First Id like to start off by saying I just had my clutch and transmission replaced less then 1,000 miles ago to stop my car from grinding gears.

Well I was driving my car a little hard over the weekend, when all of a sudden it wouldnt go into any gear, and had to get it towed into the shop.

The mechanic called today and said he is replacing it this time, but a piece of the clutch broke from over revving the motor?

Im a little confused here...

Could it have been because the clutch was still somewhat new? The mechanic told me that there isnt really a break in period for the new clutch the last time it was replaced.

 

as far as I know there isnt a break in period. If the clutch was not aligned properly in the first place I guess it could lead to something like this

 

You dont have a habit of resting your left foot on the clutch pedal while driving do you?

 

Sounds to me like you have a crappy mechanic. Even a shitty driver wouldn't go through a clutch that soon. Our clutches are actually pretty damn good and not a common failure point. My first clutch was replaced at 96,000 and it wasn't even finished, I only replaced it because I was getting a new engine.

 

I rest my food on the dead pedal. I know better then to rest it on the clutch

But trust me, this man isnt my choice in mechanics. Hes the transmission guy that Carmax uses (where I bought the Rx8), and the part was under a 6 month 6,000 mile warranty, because of being replaced once already.

This is the guy who couldnt even figure out why my transmission was grinding. I dont know how a man who owns a transmission shop, wouldnt know this...

Lets just cross our fingers and hope I dont have to deal with him again

 

I would suggest that you either have a alignment problem with the PowerPlant Frame (PPF) or the master/slave clutch cylinders. You could also have them remove and inspect the clutch peddle assembly to see if the welds are holding.
If your going to drive it hard, get a clutch upgrade. Move to an aftermarket stage 2 or 3 clutch.

 

Figured as much, but its one of those questions I have to ask. Can't count the number of times I sat in the car with a friend and noticed a burning @$$ smell coming from his car. A quick peek and I learned he rested his foot on the pedal. When I asked why his response was "i know the amount of give my pedal has" .... clearly he didn't

 

lord... some people...

 

So I just got my car back. They showed me the old clutch, and half of the disc was laying in the box! I think the old clutch was just defective or something. Im still a little stumped tho...

Anyways, the whole drive back, it felt like the clutch pedal was very weak. It was so light and easily went to the floor. I gassed it on the express way and when I let the clutch out fast, it almost stayed on the floor. I already went to Mazda about the recall. Shouldn't the clutch pedal feel a little more firm if the clutch is new?

 

Did they replace your clutch with an oem unit, or some shitty house brand from autozone or something. Sounds like you got a **** unit that isn't strong enough for the car.

 

Id like to hope it was OEM. The car was still under warranty the first time it was replaced.

Now I regret not taking a closer look at the old clutch :X

Time to google pictures OEM pictures!!

 

there was a notice that was sent out about Mazda extending the warranty on the clutch because it has a defective bracket that may crack. it wasn't a recall but said that if your were experiencing problem with your clutch to take it in and have it checked. the extended warranty would cover the repair. i had my clutch replaced in 2005 (bought mine brand new in 2004), it gave out going downhill, free flowing, did not engage. i told Mazda to check my current clutch because it feels a little weak to me too, it doesn't engage as soon as it used to. clutch is almost half way up before it engages. i'm not happy with the Mazda techs or dealerships here in Hawaii...put too much $$$ in repairs for this car, but still love it too much to turn it in just yet.

=^..^=
2004 RX8
Sport Package
Titanium

 

Wow thanks a lot. I'm not near as happy with this new clutch like the last one. It engages about halfway like you said yours does. On top of that, it feels super weak. I put my foot down on the clutch pedal, and my foot basically falls to the floor, and Ive tried twice to pop the clutch and there is no chance. The pedal now comes up to slow now. Either something else is wrong, something wasnt done right, or the mechanic screwed me this time.

You guys got anything?

I will be making an appointment at Mazda about the problems with the clutch. Maybe they can help.