairs done and if im getting ripped off? also what are some peoples thoughts on the company itself and there professionalism! do people love them or hate them and could recommend a better mechanic?

Thanks guys,

hey craig, $400 is quite reasonable actually, there is a fair amount of work in dropping the transmission. And to change the rear main seal the clutch and flywheel have to also come off.

The throw out bearing should be around $50
The rear main seal is around $40 (DO NOT skimp here, use genuine mazda seal)

I would also do a new input shaft seal (about $40) and a new pilot bearing (less than $10)

Im not sure how mechanically capable you are, but this job can be done at home on jackstands. I wouldn't call it easy, but do-able

+1 to the $400 seeming reasonable. I recently had a LSD installed. I'm capable of doing the job but had it done at a workshop.

Sometimes just being able to drive in and drive out with the job done is worth the dollars alone.

Work out what your time is worth then break it down to an hourly rate and decide.

If you enjoy tinkering, knock yourself out and do it yourself. Throw a few beers towards a forum member who has done it before and you'lle learn heaps mechanically and You won't feel so bad when you have someone replace a clutch for you ever again.

With a hoist, the right tools and no major problems the replacement of the rear main seal is around a 5 - 6 hour job.

Emily is about right with the prices for the seals and bearings.

Your call if your time is worth more than it will cost to do.

Thanks everyone for the good advice.

I think the same as well with just having it done with drive in drive out not having to worry about the sh*t! as i also definitely do not have the tools required to even attempt this at home!

That has put my mind at rest about the pricing then also and having the few extra things replaced at the same time!

Of course i would love to learn and be able to do many repairs myself put i dont have the tools, space, time or knowledge to begin which is holding me back! only being new to the mx5 car scene also!

Hopefully have this repair done next week sometime!

$400 labour for that is pretty good. They'll take the clutch out to get to the rear mean seal on the engine. That means they'll be able to have a look at the clutch and work out how much life is left in it. There is a possibility you need to buy a new clutch as well. MX5Mania list them from $270 up but at least by that stage the labour is free.

got mine done yesterday. $480 in labour to replace f/wheel, clutch and bearing + drain and refill both the g/box and diff (i supplied all parts). took them close to 5 hours coz of seized bolts and a box that took a lot of fine adjustments before it would mate back to the engine....money well spent if you ask me.

i reckon if you need to save...save on things that is an easy diy and required regularly....like oil/filter changes, brake replacements etc...

fcruz3r wrote:i reckon if you need to save...save on things that is an easy diy and required regularly....like oil/filter changes, brake replacements etc...

Exactly, gearbox and rear main seal remove/install is probably the toughest job you can do on these cars. Need quality tools, stands, jacks and cast iron knuckles.

fcruz3r wrote:got mine done yesterday. $480 in labour to replace f/wheel, clutch and bearing + drain and refill both the g/box and diff (i supplied all parts). took them close to 5 hours coz of seized bolts and a box that took a lot of fine adjustments before it would mate back to the engine....money well spent if you ask me.

i reckon if you need to save...save on things that is an easy diy and required regularly....like oil/filter changes, brake replacements etc...

Yeah that's a good price for that around the same they quoted! And yeah it definitely is a big job and I would much have mx5 mania deal with it as that's there specialty!

So i took the car to mx5 mania today to have dave look at the noise and problem.

We took it for a drive and he know thinks that the gearbox is starting to sh*t itself as in the low 1st, 2nd, 3rd gears there is a lot of whineding noise coming from the gearbox. The sound is prominent when down shifting through these gears at at high revs. although is barely noticeable in 4th and 5th.

So dave has governed this for a new gearbox! he quoted 500-600 dollars for used gearbox and the same amount for labour as before!

Just wondering on what peoples thoughts are about this situation? Also if this is an opportunity to put a 6 speed box in now?

The usual process is to get an alternative quote. We cannot assess your car over the internet and most of us are not mechanics or running a business. If it is pertinent ask what is the labour rate ie the amount that a business charges to recover all overheads including direct labour of course and to allow for a profit. Some larger businesses charge out on 6 minute increments. If you are dealing with MX5 experts they will know the times well .

Craigos wrote:Also if this is an opportunity to put a 6 speed box in now?

yes if you had plans to put one in anyway, now is a great time.
however dont upgrade just for the sake of upgrading. Do you need the stronger box? Big power plans?
Don't be confused about how useful an extra gear would be on the freeway, Our 5th and NB 6th ratios are the same.
Also make sure you drive one first, I personally do not like how it feels compared to my 5sp.

If we're playing the "well while i'm here I may aswell" game, now is also a good time to grab a lightened flywheel

Nb 6 ratio is actually higher (more revs at same speed) the the 5 speed. They just used a longer diff to compensate.

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$400 is good especially if your time poor. You can do it yourself on jack stands or ramps but it will take a nube a whole day, and you may need help lifting the box and putting it back in. Also you may need to spend the $400 to buy some tools (torque rench included)...

NB8B with 6 speed stock everything is like 3.2k at 100km ph????