Clutch recommendation for 2004 SE *NOW WITH PROBLEMS*

bigdog · Postby **bigdog** » Thu May 08, 2008 11:00 pm

OK... I get that a loose spigot bearing would make lots of squealy noises, and that the flywheel would then be 'ted, but that doesn't explain the clutch not working, which would appear to have happened prior to the squealy noises?? So maybe the broken clutch stuffed the flywheel and they are using the spigot bearing as an excuse to get you to pay for the new one?? I would be examining all the parts after the event before parting with more cash

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Thu May 08, 2008 11:28 pm

What about if the spigot bearing dislodged then the front support for the input shaft to the gearbox is gone. So the shaft could start moving around under power putting abnormal loads on the clutch disc and the pressure plate wrecking the whole issue.

I'd also be checking to make sure there has been no collateral damage to the input shaft.

CT · Postby CT » Fri May 09, 2008 9:34 am

JBT wrote:
ASE05 wrote:1. Spigot bearing was the main problem. Jim Berry did mention there was an issue when playing 'round with stuff the 1st time and he had to locktite it in......looks like that didn't work Now the flywheel is 'ted and I gotta find me a new one

Bloody hell . Sorry to hear that Derek. The spigot bearing is an interference fit (has to be pressed in) so what's all this crap about locktite

MX-5 Plus should have a good used flywheel.

The use of bearing retaining compound for the spigot is not uncommon and not a bad idea. My experience with them is that they are not tight enough requiring the magic loctite stuff.

You're having a sh*t time but you are paying the pioneers price. This case is a good reminder to tread in others footsteps where you can. I have a stock SE flywheel in the shed - let me know if you need one - they are not that hard to find.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri May 09, 2008 12:19 pm

Sure CT, but this is the part that caught my attention:

....Jim Berry did mention there was an issue when playing 'round with stuff the 1st time and he had to locktite it in....

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri May 09, 2008 8:58 pm

ASE05 it looks like it worked out reasonably well in that both the installer and the clutch builder are covering the costs and the towing. In theory they should cover the flywheel as well . It is standard practice to replace the spigot bearing and it hard to imagine that this was not done- no installer wants to do the job again for the sake of a low cost item. I had a clutch done not so long ago and it to be done again-. The installer did the right thing by me- an honest bloke who made a simple mistake which he rectified. Yr installer will make nothing on this work and maybe the same for the clutch supplier.If you had done the job I imagine you would have had to wear doing the job twice as the clutch supplier would warrant the clutch only. Hope it works out ok.

CT · Postby CT » Sat May 10, 2008 9:25 am

JBT wrote:Sure CT, but this is the part that caught my attention:

....Jim Berry did mention there was an issue when playing 'round with stuff the 1st time and he had to locktite it in....

Agree - WTF was he playing with? They are pretty simple if you have the correct parts.

ASE05 · Postby **ASE05** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:58 am

I'm pretty sure Jim Berry said he had issues with getting the spigot bearing to stay in place the 1st time round and it was loctited in. I think he also mentioned it had worn a bit hence needing to glue it in there. I wasn't paying too much attention though.........

Unfortunately, my knowledge is minimal in this area(never had to replace a clutch myself) and I figured it was with someone that new what they were up to so I didn't really question it at the time. Most of it went over my head and I don't think the 6 pack I'd killed before he called helped either...... :oops:

.....

EDIT: They were quoting $510 plus freight for a stocko Mazda flywheel and $530 for an aftermarket Chrome Molly one. We called Springwood Mazda service dept and their price is $475

I understand there's a mark up on everything but to try and profit from this situation has left a bad tatse in my mouth.

Thanks for the offer of the flywheel CT but they should have the clutch back and ready to install Monday PM or 1st up Tuesday and I'm collecting the new one from Mazda on the way home Monday(getting it for $402 :lol:

). I just wanna get the car back into my garage and outta their hands ASAP

PS: While I'm down there, is there anything else I should ask to check out other than the input shaft? I've been educating myself about clutches with my HilLux Haynes manual the last couple o days.

ASE05 · Postby **ASE05** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:15 am

fattima wrote:Sounds like the spigot bearing was wrong size or the flywheel was enlarged from a spun bearing and he has tried to used shaft lock or the like.

Hope they get it sorted soon.

Bingo, just re-reading the thread and I "think" that's what he said the 1st time round.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:05 pm

ASE05 I cannot pick everything up from the posts and maybe I am missing something and being repetitive ( a fault).I reckon you might have a case for a replacement flywheel or at least partial compensation. My thinking is that there was a failure of parts replaced affecting the flywheel. No clutch failure ( spigot bearing??)-no flywheel damage.I still do not understand how the spigot brg caused the damage. If the clutch collapsed it may have badly scored the flywheel face but I am not a mechanic Anyway talk to the boss again.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sat May 10, 2008 5:20 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:I still do not understand how the spigot brg caused the damage..

Look at the photos and diagrams above. Imagine that the little sucker (or bits of it) has gotten loose in there and is mixing it with the flywheel and clutch plate at, say, 5000-6000 RPM and.................