I noticed about a week ago that shifting in my RX8 was getting more and more difficult. Right now shifting into first and reverse are the hardest. It takes me like 1 min to get it into reverse sometimes! All the other gears are hard as well and the clutch feels way too soft. Like it's halfway depressed most of the times and it just doesn't feel right, too soft. I don't know how else to describe it. Don't really have too much of a clue, so thought I would ask you guys before I took it into a dealer. Btw, is the transmission covered under any sort of warranty? I have a 2004 RX8 with 40,000 miles on it. Bought it used so not sure about the warranty if any. Please advise.

 

Someome correct me but it sounds like your clutch assembly is ready to snap.
find the thread on clutch assembly. I think your welds are ready to go and is a danger to bigger costlier things. You might need to remove the clutch assembly and have a trusted welder make stronger welds. From the pictures of the clutch assembly, the OEM welds are a joke.

 

If it's the clutch assembly, how much would it cost to fix at a dealer? Is it covered under any sort of warranty/recall? And if not, should I buy stock or aftermarket (if there is one) to prevent this from happening again?

 

Call for a quote for a new clutch assembly with install since I am not sure. As far as a new clutch, an OEM would work as long as you took it over to a certified welder who can reinforce the bracket. I believe Mazdatrix.com has an aftermarket but not positive. For $99.30 part number 41-300C-FE05. Call Mazdatrix if you dont want to take the time sending one to a welder and see if theirs is indeed an upgraded part at 562-426-7960.

 

Oh and as far as warranty. I believe it isnt. I know of a guy who snapped his and it took some other components with it. He said he was fighting with the dealership so I assume its not under warranty and is not a recall. How many miles do you have on it? and are you the original owner? Before this is solved. I dont know if driving it is a good thing unless your taking it directly to the dealership.

 

Update on clutches. Go to http://raceroots.com/index.php/produ...cessories.html
I read a thread suggesting this vendor and they have two ideas. One is to keep your pedal but by the reinforcement bracket or to buy their complete upgrade assembly.

 

I bought it used, and don't think it's under warranty anymore, but will check. am taking it to the dealership tomorrow, will let you know what they say..at this point I am hoping it's the clutch assembly and not the transmission.

 

here's a set of pictures you can use to check your clutch pedal assembly
https://www.rx8club.com/race-roots-134/clutch-pedal-bracket-solutions-explanations-now-recall-194975/
There will be a pedal recall under warranty but I recommend getting the reinforcement bracket anyway

If it's not the pedal then it will be your master cylinder, your slave cylinder or the hydraulic fluid

 

Thanks for the help guys! It turned out to be the clutch pedal assembly after all. I am posting some pics. I just heard about the so called "8 years 100k warranty". Now the next question is how do I get my $465 reimbursed to me that was charged by the dealer for parts and labor?

The dealership here in Puerto Rico swears up and down that there is no warranty. Is there any official communication from Mazda that I can show them? Does anyone know any numbers I can call?<BR>