Clutch engagement point?

[Dat8687]

Ok I thought it was just my new car but why is the clutch engagement point and release so high? When I went from my WRX on the Original clutch with 110,000 miles it to the speed 3 I thought something was wrong.. The speed 3s clutch felt like it had 0 pressure and the engagement point is ridiculous. In fact after driving it for a couple of weeks now I still have trouble with it. Mind you I have been driving manual cars since I was in the middle school at the end of the 80s.

Should I take it into the dealership and see if somethings wrong? I have never had a clutch feel like this and have so much trouble measuring between shifts. My speed 6s clutch was like butter shifting compared to this car.

There is 0 slippage mind you It just feels akward how high the clutch pedal engages

[Matrix311]

Different clutch different car. Maybe try bleeding the crap out of it and check the brake fluid, make sure its topped off and no air in the system. If after bleeding it the results remain the same, then maybe check the dealer.

[manila]

These cars are tricky to learn. It took me a while to actually get used to the release point. You're not alone on this one.

[Bludypoo]

I've been driving manual for almost 10 years since i first received my license. Took the ms3 for a test drive and stalled instantly in the parking lot.

These cars definitely have an interesting clutch, and there is most likely nothing wrong with your car. It's just different than what you are used to. I've had mine since June and have zero problems with it.

[Patty-Wack]

Originally Posted by Bludypoo I've been driving manual for almost 10 years since i first received my license. Took the ms3 for a test drive and stalled instantly in the parking lot. These cars definitely have an interesting clutch, and there is most likely nothing wrong with your car. It's just different than what you are used to. I've had mine since June and have zero problems with it.

So glad i happen to read this. I only have had my car for a couple of months and was thinking my clutch was going out of I just suck at driving. My clutch grabs hard and at the top. 1st to 2nd is hard to make smooth sometimes. Sounds like it's a normal thing.

OP, my only 2 cents is that my shifting did seem to improve with new RMM. Sorta clutch related..

[timjs]

If it's grabbing at the top, something isn't right.

[ChaunceyM]

Originally Posted by Bludypoo Took the ms3 for a test drive and stalled instantly in the parking lot.

I did the same thing, even after the salesman warned me that the clutch was tricky and alot of people stall it out their first time. I then proceded to over-rev my SpecV on the drive home after getting used to the MS3 clutch.

[jk_ms3]

Originally Posted by ChaunceyM I did the same thing, even after the salesman warned me that the clutch was tricky and alot of people stall it out their first time. I then proceded to over-rev my SpecV on the drive home after getting used to the MS3 clutch.

I was OK with the clutch when I got into my car after I test drove the speed, but the brakes made me panic! I didn't realize how soft the brakes in my Corolla were, and I thought that they'd given out.

[JgamB]

Same here, mine grabs a bit higher and more abruptly than any other manual car I've owned. It takes a bit of getting used to, but our OEM clutch (from what I've seen on our Nator AL pack of wild animals) can take some substantial abuse.

[Alexander]

My clutch grabs pretty early and has a lot of pressure on the pedal. But ive seen other speed 3s with a weaker pedal. It just depends

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[timjs]

See attachments, get to work. Yes, Mazda wants you to grind your gears on the last inspection. Not gonna hurt anything.

[Dat8687]

thanks guys

[boostdmazda3]

I actually found the ms3 stock clutch to be very friendly and easy to drive...drive a 6 puck it will have you appreciate the stocker.

[OCspeed]

Mine grabs around the middle of the pedal while releasing

Definitely took a while to learn and drive smoothly

[jk_ms3]

Mine grabs pretty low, and it does take some time to get used to. Even still, after several months, my shifts aren't incredibly smooth when I'm feeling lazy. If I actually try, it's fine.

[cyberb0b]

I have trouble with first to second daily driving. Engine feels like it rocks back and forth. I think I need a RMM. I stalled mine on the test drive. My Mazda 3 had a tricky clutch too.

[Patty-Wack]

Originally Posted by cyberb0b I have trouble with first to second daily driving. Engine feels like it rocks back and forth. I think I need a RMM. I stalled mine on the test drive. My Mazda 3 had a tricky clutch too.

RMM did help with the 1st and 2nd gear rock. My clutch doesn't grab fully at the top but I would say it's past the middle. Has about 2-3 inches worth of grab range if that makes sense. No signs of slipping so i think it's just the car. I'll keep a eye on it and maybe try to drive a fellow Nator's car at next meet to compare.

[timjs]

You guys should drive an early MS6. The clutch was so hard to get used to for some people that Mazda actually came out with revised parts. Including a revised clutch pressure plate and I believe a pedal assembly as well.
This was for the customers that said "I refuse to accept this" and wouldn't take their cars back.

[analbumcover]

+1 on grabbing middle/middle-top and then snapping in. Its more or less clutch engaged, or clutch not engaged. nothing really in the middle.

[Status Update]

Learned how to drive manual in a ms6 and its become second nature ever since but I agree when I drive my friends cars the clutch feel is definitely different.

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[cobi wan kenobi]

Mine grabs high too. I mean really high, like the pedal is almost fully released. 1st to 2nd is a little tricky, but all the other shifts are fine. It doesn't seem right, but I haven't had any problems yet.