Hi guys, I'm new here and this is my first post. I recently purchased my first Mazda, a 2001 protege LX 2.0 5spd with 67,000 miles. Nice car and its fun to drive.
I'm trying to figure out what's going on with the clutch. Two things. 1st, the clutch has always been a little stiff, but now it's making a creaking noise when depressed. I can feel it in the pedal and hear it when the engine is not running, very noticeable when depressed slowly, and it sounds like it may be coming from inside the housing. 2nd thing, It won't easily go into 1st gear unless the pedal is completely to the floor. Otherwise it shifts fine and feels strong. So, do I have problems or not?

 

It sounds like noise coming from the throw out bearing. This bearing rides on the input shaft tube inside the trans housing. It might have run dry on lubricant and causing the creaking.. Only problem is this is not a serviceable part to lube, you must remove the trans to do it.