So my 2004 8 is at 81,000 miles and is limping towards total clutch failure. Is this going to be impossible for someone who is an amateur but has never done a clutch? I got the exedy mzk1002 for under $300. Yes I know. Crappy product. But I'm going through a poor stage in my life right now. It'll do.

Anyways how long will this take? I'll have use of a full shop with any tools I need and a full lift. Do I need a buddy? Will I be crying by the end of the day?

 

yes. goodluck.

 

yes you'll need a buddy. Put it on the lift, take off all the bolts holding the exhaust on, get it out of the way, I've never done the rx8 before but I believe there's also a bracket very close if not under the exhaust that also needs to come out so that you can actually get at the transmission. Obviously you'll need to support the transmission as you take it out to get access to the clutch, be careful not to have any of the bolts pinch or you won't be able to get the last bolt off without putting at least some of the others back in...there might be a way to get the clutch off without it but I *think* you need a special tool to pull it off. I've only ever done one clutch and it was on a v6 mustang. Good luck and search around on rx8club and youtube, there's probably something.

Edit: here, I found this video for you: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-clutch-flywheel-removal-install-video-196478/

 

Oreo just did his clutch himself (with the help of a buddy) and doing it all with Jackstands & hand tools. As long as you take your time you should be fine... but it is a lot of work.

 

if u have access to a shop with all tools. U dont need a buddy. But it will be better to have one around to bs and hand u the tools u need.

Its not that bad if u have a lift. Takes probably 6 hours for first time.

 

Done and done. 4 1/2 hours. Broke an exhaust bolt. Sounds like an angry hive of bees.

 

if youve never done one before it could be up to 8 hours. if your good 3. just go step by step with a haynes manual and its easy

 

Does Haynes publish an RX-8 manual? Their web site does not list one. I have not been imprssed by the Haynes manual I have for another car.

The shop manual is available for download from several sites. Not too hard to find with a google search, and there are several threads that cite it. Look for the pdf version.

Ken