Hi guys,

the clutch in my rx8 '04 is grinding and making squeeking noises like if it needs grease or something. My car has 51600 miles.

Well, I called the dealer and they told me it cost $1050 (parts + labor) to get that replaced. Ouch!

I went to a small shop, they quoted $540 for parts and $390 for installation (wow still), $930 total.

I called the dealer parts dept myself, and indeed the parts cost $540
Bearings: $40
Clutch Disc: $220
Pressure Plate: $280

Shopping online, found this website with some aftermarket clutch disc and pressure plate kit (I would still need the bearings) for $305. So far I'm down in parts to $345.

http://replacement.autopartswarehous...%20Kit&dp=true

Can someone recommend me a good aftermarket clutch kit or parts to replace it in my car? If they produce better performance, even better, the kit on the link above supposedly provides better performance. I am considering installing a bunch of things in my car after the warranty expires (like turbo, etc), so this should be a good time to install a high performance clutch.

Also, if you guys can recommend a shop in Miami, FL that can install this for me I'm all ears.

Thank you,

J.

 

Try UltraRev.com. I just purchased a clutchmasters stage 3 kevlar clutch and a fidanza flywheel from them. My dealer installed them for free when they replaced the motor. So far I couldn't be happier with the clutch. It is actually easier on the leg than the stock clutch I had. Flywheel is nice too. Just waiting to break the motor in completely before I really test them out.

 

thats to funny i also live in fl and i also have an 04 with 51k miles and my clutch is doing the same thing...i called the dealer (gunther) they told me 1130 installed parts and labor...i also went to speedy transmission the quoted me 575 in labor..I found the exedy clutch kit for $324 on amazon...919 total one day to get the job done..

 

thats to funny i also live in fl and i also have an 04 with 51k miles and my clutch is doing the same thing...i called the dealer (gunther) they told me 1130 installed parts and labor...i also went to speedy transmission they quoted me 575 in labor..I found the exedy clutch kit for $324 on amazon...919 total one day to get the job done..

 

I would check your transmission fluid and bleed your clutch line and see if the grinding keeps up. Is your clutch slipping or just loud. Also is it just when it's engaged or disengaged?

 

the griding is like when your brakes are wet and you press them; that squeaking sound is about the same thing coming out of the actual clutch, the actual pedal is what makes that noise, like if it needed wd40 in the joint.

Now, in addition to that, the feel when I press the clutch is like when your brakes pads are worn out that your brakes are already braking against the disks, that weird feel is what I get now when I press the clutch.

This happens when I press and/or remove the foot from the pedal.

 

I have this on my RX8, and works even better than the stock unit. The clutch effort is lighter & when I had my turbo on my car it handled the extra tq. like a champ.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=DF641101

I would recommend if you are replacing your clutch, do the flywheel (get a lightweight unit) at the same time. You will save a lot by not having to drop your tranny a second time.

 

Well I think 390 for installation is *ok* for a dealership. and the parts are *ok* as well, you can save a few extra bucks if you buy them at the site vendors tho.

but yeah I would recommend you to replace your Flywheel at the same time.

you can get clutches like Clutchmaster or ACT Street/strip. both are ok for street use and wont kill your left leg.

 

There is a TSB for the clutch slave cylinder coming loose. This would cause weird engagement issues. Also Charles R. Hill has had experience where the clutch pedal mounting bracket has cracked at the spot welds where it is welded to the footwell. Crawl under the dashboard and make sure your clutch pedal bracket is securely attached to the footwell. Then have the dealer check the clutch slave cylinder and make sure it has not come loose. you can search the forum under TSBs and pull up the exact one and bring it to them. They can make sure it's secured. I would check that before you decide to replace the clutch.

 

squeaking is most likely your throwout bearing i had same problem