Clutch: Now it's the Miata's turn I guess

I think it's a low percentage that the pilot bearing/bushing would sieze. The issue is more of alignment because the bearing is too sloppy. If the first motion shaft doesn't line up with the crankshaft, it could put some undue tension on the front transmission bearing. Mostly, I think, you'll experience inconvenience in gear selection and, perhaps, some vibration in the drive-train. You can probably drive it around town for the rest of the year, but I wouldn't start a cross-country trip just yet.

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Originally Posted by Rob®

Brandon's issue is more than likely his leaking slave cylinder. That's not the sounds or 3rd gear grind (well it could be that as well) he has, but it more than likely is his need to pump the pedal occasionally. Even if it's not, he definitely needs to replace it...I think he said he even has the parts already.

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Already replaced it, and put in a stainless line. Checked both places for leaks, none found.

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Originally Posted by Jiggerachi

...i've noticed a constant grinding like a diesel truck sound in neutral. I have a noisy synchro that does this in 2nd and 4th, but NEVER in neutral previously. Pressing the clutch pedal the noise goes away, let it out and it's back. I was not sure about this noise earlier, but now i'm positive it's there and distinct.

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That is exactly the noise I'm talking about. Mine has gotten quieter as of late.. I'm wondering if it's because all the fresh fluid cycled through finally, but it was definitely distinct previously. I hope it's something that won't do major damage and I'll just replace my clutch when it goes out. Maybe I'll do it before then, but it would be helpful to know what is making the noise.

After 5,000 miles, I finally got around to the clutch job. Man what a chore that was.

Anyway, I think I found my problem...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...219_114343.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...219_114358.jpg

The throwout bearing was gritty and howled when spun.
The pilot bearing fell all to pieces (or was already in pieces) when I pulled the pressure plate off.
The springs inside the clutch disk were all loose and broken in some place, two were broken in multiple places, one you can see had at one point been wedged in sideways bending the metal. The splined hole had about 3/4in of free radial movement since the springs were busted up. This must have been making my clanking noise that I mistook for the u-joints going out. The driveshaft was fine when I pulled it out.

So in case you're wondering what that diesel truck grinding, rattling noise is, chances are your clutch / bearings look like this.
Oddly enough there was still a little meat left in the clutch disk, but was definitely it's time.