clutch shuddering

[Garry]

Mazda deny any clutch shudder problem with 2001 Nb8b's

bwhahahahahahahahahaaha right......

Did you quote then their own TSB about clutch shudder? Or download the US one from Miatanet and wave that in front of them, though they will try to fob it off as applying to US cars only.

The service manager at any Mazda dealer will have records of any repair issues your car will have had while ever it was serviced at a Mazda dealer on their computer. I'd be asking to have a look at them if I was you. If your VIN number falls in the range of Mazda's own list of faulty clutches and it hasn't been replaced I'd be asking to talk to someone further up the food chain in Mazda. They should at least be supplying parts, if not labour to fix the problem.

[ma64rk]

[quote=Did you quote then their own TSB about clutch shudder?
If your VIN number falls in the range of Mazda's own list of faulty clutches and it hasn't been replaced I'd be asking to talk to someone further up the food chain in Mazda. They should at least be supplying parts, if not labour to fix the problem.[/quote]

Garry, thanks 4 the info...
okey dokey...what's a TSB?
Will ask them the q about my VIN and see what happens...

PS: Here is the e-mail from Mazda Aust:
"We do regret to learn that you have encountered difficulty with the performance of your Mazda in the area of the clutch assembly. As you are aware, the clutch assembly is subject to wear and tear, and the life of this component is dependent upon the type of application to which the vehicle is subjected. We are unable to extend any assistance towards the replacement of a worn clutch and we trust you understand our position.
From our experience a circumstance resulting from manufacturing or material defect generally occurs at an early stage of a vehicle's service life. In this case, Mazda's 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty is in place to provide the necessary assistance to ensure that the vehicle continues to operate to specification."

And here is the dealers' response:
1. "Worst-case scenario to you in terms of cost is an estimated $724.00. This allows for a clutch plate, pressure plate, flywheel machine and gear oil. Other parts are not considered necessary but only clutch removal will confirm this.
2. Inspection and possible testing of the clutch components will determine the cause of the shudder.
3. As far as G&WS Mazda are concerned the vehicle is outside of statutory warranty. It does have an extended policy, which covers clutch wear. As the clutch is not slipping wear is unlikely. However, we keep an open mind on this and will consider assistance depending on the condition of the clutch."
How's that for passing the buck?
So, I can pay 700 odd with no real outcome? Why would I? It would be better to get a quote from a MX5 expert and see how much a cluch costs elsewhere...

Mark

[Garry]

TSB is a Mazda US term, Technical Service Bulletin. Mazda Australia calls it something different but it's the same thing. When Mazda identifies a problem and a fix they send a note to all the dealers telling them of the problem, the range of cars VIN numbers that are experiencing the problem, the parts required to fix the problem and the procedure to fix it. There is one of these floating around in Mazda Australia's systems relating to 2001 model MX5 cold clutch shudder. Getting access to it could be difficult, however the US version is stored on Miatanet for all to see. It is not a recall notice and only cars displaying the fault get fixed at the discretion of Mazda.