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Clutch problem!!

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Old 02-25-2008, 05:07 PM
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Clutch problem!!

My rx8 has 38000 miles and i bought it used at 31000 miles. The clutch went out on me and i looked at the warranty manuel and it has nothing saying about the clutch. The dealer says the clutch is only cover for the first 12000 miles only. Now they say its gonna cost me 1100 dollars to repair it with new parts. The factory warranty covers powertrain and im thinking that the clutch is part of the powertrain but they say its not. Can anyone tell me if it is or its not. Or is Mazda is trying to rip me off. They gave me a owners manuel and warranty manuel and it clearly has no saying of the clutch warranty. Help me OUT!!!!!! If this is true about the clutch than mazda needs to add it to the warranty manuel so peeps like me can make a decision of getting it.
Old 02-25-2008, 05:15 PM
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lol clutch is a wear item no way it would be covered
Old 02-25-2008, 05:17 PM
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+1...sorry but you're SOL. You could go aftermarket and get a good clutch bought and installed for a little less than half the price Mazda is asking. Think of this as a good thing!
Old 02-25-2008, 07:55 PM
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Thats true its not covered. One bad thing about buying used, you don't know how it was treated before you get it.. Call around and see if you can get a better price.
Old 02-25-2008, 08:00 PM
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new HD clutch and lightweight flywheel is around $700. install should be around $350.

So for less than what your dealer wants for just clutch replacement, you could be having a nice setup.
Old 02-25-2008, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mysql
new HD clutch and lightweight flywheel is around $700. install should be around $350.

So for less than what your dealer wants for just clutch replacement, you could be having a nice setup.
+1 he Speaketh the truth
Old 02-25-2008, 09:28 PM
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Depends on if the clutch problem is accompanied by the dreaded "pedal snappage".
Old 02-25-2008, 10:38 PM
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Well the dam dealer said the throttle bearing was ok but the flywheel is all eat up. He says you have to replace the whole dam clutch system. I wanted aftermarket on but will mazda install it for u? Cause im fairly new to the rotary. My first rotary too. The sad part is that only driven hat car for 8000 miles and its already done deal for clutch. This means its pretty dam obviuos that rx8 clutch factory is dam cheap. Is it still worth keeping my rx8? or should i just trade it?
Old 02-25-2008, 11:14 PM
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A few facts; 1) If there is any part that is a weak spot in the RX-8's drivetrain, it is NOT the clutch. The factory clutch is good to about 325 h.p.(+/-). 2) It's called a "throwout" bearing. 3) If your flywheel is "eaten up", it is probably due to heat damage from poor clutch finesse. That means you will probably need a new flywheel and clutch assembly. I can get those for you, and the dealer can/will install them. The RX-7 Store, Mazdaparts, and many other vendors have nice parts, too.
Old 02-25-2008, 11:21 PM
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The problem is you bought a used car that was beat.
Check out the section for the area you live.

Too bad you didn't find a good rotary shop by asking or reading.

They dealer has to have the car apart to tell you need a new flywheel.

Tell them you want to look at it.

Then ask if they will install aftermarket parts.

If, no buy the Mazdaspeed flywheel.

If the dealer doesn't fix it your gonna pay for the labor twice.

They don't take cars apart and put them back togeather for nothing.

Last edited by Razz1; 02-26-2008 at 09:32 AM.
Old 02-25-2008, 11:34 PM
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There is a chance that the dealer might replace the clutch for free IF you bought the car from them.
Old 02-26-2008, 09:33 AM
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^ now there's where the art of negotiation comes in. You buy the mazdaspeed flywheel and labor and they give you a new clutch.
Old 02-26-2008, 03:13 PM
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Will i did buy the car from a mazda dealer but they said its totally not covered. I wanted to install my own flywheel and stuf but i dont want to mess around with something new i dont even know much about it. Best to let dam dealer do it and if it breaks down ill blame it on them. But you have been a very good help to me. Ill keep all the options in mind when i wanna go aftermarkets pretty soon. Thanks guys.
Old 02-26-2008, 03:33 PM
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Kuo, where are you located?
Old 02-26-2008, 09:58 PM
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is the rx8 clutch pedal quite heavy normally?
i know sports car clutch pedal can be like tractors, just mine feels heavier
than my mx3 pedal.

its going in ok and bitting point fine, gears changing, just need legs like iron sometimes, can the clutch be adjusted?

thanks
Old 02-26-2008, 10:05 PM
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I hasd a heavy clutch from the factory.

When I installed the flywheel the new Center force clutch is as smooth as butter.
Old 02-26-2008, 10:22 PM
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so its normal then???

thats not great, just have to hit the gym then...
Old 02-27-2008, 04:04 PM
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sorry to hear that, but when you buy used thats what sometimes happen, and u cant really tell unless you pull the engine. I had the same problem with my clutch in december, I had only had the car for a little under 3000 miles before my clutch went. I got the dealer to replace the flywheel, pressure plate, throwout bearing and clutch for 1200.
Old 02-28-2008, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Charles R. Hill
Kuo, where are you located?
Im from fresno,Ca
Old 02-28-2008, 12:53 PM
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I got my clutch replaced today and it grips on the gear better but i gotta let it break in first. After that ill pucnh it to see if its alot better. Clutch is still kinda hard but we will see. I got 12 month 12000 miles warranty on it. If all else dont work im going aftermarket on this one.
Old 02-28-2008, 01:15 PM
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Anybody who is considering an aftermarket clutch....holla atcha Boy!!

I got some SWEET product coming in 2 weeks.
Old 02-28-2008, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by spoddyandthemazda
is the rx8 clutch pedal quite heavy normally?
i know sports car clutch pedal can be like tractors, just mine feels heavier
than my mx3 pedal.

its going in ok and bitting point fine, gears changing, just need legs like iron sometimes, can the clutch be adjusted?

thanks
I have driven 5 different stock RX8's - on all of them the clutch pedal was light.
Old 03-03-2008, 02:56 AM
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My clutch has been replace by mazda. Everytime i hit 5500 rpm i shift to third and it grinds. WTF!!!!! Mazda better fix that shyt. Before my clutch went gone on me the one before that never grinded. Now everytime i shift from 2nd to 3rd it grinds at 5500 rpm and especially if you go up to 8000. I work in the mountains so i need the power to go up. But it grinds n shyt n i just got it knew, replaced by mazda. Thats it man, im taking it back to the service department.
Old 03-03-2008, 03:11 AM
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Originally Posted by KouMeng
My clutch has been replace by mazda. Everytime i hit 5500 rpm i shift to third and it grinds. WTF!!!!! Mazda better fix that shyt. Before my clutch went gone on me the one before that never grinded. Now everytime i shift from 2nd to 3rd it grinds at 5500 rpm and especially if you go up to 8000. I work in the mountains so i need the power to go up. But it grinds n shyt n i just got it knew, replaced by mazda. Thats it man, im taking it back to the service department.
Sounds like your 3rd gear synchro might be shot. When does it grind - as you move of shifter to 3rd, or as you take your foot off the clutch?
Old 03-03-2008, 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Mobile
Sounds like your 3rd gear synchro might be shot. When does it grind - as you move of shifter to 3rd, or as you take your foot off the clutch?
It happens as soon as i shift to third. They all say i should just go easy on it for about 500 to 800 miles and then try it again. They as in my brothers and cousins but they dont know much.


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