intense_27

I'm new to the RX-8 family, just purchased a 2005 GT with 118k on it. I have been driving it since Friday, and is now in the garage for the winter. I have already had a couple of issues pop up:

1- I had send the car to a body shop to get some rust taken care of. It was a favor, so took a while for him to get to. He did know enough that he needed to have the car warmed right up before it was turned off again, but it did move about 100 feet daily for a month or so. After a while, the engine light started coming on occasionally, not all the time. When I took it away, it was on for the entire first drive (30min). Since then, each time I have taken the car out, no light. Is this a regular occurrence that could have happened from the short movements?

2- I'm getting a "flutter" in the clutch when disengaged. When I engage the clutch, noise goes away. Best I can tell, it's the thrust bearing. Not knowing if or when the clutch was ever changed, is this a concern? I know cars can go a long time without worrying a ton about the thrust bearing, and I would assume the clutch wouldn't take a ton of abuse on a RX-8. Thoughts?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Without the CEL code, we don't know what the problem might be. It could be a loose gas cap, it could be severe engine trouble. I'd be surprised if the body shop couldn't pull the code for you. Otherwise read this for more possibilities of how to read it and clear it (and what it might be) https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...4/#post4533723

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Can you describe the "flutter"? There is a noise that the trans naturally makes when turning in neutral, which is unusual among cars, but normal for this one.

intense_27

It doesn't seem to be temperature dependent. It only makes the noise when you are stopped in neutral. As soon as I press the clutch pedal, it goes away, while staying in neutral...doesn't matter if I'm in a gear or not. I can't really tell if it does it while driving, engine sound drowns it out.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

So what's normal is a slight constant whirr when the clutch is engaged and the transmission in neutral. It's the input shaft turning. As soon as you clutch in, this goes away.

If it's something like this: then I'd say it's fine. A random shop or even a dealer will tell you this sounds like a bad bearing, but even those who've had those the bearings replaced never eliminated the noise.

If it has any squeaking or grinding sounds added in, then it's probably not fine.

intense_27

wow, that would be it!! Thanks! big relief...I was starting to look up DIY clutch changes.