I was wondering if anyone has ran into this problem

I've got a 2007 RX-8 (Sport AT but with the performance package, sport brakes, sport tuned suspension etc). Today I was coming home, took a curve at the end of a ramp at around 45 mph, when the TCS came on for no reason, then a few seconds later it came back on. A few minutes after that I noticed a clunking noise coming from the front passenger side wheel. I pulled over, check the lugs, check for any visible damage to the wheel, looked fine. So I wasn't far from home, so I drove home. My driveway is pretty steep, so on the parts that were a bit bumpier than the rest of the driveway on the incline, there was a ratting noise (almost like the wheel had come off the rim) coming from the front passenger side.

The wheel on part of the rotation actually moves higher on that side, you can see it if someone else is slowly driving the car, and you can feel it in the car. So I took the wheel off, it looked ok, put the snow tire / rim I had in the garage on that wheel, did the same thing.

After having someone else drive it up the driveway, it definitely looks like a suspension problem. Was just wondering if anyone had this problem with the gas-filled shocks, and if thats the problem or if its something worse.

Have 37k miles on it, but luckily I've got a 7 year 75k mile extended warranty, but its gonna suck to get the rx8 towed to the dealership...

 

Have you seen this "TSB"....could it be your problem?

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1948a.pdf

 

Just in case anyone ran into this problem, turns out it was a failing front brake caliper bolt. It had completely sheered away from the head, and was just being held together by pure luck! The dealership replaced the caliper bolts on both from the front wheels and serviced the rear brakes as well.

 

Hello, purchased a 2010 gt in Feb 16 with 60k as a weekend driver. Problem spiraled quickly. On way home from work suddenly noticed thumping under right front when hitting bump. No noticeable braking issues. 2 days later was driving down highway noticing thumping / clunking after hitting bumps / uneven roads. Suddenly the clunking became constant. Then, when braking car bucks and chunks like I've never seen before. Undriveable. Had too engine break and stopping from 10mph was nearly impossible. Had it towed. Tow guy noted brakes were fine when braking in reverse. only 1500 miles on néw brakes/rotors. Did my suspension completely fail. This happened over a 2 day 30 mile time frame. It was towed to a general repair shop. Is this ok. I have a rotary expert mechanic but was too far for the tow. Can anyone help me determine what this could be? Sway bars / bushings? I know very little about cars but am trying to learn. Thank you.

 

Can't say much from that description, start taking stuff apart and see what's broken. Could be similar to the original poster's problem: caliper bolt came loose. Don't think it's the suspension, that wouldn't affect braking at 10mph. Probably maintenance by the previous owner gone wrong. Do you know what work was done recently?

 

Thanks for quick reply. Dealer replaced brakes, tires and rotors prior to my purchase. After purchase I brought it to rotary expert in Chicago who replace all fluids, plugs and also gave it a compression test. All was good. Im surprised how quickly this problem escalated. I noted the second it started and nothing unusual happened prior. I note that I hit the dealer advertisement immediately and just showed up to test drive. Was not able to test drive because they said brakes rotors, tires needed replacement. I noted there was uneven wear on prior tires. Could they have done extensive brake job and not replace calipers? Excuse my ignorance. My mechanic did change the brake fluid as it didn't appear to have been changed. I'll update the thread once I find out for those who may experience the same problem.

 

I would not expect the calipers to need replacing at that mileage. You would expect pads, rotors and brake fluid replaced and slider pins greased. That last one is often overlooked.

Let us know the autopsy results, as soon as someone looks at the front brakes, the source of the problem should be apparent. Could be as simple as a forgotten brake pad clip or loose bolt that took a bit of time to dislodge itself.

 

Thanks Loki, you were correct. it was a caliper bolt. Apparently it fell out altogether as it was missing.