MX-5 OC Forum

 Hi was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on my gear change problem, i have an MX5 Mk1 1994, the problem is when i set of in the car in 1st gear everything is fine but when i need to change gear i have to press the clutch pedal straight to the bottom to change, if not it just wont go into any gear at all, i have to put it in nutral then foot to the floor with the clutch.

 I have topped up the fluid but it still does the same thing. I have been told it might need a new slave cylinder! do you think this might be the problem? This is doin my head in :(, please can someone help me

Regards Mimic

 hi mimic, was the resevoir low when u topped it up?........if so the most logical conclusion would b slave cylinder, havin to replace mine as soon as mx5 parts deliver

 No it was just a fraction below max

 ho hum, so can only change gear when pedal fully depressed?...........difficult to engage gear (notchy) when changing? reverse selection grating?

 I think you hit the nail on the head there buddy :)

 mimic hav to get it checked, but sounds like maybe clutch/pressure plate fault, because even with a weepin slave cylinder it would still operate untill there was no fluid left, as u say resevoir still full........... or possibly bent actuating arm?, if u find clutch is the problem get new slave cylinder too (£19 mx5 parts delivered) 

 Cheers buddy you've been a great help :) poppin over to mx5parts now

Hi

Or it could be the clutch master cyl.  They can leak internally, so no fluid lose, but faulty non-the-less.

Alan

goochie:

 mimic hav to get it checked, but sounds like maybe clutch/pressure plate fault, because even with a weepin slave cylinder it would still operate untill there was no fluid left, as u say resevoir still full........... or possibly bent actuating arm?, if u find clutch is the problem get new slave cylinder too (£19 mx5 parts delivered) 

I would do the slave first. Cheap and easy to do and the cause of most clutch problems with a '5---

 Mimic Does your car have a gear selection boot just under the carpet early mx5 had a problem with the boot failing and giving problems selecting gears just a thought it maybe worth a look.There is a paragrapgh on how to change this boot on www.maita.net

 Cant seem to find the article on the website you mentioned?

Sorry for being a pain

miniicuk go into www.miata.net locate garage on the left open that go into engine and drivetrain, drivetrain then onto Shift boot replacement don't forget its from the usa so things may be on the other side if you now what I mean.It only script no pikkies sorry found smoe pickkies for you just above the shift boot replacement look at Transmission, g/box & shifter oil changes picture No 18 onwards you would have to do this to replace the rubber boot. good hunting.

Perished shift boots might make gear changing notchy, but it won't give the problems you descibed. I would do the slave cylinder first, then maybe consider looking at other options if there is no improvement (pressure plate and master cylinder as above).

Although having thought about it some more, I'd been inclined to agree with goochie about the weaping slave cylinder... Hmm...

alan yates:

miniicuk go into www.miata.net locate garage on the left open that go into engine and drivetrain, drivetrain then onto Shift boot replacement don't forget its from the usa so things may be on the other side if you now what I mean.It only script no pikkies sorry found smoe pickkies for you just above the shift boot replacement look at Transmission, g/box & shifter oil changes picture No 18 onwards you would have to do this to replace the rubber boot. good hunting.

Far simpler to go to the FAQ index on our own forum---