I've just bought my second Protege, a 94 5-speed car. The only big issues with it are relate to the tranny. The shifter feels very sloppy and lose, it shifts fine, and doesnt grind, its just sloppy, what is this and what can I do to fix it. Also, the clutch pedal is very rough coming in and out, it works fine but the clutch seems to engage very high in the range, also it doesnt seem to be slipping any other time. Any suggestions would help, thanks guys.

James

 

The sloppy shifter may be due to worn shift bushing. The most common to fail are where the shift rod connects to the transmission. Bushings are only plastic and tend to wear with a lot of miles. Took a pic of one on the hoist today to make easier to identify. A small amount of up and down movement (1/16 " or so ) is ok but should have virtually no twisting movement. Not sure about your rough pedal as it is hydraulic and usually do not get any rough feel from them. The high engagement may be due to some air in the system from leaking slave cylinder at the transmission. Not uncommon either. Pull the rubber boot back and if any fluid leaks out is bad. The pedal is also adjustable so if no air or leakage give that a check.


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I had the same prob with my 323 with a sloppy shifer, and replaced the bushings. I went to my local Mazda dealer...$5 each times 4, OUCH! Just for 4 bushings!!

 

But didn't the shifter feel so much better for only $20??

 

The $20 wasn't the prob, I guess its just the perception of 4 pieces of plastic for $20! And the dealer is the only place to get it...what a great monopoly.