2002 5 Speed Mazda Tribute; straining in all gears; when I’m in 5th it’s maxing out at 3rpm’s at only 55-60 mphs…feels like I want to shift one more time to get into a comfortable cruise. I just had new brake pads/roters put on and tune up etc…I checked to make sure there wasn’t a brake pad sticking (to no avail)…What next? Some are saying clutch may be slipping, any tests for this?
To test the clutch, park the car and set the hand-brake. Then, shift into 5th gear, and try to pull away. if the engine dies, the clutch is good. If it keeps running, the clutch is slipping.