MX-5 OC Forum

OK, I've looked at loads of posts on here and elsewhere that are along similar lines but not really describes my problem exactly. So here goes...

About a month ago, I suddenly got a grinding noise and struggled to get into gear sometimes. I could hear the clutch whirring for some weeks beforehand, so I assumed it had 'gone'. So I had the clutch changed. Not sure if my MX5 had a new clutch ever before, if not then 140,000 miles isn't too bad.

After picking up the car, it was ok going home - job done I thought. But then the grinding came back.

The noise basically happens when my clutch is depressed, either in gear or in neutral. It sounds like 2 pieces of rough metal being rubbed together.

I took it to Halfords Autocentre on my travels one day, and the guy said he would check gearbox oil first. I emptied and replaced it - there was plenty in there but it was black and flamin' stank. So although it didn't solve the problem, a good job done.

Next I read about slave cylinders and clutch fluid, so I replaced the fluid. That was also black, so a good job done anyway. But again, clutch is grinding/grating when pedal is pressed in. I managed to replace clutch fluid so the slave must be ok....

So what on earth is it? I've been finding out about thrust/spiggot bearings, this is obviously the next port of call but it's such a big job to do for a DIY mechanic. I'm tempted to get the clutch guy to sort it, the clutch is guaranteed for 18000 miles and he wants me to return periodically for checks anyway so if there's an issue it looks like he'll sort it.

Anyone got any ideas?

Ok first things first, it sounds as if the clutch release (thrust) bearing or pilot bearing  (spiggot) may be at fault, but these items should have been replaced during the clutch replacement....

My advice is to take the car to wherever the clutch was replaced and explain that the noise (the reason you had them replace the clutch) is still present, ensure they are present when you `replicate` the problem to them. Am at a loss as to why they did not replace the two bearings anyway? Did you just request a clutch plate and cover change without mentioning the noise at the time?

Dr. Eunos

Thanks for the reply Doctor!

The guy said to me that they had replaced the whole assembly, it was a 3 part clutch kit... which normally consists of the cover, the plate, and the bearing in the middle doesn't it? 

Thing is it being double bank hols, it'll be wednesday before I can even get hold of them. I did all the work last week so I've had a week now of no MX5-ing, mind you the weather's a bit crap for it! Back in the Astra then!!

I'll let you know what happens...

A 3 part kit is usually the cover, plate and release bearing. The spiggot bearing is rarely included in the kit, although for a bearing that costs a couple of $$ I really don't know why.

Here's a pic that shows the components

From left to right down the middle. [7] Flywheel, [2] spiggot bearing [1] friction plate [1] Cover [1] release bearing and [1] alignment tool

Brilliant. Cheers Geoff, that's made some things a little clearer - I'll keep you posted as to what happens!

It never fails to amaze me how many garages will just quietly get on with replacing a clutch, and not even suggest changing the spiggot bearing while the have it out in their hand. Another job in the bag, I guess...

But it's always worth asking a mechanic "is there anything else worth doing while you're in there?" at which point they often say "oh yes you should definitely replace this 50p item that would cost you 4 hours of labour to get at again later...seeing as I'll be taking it off anyway." But all too often they won't volunteer that idea themselves.