I recently purchased a 2001 miata and the transmission will shake while going slow in first gear. I rebuilt the engine and examined the clutch and it seems to be ok. Re-installed into the car and the same problem is there. It only happens when the clutch isn't fully engaged in first gear. It will shake like crazy! Other than that it shifts nicely and doesn't shake under hard acceleration.

It must be something to do with the clutch system? I had bled the clutch and the slave cylinder was replaced few thousand miles ago.

 

Is it a stock style clutch?

 

Yes and it was in good condition so i re-installed it. I cleaned it with brake cleaner too...and the alignment was good. Like i said It did this before I took it apart.

 

There was an issue with the clutch material for the 01-02 years that can cause clutch shudder. Miata Technical Service Bulletin

Try a google search on miata nb clutch shudder. There's lots of posts/info about it.

 

Also heard it was could be the pilot bearing....Im getting a new clutch setup in a month so I guess if it's just the clutch it isn't serious.

 

Don't forget the replace the pilot bearing, throw-out bearing, etc. Do a rear-main seal, and if you're particularly motivated, tranny seals.


Does the issue exist in reverse as well? My money is on the clutch shudder issue.

 

Yes, it happens just as much or more in reverse...I also read something about the clutch wearing unevenly or something similar.

EDIT: It also does this when the clutch is hot or cold, no difference. Some days worse than others. It does it alot, but not every time.

 

Yup, many of them shudder.

 

Lol, this isnt shuddering, its like the tranny is being ripped out of place.

 

you may have loose/damaged differential mounts.

 

Possible, Il check em out tommorow, thanks.

 

Clutch chatter can make it feel like the whole car is falling apart. Replace whole clutch (disc and pressure plate) and have your flywheel resurfaced and you will be fine. Also, don't forget to break the new one in properly so it doesn't happen again!

 

Except what you're describing is clutch judder, and yet it feels like the engine/gearbox is about to fly out of the car.

Should've replaced your clutch rather than rebuild the box!

 

Thanks guys, Was gona buy fm stage 1 just didn't have the money when the tranny was out. Il order one asap!

 

Good call. I'm running the FM1 clutch and have no complaints. You might also check out the new 949 one as well.

 

Check your motor mounts, diff mounts, and PPF. Remember that a Miata trany is supported from the front by the motor and supported from the back by the PPF through the diff bushings. If you break the PPF the trany will try to escape the tunnel.