I noticed an issue with the new Miata.

Every so often I would get a clunk in the drive train when up-shifting.

The other day I was driving to work and noticed a smell of burning rubber.

For the next several days I noticed a strong smell of gear oil. After seeing a large puddle under my car, I decided an immediate investigation was in order.

The transmission tail shaft seal popped out! I removed the drive shaft and discovered a bad front u-joint. The u-loint must have pulled the seal out.

One used drive shaft, new trans seal and gear oil change and all appears well. Cleaning up the oily mess under the car took more time than swapping the parts.