Flash_Mechy

Hey All,

I just wanted to make a post to help anyone that may have the same issue I did.

I have a 2007 Mazda 3 GS, 4DR Sedan, manual transmission, and she's sitting at just under 140 000 km. I was driving home last week when I suddenly was not able to shift - the shifter could not be pushed into any gear, but stayed in the neutral position. When I turned the car off, I could move the shifter into any gear, and I could even start the car with the shifter in first gear and then ease off the clutch and she would engage, but I couldn't move the shifter out of first gear without turning the car off again.

After some research, I found the following post on CarGurus.com:

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c22444_ds596280

Turns out it was indeed my clutch - she was worn right out. I still find it funny that there was really no warning leading up to this. It was a very sudden failure. I purchased a new Clutch Kit (by Luk) for ~$500 CDN after tax, and then got a shop to quote me on labour (quoted me $700 CDN, which included five hours labour for $600 plus the cost of machining the flywheel for $100). My car was a long ways from the shop, and I called a tow company for a quote. They quoted me $205. Luckily, my girlfriend has AMA (we're in Alberta), and I was able to get towed for only $45.

So, if you have this issue, you may well be looking at a $1200+ bill. Just a heads up.

Also, to any members in Calgary, I highly, highly, highly recommend taking your vehicle to Shawnee Minute Muffler and Brake. Talk to Geoff, the owner. Super straight forward guy, and super fast service (at a very reasonable price).

Hope this helps somebody.

John Matsukes

Most clutches will last over 100,000 miles as long as the driver knows the proper way to use one.