Things to do while replacing clutch!

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Mon May 06, 2013 2:32 pm

Hi all!

I will be replacing my worn clutch and flywheel in the next few weeks and just want to know what else would be a good idea to do while I've got everything ripped out? I want to make sure I've got every part and tool I need before tackling this project!

The beast is a 92' NA6 with around 182XXXk's.

For the clutch I believe I have decided (Unless given good reasons by others not to) on the Xtreme 1.6 Standard Kit from Mania (I haven't planned any significant power upgrades, so I couldn't justify spending the extra money on a HD or Button). I'm still undecided about the flywheel though - maybe a Xtreme 1.6 Chromoly? (5.3KG). I do want to get one lighter than original spec.

koop21 · Postby **koop21** » Mon May 06, 2013 2:38 pm

rear main seal and/or gearbox front seal (depending if its leaking)
Don't forget to replace pilot bearing and clutch thrust bearing (dont forget your grease).

ralt · Postby **ralt** » Mon May 06, 2013 4:05 pm

Hi.
Seeing you are in Brisbane try NPC Boundary Rd Archerfield telephone 32779403 they will be able to supply to your requirements and are reasonably priced.

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Mon May 06, 2013 5:55 pm

Lightened flywheels are fun, dont be scared of them

but can be pricey, so if you dont choose to get one, make sure to get your stock one machined.
Definitely do rear main seal, and make sure its a genuine mazda seal.
also do pilot bearing and spigot bearing. My Exedy came with both as part of it, both Koyo so oem replacement.
probably only need to do gb input shaft seal if its leaking, but its only an extra $40 or so, may as well.

wun911 · Postby **wun911** » Mon May 06, 2013 8:57 pm

If I had my time again I would have done the engin mounts and put in the SS braided clutch line.
I had both these bits sitting around at the time and it would have been sooooo much easier while the gear box was out of the car.

All the gear box rubber boots around the shifter will probably be hack (the mazda oem ones dont seem to last that long).

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon May 06, 2013 9:12 pm

I have no idea why anyone wants a lightened flywheel for a road car. Sounds cool but its not smart. I for one would not even consider buying a used MX5 with lightened flywheel. I also would not hesitate to put in a standard clutch which will last many kilometres and operate without fuss for probably longer than you might want the car. Its a prick of a job by the way-( Ralt might have the right contact) easier if you have a hoist and pretty fast for a pro to do it. The existing flywheel will need to be refaced- that's standard practice just like brake pads and rotors.

koop21 · Postby **koop21** » Mon May 06, 2013 9:16 pm

wun911 wrote:If I had my time again I would have done the engin mounts and put in the SS braided clutch line.
I had both these bits sitting around at the time and it would have been sooooo much easier while the gear box was out of the car.

All the gear box rubber boots around the shifter will probably be hack (the mazda oem ones dont seem to last that long).

you make a good point here wun, definitely change your clutch line if thats something your thinking of doing in the future. As for the motor mounts its not so bad with gearbox in.

Black_Penguin · Postby **Black_Penguin** » Mon May 06, 2013 9:52 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:I have no idea why anyone wants a lightened flywheel for a road car. Sounds cool but its not smart. I for one would not even consider buying a used MX5 with lightened flywheel.

Mr M have you ever dríven a car with a lightened flywheel or is your advice only based on your own thoughts and not based on any experience?

Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Mon May 06, 2013 10:52 pm

"I have never needed to drive one to know it's terrible. if mazda didnt put it in then its the worst thing and will ruin the car."

koop21 · Postby **koop21** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:01 pm

Wikipedia wrote:This engine, codename B6ZE(RS), was specifically designed for the MX-5 and featured a lightened crankshaft, flywheel, and aluminum sump with cooling fins.

See Source

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:08 pm

What I should have done last week but didn't do was rip out the whole stupid clutch line from end to end and get the local brake shop to cut and terminate the pipes near each cylinder and supply new a flex hose to fit. Sorting out problems with the clutch line and its brackets while unbolting, removing and rebolting the gearbox cost me 2 or 3 hours.

If you're doing the job on stands then book a back massage.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Mon May 06, 2013 11:52 pm

emily_mxV wrote:"I have never needed to drive one to know it's terrible. if mazda didnt put it in then its the worst thing and will ruin the car."

Nice one Emily. Just like the Guinness ad from the 70s: "I've never tried it, because I don't like it".

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Tue May 07, 2013 6:51 am

koop21 wrote:rear main seal and/or gearbox front seal (depending if its leaking)
Don't forget to replace pilot bearing and clutch thrust bearing (dont forget your grease).

emily_mxV wrote:Lightened flywheels are fun, dont be scared of them
but can be pricey, so if you dont choose to get one, make sure to get your stock one machined.
Definitely do rear main seal, and make sure its a genuine mazda seal.
also do pilot bearing and spigot bearing. My Exedy came with both as part of it, both Koyo so oem replacement.
probably only need to do gb input shaft seal if its leaking, but its only an extra $40 or so, may as well.

Emily - where did you get your clutch kit? I've looked at a few Exedy kits, but again its all down to pricing (I'm a cheap bastard

) I'm definitely getting a lightened flywheel. Mainly going for the 5.3kg one due to its price (I also don't want to make the jump to something crazy light like 3kgs straight away). I'm so excited!

Koop - Will do!

wun911 wrote:If I had my time again I would have done the engin mounts and put in the SS braided clutch line.
I had both these bits sitting around at the time and it would have been sooooo much easier while the gear box was out of the car.
All the gear box rubber boots around the shifter will probably be hack (the mazda oem ones dont seem to last that long).

Both my gear boots were replaced only 1000kms ago, so they're up to scratch. I've never even heard of a SS braided clutch line :S Will look into it more!

Mr Morlock wrote:I have no idea why anyone wants a lightened flywheel for a road car. Sounds cool but its not smart. I for one would not even consider buying a used MX5 with lightened flywheel. I also would not hesitate to put in a standard clutch which will last many kilometres and operate without fuss for probably longer than you might want the car. Its a prick of a job by the way-( Ralt might have the right contact) easier if you have a hoist and pretty fast for a pro to do it. The existing flywheel will need to be refaced- that's standard practice just like brake pads and rotors.

Because I am young, dumb and full of hot air. :beer:

Also, shaving a few Kg's of the flywheel will give me peace of mind when I eat my maccas for lunch! :mrgreen:

I've been told its a prick of a job numerous times - but its why I bought the five! I'll be having my mechanical minded friend with me and I might try and set up a small group-thing for those who wouldn't mind seeing how its done - depending on when I do it of course!

manga_blue wrote:What I should have done last week but didn't do was rip out the whole stupid clutch line from end to end and get the local brake shop to cut and terminate the pipes near each cylinder and supply new a flex hose to fit. Sorting out problems with the clutch line and its brackets while unbolting, removing and rebolting the gearbox cost me 2 or 3 hours.

If you're doing the job on stands then book a back massage.

Yep, the car will be on stands! I'll be trying to raise the car as high (and safe!) as possible, so I'm looking forward to getting under her for a few hours....*sniggers*, But I definitely will set up a massage!

I'll be using this *magical words* as a guideline

Any other resources would be good!

Thanks all!!!

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Tue May 07, 2013 8:20 am

CaptainNate wrote:Because I am young, dumb and full of hot air.

Well those are your words. Mr M is correct - it's a waste of money on a modern road car in normal use and you may well regret blowing the money if it gives you the screaming $h1t$ in traffic. I've known many people who have regretted fitting a lightened flywheel to various cars and ended up going back to standard. Having said that, I had a lightened flywheel on an MGB which improved pick up without any noticeable loss of normal driveability...but then again, the MGB flywheel was out of a truck. :wink:

BTW, the standard Mazda clutch is Exedy and, unless absolutely abused, will most likely last longer than your association with the car.

If you are trying to save $$$, a phone call to Automotive + may be worthwhile. I bought a second hand NB flywheel, clutch plate (Exedy) and cover (Exedy) set with an estimated 10,000km use out of a wreck from there a few years back for my NA8 - it was like new and saved me a pile of $$. The flywheel only needed a rub over with some sandpaper and it came up like new.

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Tue May 07, 2013 10:17 am

SS clutch line is the same thing as braided brake lines.
but be careful buying one off the shelf. anything online is designed for the american market, which means its way to short because their slave is on the other side of the gearbox.

I got a custom one made at enzed, (because i snapped my hardline during engine :oops:

)
It replaces the soft and hardline, cost $150 though, which was a shock.

I got my clutch at mx5 mania! they helped so my with my engine swap questions i really felt i needed to buy something haha