Miata Mailing List: November 1999, Message #752

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Hey ya'll,

I actually test drove CATTOY when I went to pick her up Friday to check and 
make sure they fixed the hood lifting at speed problem.  Happy to report all 
seems well there!!!  However, each time I depressed her clutch it seemed to 
make a faint squeak/creaking sound.  The car has been sitting with very 
little driving since about the 2nd or 3rd week in September (3 test drives 
and moving her from lot to bay to paint booth is all) and it is getting 
colder here (has gotten below freezing at night and she's outside in the 
elements).  Have no frame of reference of storing a Miata for the "winter" 
and this maybe being a common occurrence.  Only other time any of the three 
Miatae ever sat idle for any duration of time was once again CATTOY for a 
three month period on the lot of the first body shop...but that was in the 
summer.  Don't anybody go turning me into PETM (People for the Ethical 
Treatment of Miatae)...the idle neglect is not by choice.  (pun intended - 
have to add some fluff with the question ;).     

Any advice from those that keep their Miata outside and/or stored in the 
winter?  Is the creaking/squeaking clutch normal from a car that sits in the 
cold for any duration?  FWIW, clutch seems to be functioning fine.  No 
slippage, same pressure  required to depress so not ceased up.  What can I 
lube it with to get rid of the creak/sqweak?  Will it just go away as I work 
the clutch upon her return?  Not thinking this is a functional problem...but 
am I missing a sign that something could be amiss?  Ahhhh, where's that damn 
shop manual when I need it?  Of course, hidden in a box somewhere...moving is 
a PITA...LOL.  FWIW, she's 2 years, 5 months old with approx. 38K - 39K on 
the clock and I'm not one to ride the clutch.  No mechanical damage in the 
accident other than replacement of radiator/realignment of nose extension 
posts...clutch has been fine and no work done on it with repairs....this is 
independent of accident and related repairs (for those conspiracy theorists 
out there...LOL).  

So where are my closet gear heads?  Any advice to rid the tigress of her 
sqweak welcome!!!  For the record....she has not forgotten how to purr...or 
growl thanks to the Thermal.  Sweet music my ears have missed.  

TIA,
Cat still CATTOYless (maybe....aaahhhh who knows when  :/  tie a yellow 
ribbon)
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