Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 40

CLUTCH

1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD 

DESCRIPTION 

All models use a hydraulically operated clutch. On all models except Miata, the clutch release bearing and 
clutch release cylinder are combined into a single unit. No routine adjustments are necessary on B2300, B2500, 
B3000 and B4000 models. 

ADJUSTMENTS 

CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY 

Miata 

Measure clutch pedal free play. See Fig. 1 . See CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY table. If free play is not 
within specification, inspect hydraulic and mechanical system components. If adjustment is required, loosen 
lock nut and rotate master cylinder push rod to obtain specified free play. Tighten lock nut. 

CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY 

(1)

 

 

CLUTCH PEDAL HEIGHT 

Miata 

Measure clutch pedal height from bulkhead to front side of pedal pad. See Fig. 1 . See CLUTCH PEDAL 
HEIGHT table. 

CLUTCH PEDAL HEIGHT 

(1)

 

 

CLUTCH DISENGAGEMENT HEIGHT 

Miata 

Measure clutch disengagement height, where clutch disengages, from pedal pad to bulkhead. See Fig. 1 . See 
CLUTCH DISENGAGEMENT HEIGHT (MINIMUM) table.

Application

In. (mm)

Miata

0.2-0.5 (5-13)

(1)

See Fig. 1 .

Application

In. (mm)

Miata

6.89-7.28 (175-185)

(1)

Measure to carpet on bulkhead. See Fig. 1 .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD

  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD

  

CLUTCH DISENGAGEMENT HEIGHT (MINIMUM) 

(1)

 

Fig. 1: Adjusting Clutch Pedal (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING 

B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000 

Application

In. (mm)

Miata

2.68 (68)

(1)

Measure to carpet on bulkhead. See Fig. 1 .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD

  

1. Using Clutch Disconnect Tool (T88T-70522-A), disconnect hydraulic line at transmission. See Fig. 2 . 

Clean reservoir cap area. Fill reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Maintain fluid level in reservoir during 
bleeding procedure.  

2. Using small screwdriver, press and hold internal mechanism of male coupler to open valve. While 

holding valve open, have an assistant slowly press and hold clutch pedal to floor.  

3. Remove screwdriver to allow valve to close. Release clutch pedal. Refill reservoir.  

4. Repeat steps 2) and 3). Install reservoir cap. Reconnect hydraulic line. Tug hydraulic line lightly to verify 

secure connection.  

5. As rapidly as possible, operate clutch pedal for full 5-10 strokes. Wait 3 minutes. Repeat this step at least 

3 more times.  

6. Loosen bleed screw, located next to release cylinder connection. Have an assistant press and hold clutch 

pedal. Tighten bleed screw. Release pedal. Refill reservoir. Check clutch operation.  

Fig. 2: Removing Hydraulic Line (B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Miata 

1. Remove bleeder screw cap located at clutch release cylinder. Install vinyl hose onto bleeder screw. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD

  

Submerge other end of hose in container of brake fluid. 

2. Fill reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant press and release clutch pedal several times, then 

hold pedal down. With pedal pressed, loosen bleeder screw to let air and fluid escape.  

3. Repeat step 2) until no more air bubbles emerge from hose. Tighten bleeder screw. Fill reservoir. Operate 

clutch while inspecting for leaks. Check clutch and brake operation.  

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 

CLUTCH ASSEMBLY 

Removal (B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000) 

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Shift transmission into Neutral. Remove gearshift lever. Raise and 

support vehicle. Mark drive shaft flanges for installation reference. Remove drive shaft. Using Clutch 
Disconnect Tool (T88T-70522-A), disconnect hydraulic line at transmission. See Fig. 2 . Plug hydraulic 
line to prevent contamination. Disconnect wiring at transmission.  

2. Remove starter. Remove exhaust components as necessary for clearance. On 4WD models, remove skid 

plate and transfer case. On all models, secure transmission jack under transmission. Remove transmission 
mount-to-crossmember nuts and bolts.  

3. Remove nuts securing crossmember to frame side rails, and remove crossmember. Lower transmission 

enough to gain access to transmission-to-engine block bolts. Remove transmission-to-engine block bolts. 
Remove transmission.  

4. If clutch parts are going to be reused, mark clutch cover and flywheel for reassembly reference. Loosen 

pressure plate bolts evenly in crisscross pattern until springs are not under tension. Remove clutch cover 
and clutch disc.  

Inspection (B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000) 

1. Inspect disc for loose rivets, worn or defective springs, excessive wear, or oil contamination. Inspect 

flywheel and clutch cover for burns, scoring, or grooves.  

2. Measure flywheel and clutch cover runout. Resurface or replace flywheel and clutch cover if beyond 

specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT (MAXIMUM) table.  

3. Measure clutch disc runout. Replace disc if it is not to specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT 

(MAXIMUM) table. Inspect disc hub and input shaft splines for excessive wear. Hub must slide 
smoothly on input shaft splines.  

4. Inspect pilot bearing for wear. Apply inward pressure while rotating pilot bearing. If bearing sticks or has 

excessive resistance, replace bearing. Check for tight fit in crankshaft. Replace as necessary. Inspect 
release bearing for smooth operation, wear, damage, or looseness. Replace bearing as necessary.  

CLUTCH RUNOUT (MAXIMUM) 

Application

In. (mm)

Disc

0.028 (0.7)

Flywheel

0.008 (0.20)

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD