1989 Mazda 323

[Levitan]

I am interested in buying a Mazda 323 that the guy says is stuck in 4th gear. I'm only guessing, but let's say it's a throw out bearing. Obviously I would change clutch plate, pressure plate and throwout bearing. How hard is this to do and what kinda cost are we talking about using McAuto parts?

[b3 madness]

If it is stuck in a gear, then I would guess that the problem would be other than the clutch. A gear box can be shifted regardless of clutch condition. I would look at externals to the transmission such as linkages first, but I would not be surprised if it turned out to be a internal transmission issue. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Glease]

Tough call, could be a few things. Best case scenario is its just a linkage or so, worst case being a fricked up internal.

If the car is cheap, it will be worth the risk because finding a 323 transmission is not that hard.

I'm with b3, the clutch shouldn't make any kind of difference to whether the car will shift out of a gear or not. Try reefing on it really really hard first. lol.

[jglutz]

For any tranny,,,,if if you cann't get it from gear to nuetral it's not a clutch or through out bearing problem........................................... .................................................. .............................(period)
BUT! it might not be an internal tranny problem....it could be a linkage problem between the shifter and the tranny.

[packrat427]

I am guessing the shifter gate has broken inside .