clutch chatter/shudder on 2009 Mazda 3 Sport

[klrphipps]

Recently bought a used 2009 Mazda 3 Sport GT with manual transmission. 34,000km.
Very happy with it but noticed the first time I backed it up my driveway that there was quite a bad shake/shudder when engaging the clutch. I don't notice a problem when starting out in 1st on an incline or on level road. Took it to the local Mazda dealership and they said it is likely a warped pressure plate but would not be covered under warranty. The Mazda mechanic said the chatter is there even in 1st but I only notice it in reverse and especially backing up a hill. They also told me the problem is "minor". I've driven vehicles with manual transmissions for 20 years and never experienced an issue like this one before.
I purchased the car used from an Infinity dealership and they seem to want to make things right and basically told me they'll have any necessary repairs done for me.
My questions are:
1. I've read on the forum that others replace their clutch with an aftermarket one (Exedy?) Should I negotiate for this aftermarket clutch rather than a stock one?
2. What parts should I make sure are replaced to correct the problem?
3. I've read about vibration from motor mount issues. Do you think this could be part of the problem in my case?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Booter22]

i know when i back up my drive way with both mazda3s 2010 and even in my old focus at my parents place that was a steaper incline then my house now. there is a chatter, never on a flat surface but when going up an incline, im sure someone more technical can explain why more so reverse im sure its something to do with gear ratios and what not. i dont think its any cause for concern unless you notice your clutch is slipping when in a forward gear. both mazda 3s have been the same since new, and the focus when i got it with 40,000 km the clutch was slipping so we waited then till it worn it self out or as i learned to drive on it many moons ago until i wore it out. but from the 65 000km to the 205,000 km later when i replaced the car clutch still going strong and no issues with it ever.

i would think if you notice a slip in a forward gear, or some sort of problem with the gears to be worried about it. otherwise if your backing up a hill or driveway in reverse there is going to be a shake and shudder, or the seams to be what ive noticed in these cars. not so much from the speed, but different more aggressive clutch as well, but still ever so slight.

[TheMAN]

aftermarket exedy clutch is the way to go.... cheaper and better than stock
stock clutch was made by exedy, but spec'd to the minimum to cut costs

[Flagrum_3]

Recently bought a used 2009 Mazda 3 Sport GT with manual transmission. 34,000km.
Very happy with it but noticed the first time I backed it up my driveway that there was quite a bad shake/shudder when engaging the clutch. I don't notice a problem when starting out in 1st on an incline or on level road. Took it to the local Mazda dealership and they said it is likely a warped pressure plate but would not be covered under warranty. The Mazda mechanic said the chatter is there even in 1st but I only notice it in reverse and especially backing up a hill. They also told me the problem is "minor". I've driven vehicles with manual transmissions for 20 years and never experienced an issue like this one before.
I purchased the car used from an Infinity dealership and they seem to want to make things right and basically told me they'll have any necessary repairs done for me.
My questions are:
1. I've read on the forum that others replace their clutch with an aftermarket one (Exedy?) Should I negotiate for this aftermarket clutch rather than a stock one?
2. What parts should I make sure are replaced to correct the problem?
3. I've read about vibration from motor mount issues. Do you think this could be part of the problem in my case?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

Definately go for the Exedy stage 1 over oem.

Part wise you won't know for sure till it's all apart, but if you get the Exedy, get the Clutch kit, it comes with a throw-out bearing, slave cyl and install tool. I would think with the low mileage the flywheel should be fine, hopefully.

With that said, it could or may be simply a mount is gone. They do go quite often on these cars.

_3

[klrphipps]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Still in negotiation with the nissan/infinity dealer I bought from. They are starting to hesitate now saying that the condition is "normal".

Could a motor mount cause this type of vibration/shake?

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Still in negotiation with the nissan/infinity dealer I bought from. They are starting to hesitate now saying that the condition is "normal".

Could a motor mount cause this type of vibration/shake?

Yes.


.

[klrphipps]

OK. Maybe I should start by looking into motor mounts first. Is there a certain type of aftermarket mounts I should get, and if so, is there an online supplier you would recommend? Thanks. Really appreciate the advice.

[krimsalt]

Did you have the mounts checked? It's a fairly easy process

[klrphipps]

Did you have the mounts checked? It's a fairly easy process

Haven't had the mounts checked. What exactly do I have the shop look for? Thanks.

[Flagrum_3]

Haven't had the mounts checked. What exactly do I have the shop look for? Thanks.

The techs will know what to look for, just ask them to check the motor mounts.

_3