Trans Trouble

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Feb 8, 2003 | 05:50 PM

first time 4x4

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Lorain, Ohio

Trans Trouble

I'm not sure what is wrong. I thought I'd ask before I took it to a pro and got took to the bank. I thought my problem was my clutch. The truck would shake a lot whenever I put it into 1st gear or into reverse. It would only shake until the clutch was fully engaged then it would shift fine thru all the other gears. Now I think that the problem is really the transmission because when I park the truck on a small incline (driveway) in 1st or reverse it will roll. It also got warm (40) outside the other day so I was able to crack the window and I could hear noises like loose lifters but they were coming from under my truck when I was in fourth gear doing aboout 40 mph. I was just wondering if you guys thought the trans was bad or the clutch or both. I'm 99% sure it is the 5-speed Mazda. Truck has 117,000 miles. If it is the trans is this somthing I can rebuild myself? I have never seen the inside of a transmission in my life.
Thanks in advance.

Feb 8, 2003 | 07:47 PM

FordPerf300

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: CT

Trans Trouble

It sounds like you need to replace the clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing, and while your in there replace the slave cylinder. The chatter you are feeling is the cluch from being worn. Use only quality clutch parts like LUK.

Feb 8, 2003 | 10:23 PM

kspilkinton

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Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 4,038

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From: South Kitsap County, WA

Trans Trouble

While you're in there, check that rear seal or check for leak in your clutch hydraulics. A small amount of oil will contaminate that clutch and make it chatter/slip as well. Any air in that hydraulic clutch will make for some interesting and spongy shifts.

-Kerry

Feb 9, 2003 | 05:13 AM

first time 4x4

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 209

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From: Lorain, Ohio

Trans Trouble

Thank a lot for the advice. I will try to change out the clutch myself, doesn't look difficult just looks like a pain, and see if it takes care of the problems. A worn clutch would let the truck slip when parked in 1st gear or in reverse? After I get it all torn apart and remove the fly wheel to reface it will it be pretty easy to replace my rear seal? It leaks about 1 quart every 2 weeks. Also I was thinking about going with a centerforce clutch. It seems they have really good holding power. Any thoughts on that?

Feb 9, 2003 | 11:46 AM

87black150

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Joined: Jan 2003

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Trans Trouble

A worn clutch will let your truck move when you park it. Mine was worn out and I parked it in a store parking lot. The lot was sloped downhill. When I came out, my truck was sitting halfway out in the road!!

Luckily nobody hit it. When you get the tranny out, you can change the rear seal rather easily. I went with a clutch from Ford to put back into mine. Three years now, and still doing good. I don't have any experience with Centerforce, so don't know what to tell ya. Good luck!

Feb 9, 2003 | 01:22 PM

AggiePSD

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Victoria, Texas

Trans Trouble

LUK clutches are some of the best made and competively priced. I would stay away from Centerforces, I have heard some bad things about them, although its just hearsay. But you cant go wrong with a LUK.

Feb 9, 2003 | 06:26 PM

first time 4x4

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 209

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From: Lorain, Ohio

Trans Trouble

Where can I get one of these LUK clutches? I live very close to just about any autoparts store. NAPA, Autozone, Ford dealer, Summit, 4 Wheel Parts, alll these places are within 45 min of me. Do you think one of them sells LUK clutches. Thanks.