Mark 4 MX-5 backlash problem in forward gears
Discussion
I have a problem with my new MX-5 which may be related to drive train backlash in the forward gears. When engaging the clutch, particularly when the car is warm, I get an intermittent mechanical 'crunch', which sounds like changing gear with a well worn driveshaft having a lot of play in it (if that makes sense). Following an inspection/discussion with a performance car specialist, the specialist thinks it's backlash in the drive train behind the clutch. Interestingly, another Mk4 MX-5 I was in yesterday had the same noise when reversing after the clutch had been let out a 2nd time in reverse. Wiki definition of backlash refers to backlash in reverse being 'unavoidable' in general, so this backlash in the reverse gear may be part of the design and so acceptable.
However, my MX-5 exhibits the same backlash (assuming it's this) travelling in the forward gears, and even more worryingly intermittently at the same (warm) temperature, and so this cannot be a 'proper' characteristic of the car's design. This must therefore be a fault. Is anyone else with a new Mark 4 MX-5 experiencing backlash when changing forward gears? Am I the first of the new MX-5 owners to experience this, or, which is much less likely, is this a generic design problem resulting from Mazda building the cars too early (always a risk with a new design)?
Any thoughts would be helpful.
However, my MX-5 exhibits the same backlash (assuming it's this) travelling in the forward gears, and even more worryingly intermittently at the same (warm) temperature, and so this cannot be a 'proper' characteristic of the car's design. This must therefore be a fault. Is anyone else with a new Mark 4 MX-5 experiencing backlash when changing forward gears? Am I the first of the new MX-5 owners to experience this, or, which is much less likely, is this a generic design problem resulting from Mazda building the cars too early (always a risk with a new design)?
Any thoughts would be helpful.
I spent some time with the dealer yesterday. After hearing the backlash in the forward gears in my car, I then drove their demonstrator (which I had driven in late August). The demonstrator had exactly the same backlash in the forward gears. They had also driven a brand new unregistered MX-5 from another local dealer, and although I didn't drive it, the guy said it sounded the same on the way over.
I discussed this in detail with the Service Manager, who has over 10 years experience with MX-5s, and he said that the Mark 3s had the same noise, which actually comes from the rear diff. However, he had never had a failure in all his years working on MX-5s associated with the drive train.
It therefore seems that this is indeed a characteristic of the MX-5 drive train (specifically, the rear diff), despite it being intermittent. TBH, this really surprises me, but the evidence seems to back this up.
I'm therefore going to turn the radio up to its normal volume and not listen for this noise any more...
I discussed this in detail with the Service Manager, who has over 10 years experience with MX-5s, and he said that the Mark 3s had the same noise, which actually comes from the rear diff. However, he had never had a failure in all his years working on MX-5s associated with the drive train.
It therefore seems that this is indeed a characteristic of the MX-5 drive train (specifically, the rear diff), despite it being intermittent. TBH, this really surprises me, but the evidence seems to back this up.
I'm therefore going to turn the radio up to its normal volume and not listen for this noise any more...
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