Transmission problem or not?

[robbiew]

Hi all
Very new comer to the world of MX-5's. But already hooked.....
Car is 2002, 60k. I have noticed that changing into 2nd can be a bit stiff if taken slowly, and that there appears to be a fair amount of \"linkage\" (?) noise in changes....also when accelerate/back off, gear stick rises and falls in the vertical....not much about 3/4 inch or so....as I have said, experience with these is limited to this car....have not yet had opportunity to drive another.
A quirk of them , this particular car, or something else.?
I liken it to the old Mini/Meyers Manx, when the rear gearbox mounts would be stuffed....yes, age showing.
Would appreciate any comment
Cheers
Robbiew.

[JBT]

changing into 2nd can be a bit stiff if taken slowly, and that there appears to be a fair amount of \"linkage\" (?) noise in changes..

Not normal. Check the clutch hydraulics for quantity and leaks. Squeeze the rubber boot at the end of the slave cylinder. If hydraulic oil comes out it needs repair/replacement.

when accelerate/back off, gear stick rises and falls in the vertical....

Never noticed anything so I suppose it's not normal. The gearbox is connected to the fixed diff housing with a big longitudinal frame (PPF) and then of course firmly connected to the engine at the front. It doesn't really allow any movement of the transmission in the vertical plane unless the engine is moving up and down - mounts?.

[Sheck]

Do you have a short shifter? I have one and it's a little loose (ie not screwed right down into the turret) and when i back off you can see some movement of the shifter - this has happened with all of my gearboxes 2X5 speeds and the current 6 speed.

Depends how much movement you see as to whether it's a problem or not, but check the shifter thingy first (three bolts with an allen key head, found under the gear boot cover).

MX5 boxes are a little crunchy and a short shifter just amplifys this so it could be that, but check the hydraulics like JBT said.

Dave

[robbiew]

Thanks, JBT/Schec
will have a look at your suggestions and respond....
trouble is, out all day again today.....
just too addictive, this little bugger !!!
Ah well, dead a long time...
Cheers
robbiew