I'm sittin at about 5000 miles now on my 8, and for the last 3K miles or so, (maybe longer) i've started to really notice the noise the powertrain is making. It's a whole lot louder then even the exhaust (I know...it's not tough to beat).

I know it's the transmission/powertrain too, because if I push in the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch, it immediately quiets down...and vice versa. To be honest, in the garage, the sound it makes really sounds a whole lot like a tank. Nothing sharp and grinding or anything...just more like being able to hear the gears and shaft turning...almost like a meshing. When I first got it it wasn't there. Its seemingly getting louder and louder.

First of all, is this normal, or has anyone else noticed this?

If so, does it eventually quiet down, or is there something you can do to help it?

Just kinda gets annoying when listening to the purring of the engine, then letting out the clutch at idle to hear the mesh of the transmission cancel out anything else you hear from the car.

 

it is normal, it happens on all our cars!
and no, i dont think it will quiet down!

 

Yeah. ^^^ I remember that noise showing up on my RX8 at around 2k miles, and I took it in to dealer thinking something might be failing prematurely. They said it was normal, even though it did not exist when I initially got car. I wouldn't worry about it. You can always try changing the tranny fluid to something synthetic that may reduce the noise if it bothers you enough, but I wouldn't worry about it.

 

ok, well im glad to hear at least a few tell me that they can relate. You have to admit that when it first shows up, your kinda like...WTF is that.

As mentioned, if you start the car in a tight garage, it's crazy loud. Thats ok though, i'll adjust knowing it's not anything damaging.

Anyone else out there that hears it? Just curious as to how many can actaully tell.

 

Yeah, same thing happened to mine at about 1k miles. Freaked me out when I first heard it but searching on here it seems normal. Now I kinda like it - its another thing to listen for to be able to tell if something is awry.

 

Unfortunately, it is a normal sound. If I'm not mistaken it is the throw out bearing. I made the switch to Royal Purple synthetic in the rear end and Transmission. It has quieted down a lot but isnt completely gone. Of course now the "marbles... IN A CAN!" sound is more noticable.

 

I've switched to Redline MT-90 for the transmission and Redline 75W-90 for the rear differential and the noise has improved at least 100%. Now if those interior rattles could be fixed just as easily...

 

I plan to throw in Redline fluid soon--it helped in my RX7s.

Not to hijack, but with the noise I feel that the shifting has become more notchy--especially from 2nd to 3rd. Does your feel more notchy?

FS

 

gear rollover. its because you are so close to the tranny with very little insulation and a direct connection via the shifter (vs sound and feel numbing linkage as in FWD vehicles). new / better fluid can help make it quieter

 

How do you get the tranny and diff fluid in there? Do you have to pump it in there with something? If so, where can this be found? I have had the redline sitting in my house for about 6 months and haven't done it yet because of this.

 

sounds like pumping it is the way to go. It's a little hard to pour it in horizontally. Check out the DIY.

 

Yes, you will need a pump to get the fluid in the trans and diff.

Look here for the How To: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-transmission-differential-fluid-replacement-35115/

 

Is it me, or does the fact that the noise doesn't exist when first purchasing the car seem a bit strange. Any idea on why it's non-existent when you first buy the car, then shows up within 1-3k miles?

 

The easy way to pour the fluid in is to pull the shifter and pour it directly into the transmission

 

It wasn't there for me either.

 

I was thinking about the possibility of pouring the fluid directly into the transmission. Any problem with doing that, aside from the possibility of drenching the interior with stanky transmission oil?

-Kabong

 

Not really, it is a decent sized hole that is open when the shifter is out.

Just take your time.

It is metal under the center console. The carpet is two pieces that clip on the sides of the center console.

After the shifter goes back in it is held down by three or four bolts and a rubber boot goes over the top.

 

I'm starting to think it is the throwout bearing as well. When I had the transmission replaced on the Cobra by AAMCO (big no-no btw), they replaced it all, and the replacement throw-out bearing was bad. So they switched that out again, and low and behold....it sounds exactly like the 8 does. (or more correctly speaking, the 8 sounds exactly like the Cobra does).

Guess I was just being imaginative that a new transmission and a new car wouldn't sound quite like this if it were normal. I'm slowly starting to see that that's just the case though.

Thanx for the replies all. Peace of mind can be priceless sometimes.

 

OK, well next question, how do you get the differential fluid in there? You can't pour it.

 

I am the proud new owner of a 2006 Shinka with only about 500 miles on it and a recent new member of this forum. Many years ago, I also owned an RX-7 and ALWAYS have missed that car, so glad to be back in the Rotary club.

About the topic at hand, I have read many threads about transmission and rear diff lubrication (I am staying away from the motor oil debate) and I noticed that no one ever seems to mention BG Products. I have used and been very pleased with BG Syncro Shift II for transmissions (GL-4 rated) and BG Ultra Guard for rear diff (GL-5 and GL-4 rated with limited slip additive already in it).

These are very good products that many regard higher than the RL and RP products that so many reference here. Syncroshift II makes tranmissions VERY smooth and quiet.

On another related note, I have noticed many in this forum are using lubricants that are both GL-5 and GL-4 rated (like RP Max Gear, BG Ultra Guard, etc.) in the transmissions as well as the rear diff. I have been told that for tranmissions, these are not as effective against syncro wear and no where near as smooth as a pure GL-4 lubricant. What are others experience/opinions?

Great forum and glad to be a part of it.

 

Mine has 5000 miles and does that as well. Sounds like the throw out bearing is dead but I highly doubt it. Also at low rpms in 1st gear maybe 10 mph in parking lots there tends to be a bit of gear whine from the transmission or diff.

I haven't changed the diff/tranny fluid but I think I will the next oil change. What does everyone think about Mobil 1 75W90 for the diff? Also what's the reccomended tranny fluid for this car?

 

I am just wondering why everyone thinks this issue is fine or normal. If it was fine or normal it would be present from the start...and on everyone's car. I had 12,000 miles on my '05 Shinka 6MT when I sold it and didn't experience the sounds you guys are discussing. Mazda dealers dismissing problems is nothing new for RX8 owners.....personally, I would get the opinion of a trusted transmission shop.

 

Check the DIY section folks, it's all in there.

Short answer -- you can use the pumps they sell at most any car parts store. You can also do it without any pump, with a funnel and plastic tubing -- both the Tranny and Diff. I've tried both methods and the funnel/tubing is easier, imo.

It's all in the DIY.