How long do the clutches typically last on the car? I do about 80/20 highway city mileage and to my knowledge I'm not hard on the clutch.

My car is an 04 with approx 40K miles on it.

What are the signs your clutch is going?

 

Stand on the throttle in 4th gear.
If the RPM "runs away" after you cross 5000 or so without commensurate acceleration, the clutch is slipping.
Generally, you can get up to 100,000 miles out of an OE clutch on a relatively stock RX-8.

 

I've got 87,000 miles on the stock clutch so it seems like it lasts a while!

 

Hi.

Assuming you are not talking about mechanical failure of the pressure plate or release components, or oil contamination, but are just talking about normal wear of the friction material on the clutch disc, I agree with the guys above me as far as the test and lifespan (60,000 miles +++).


Generally, you will have more than adequate time between when you notice a clutch gently slipping on the highway, and when you have trouble with slipping in 1st gear. Therefore, clutches are an on-condition replace item, rather than a scheduled time/mileage item.


On a related note, please check your clutch pedal bracket for signs of metal fatigue / cracking in the area where it bolts to the firewall. Search for threads for examples. A broken pedal will leave you by the side of the road....

G'luck.

 

he could be burning his clutch a lot, that could account
for faster where.

 

i just replace mine at 78,000. Mine was slipping the clutch and also the bearing was bad.

 

I also have 87,000 miles on the original clutch with no problems.