So yesterday I was at a stop light and decided to put the pedal to the floor. I went to about 8,500 rpm's and then shifted into second and went to about 6k and then slowed down. Just a short burst. About 2 minutes later I pulled into my driveway and parked it and had it in neutral. I noticed a high pitched grinding/whining noise. I put the clutch pedal to the floor and it stopped. When I let my clutch up I heard the noise again. Put the clutch to the floor again and it stopped and so on. I have a 05 with 83,000 miles on it. Just bought it about 4,000 miles ago. Does it look like I may need to be replacing my clutch soon? And also, I have noticed that even at low speeds when I am trying to down shift it is VERY hard to get into first gear from second. And i'm saying at speeds such as 5 mph. Any help is much appreciated!

 

does it sound like a bag of rocks? because mine does that too.
getting in 1st gear on RX8 is never easy, you either double clutch or just come to almost a complete stop.

 

^ You never really need to get into first gear from second. Always stay in second. Unless you are fully stopped then go into first then second and so on. If youre about to stop but the car infront of you starts moving i usually go in neutral brake lightly and if the car starts moving i put it back into second.

As for the noise. I went with a buddy to test drive an 8 cause hes buying one and it sounds like it had the same problem as you. When you press the clutch noise goes away but when the clutch is engaged (not pressed) noise comes back. Its your clutch bearings inside that connects the tranny to the engine that has to be replaced. But apparently its tought getting to it so the whole clutch might need to be replaced. Dont take my word for it. Its hard to describe noises and it could be something totally different. Best thing to do is get a clip of the sound. Good luck.

 

The throwout bearing (mentioned above) is notoriously loud in the 8. That being said, yours could be going bad. If it sounds like a bunch of rocks or really clatters around, you might be due for a new one. I'd go with BHR and get their heavy duty one. From what I've heard about it, it's pretty much noise free.

 

It could be one of 3 bearings to be correct. The pilot bearing, throwout(release) bearing, or the transmission input shaft bearing. I would replace all 3 if your going to put a new clutch in. If any of them have failed it can cause your problem.

 

Thanks alot for the input! I really try to keep away from the Mazda dealership. Not only is it far away but also they're absolute dicks over there and their service is horrible. Much rather try to figure out the problem myself.

 

I agree, here's a cellphone video I took two days before my "THROW-OUT/RELEASE BEARING" broke, which sounds like an unlubed mouse wheel. I kinda mashed the shifter into gear on my way home; replaced the clutch, as well, since the whole thing already came as a set in one box.

Click on the link since you already have +80,000 miles put in it, EXEDY STAGE 1 ORGANIC CLUTCH.

 

I just had the same **** happen on Thursday same noise you guys were experiencing I just change my clutch kit with a stage 3 along with the flywheel (don't ask me why I went with a stage 3!!) ran great till two days ago. Clutch kit along with flywheel bearings and all had about 3K on it. Now it's sitting at the Mazda dealer with a bill of 1800$ new clutch preassure plate flywheel the whole nine yards!

LEAVE YOUR CAR STOCK!!!!!!!!! less headaches...


By the way I got a stage 3 clutch puck style and light weight flywheel if anyone is interested?

 

stock isnt necessary just don't go above the stage 1 hd kit. There is an upgrade which is only a tiny bit higher and better quality. Talk to BHR they can hook you up. But go with the stock part number plus add HD.

 

Doc, I looked on BHR's website and only saw clutch pedal assemblies. If you don't mind, can you post a link where I can find the clutch you are talking about?? Thanks.

 

thanks Bro! but my this is my 2nd engine and if any of the products were aftermarket and the engine takes a dive they are not going to honor the extened warranty. F&%K it! go back to oem parts, brand new engine I should be good for the next few years.