Hey guys, I drive a manual 04 rx8 and I recently had an Exedy Stage 1 clutch and an ACT prolite flywheel installed roughly 3k miles ago. Everything had been going fine until the other day when I was trying to reverse out of a parking spot. The reverse was almost impossible to get into, I had to pull back as hard as I could. Then when I finally got ready to go into first out of the parking spot, it was almost as hard to get into as reverse. I have searched all over the site to find a reason for this to happen and the only possible solutions I can think of is needing a transmission fluid change or the clutch engage needs to be shortened. I am hoping nothing has already went wrong with the clutch/flywheel package.

I also noticed today that while at a stoplight, when I released the clutch the car moved forward sort of like an auto. I couldn't reproduce this and it only happened once.

Any input is appreciated.

 

when you swap out your clutch, did you change out the pilot/throw-out bearing for a new one? I not an expert on the clutch system but I am suspecting it could be a bad or worn bearing that is causing your shifting problem. You could try changing the transmission fluid and see if it helps. Hopefully someone with knowledge in mechanics will chime in.

 

The pilot bearing and release bearing came in the kit so I hope whomever did the swap installed them.

Check your clutch pedal free-play. It should be 1/4"-1/2" at the pedal pad.

If the free-play is fine you may need a new clutch pedal assembly as it could have cracks developing in the backplate. Search on that topic.

 

yeah search CHRs topic also do not pull back too hard on reverse or u will bend ur shift fork!!! Trust me been there done that! NOt fun

 

I bet it's the pedal level play.

A bad clutch install...........

 

Could this be faulty shift fork or AFE Short shifter bearings? I know the pilot/throw out bearing was changed. I will look at the pedal level play tomorrow. Thanks guys.

 

My gears are a bit hard to get into/out of, never force the lever, on mine if its hard to get into I just gently push it and take my foot off the brake so that the car can roll a little bit, that always puts it in gear.

Did the guy who installed it have any experience with rx8s?

 

It could be, have you let anyone drive it that didn't know that you need to push down to get it into reverse? Maybe they bent it.

 

No, I don't believe he had any experience with 8's but he has built plenty of +300hp nissans and other imports. I am the only one whos driven it period since purchasing

 

Update, I drove the car today and 9/10 times shifting into 2nd gear resulted in grinding. I have been reading up on tranny problems and signs either point to shift fork issue or bolts not being torque'd down tight enough with the clutch swap. Im hoping for the bolts. Anyone know the cost of replacing shift forks? Thanks

 

when was ur tranny fluid changed last? if it was a shift fork you would b having trouble in more than one gear becasue 1 and 2 are in line w/each other and if bolts were loose on clutchplate/pressure plate it also would b all the time not just in 2nd....I think i would take it back to the place that u had it done and have them double check the work....

However if it's been along time since the tranny fluid was changed i would try that for sure....

 

I don't believe it has ever been changed so I have some mt-90 and 75w90 to put in it.