billjoebob

I have a 2004 6sp GT model. I have had the new engine and transmission put in about 1,200 hundred miles ago, as well as an ACT clutch. Everything has been different since. I also have an AEM intake and a Borla exhaust, everything else is stock. Here's the issue. When my car warms up it starts to make some sort of mouse wheel sound that comes from where the engine meets the transmission. If I push my clutch petal at about 3-5% in, it goes away. I have been told that it is the release bearing or the pilot bearing that has gone bad. So, I contacted ACT and they said that the release bearing has gone bad to either moisture getting onto it or from lack of lubrication. They have mentioned that I try a spot spray it with some Lithium lubrication, but to not spray the disk. I don't know how to do that. They also told me to try adding transmission fluid and I also don't know how to do that. My transmission also makes a faint grind/spinning sound unless I push the clutch petal all of the way in. Next, I took it to a mechanic who told me that someone might have put the release bearing in backward and that he would replace it for $175. Finally, I took it to Mazda, who will not repair it under warranty because it is not "their" clutch product. They told me that when the clutch was put in that someone did not adjust the clutch correctly, that caused the release bearing to go bad, which then caused everything else to go bad. They handed me an estimate of $2,100. I do not know what to do with my car anymore as I can not find an answer that is 100% solid. Mazda has supplied the parts, minus ACT clutch. Watkins Automotive, in Memphis, TN, did the swap of everything. They refuse to even back their labor warranty on my clutch and they claim that they have done nothing wrong at all. So, someone please help me with what it is that I should do or if I should just purchase a completely different clutch assembly and have that put in. Thanks!

04Green

iTrader: (1)

I feel your pain, but have no idea how to help. There are several posts on the transmission change, might want to read through them for ideas on adjusting stuff. The release bearing should have lasted more than 1,200 miles. But, you want to get it out before it goes bad.

There are also DIY's on changing the transmission oil. Just pull the top plug and see if the oil is up to that point. You have to take transmission out to get to the release bearing. While it is out, throw it away and install a new one. That is why it is called the throw out bearing. Under $200 to drop the exhaust, PPT and trans, lube and install a new bearing and put it all back together is a good price, but the mechanic may have no idea what he is getting into. First time I did it was 10 hours, second time, more like 4, could do it in a little less now. This is NOT a skill I enjoyed developing..

Best I got.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

That $2,100 estimate is horrific. If you are literally only replacing the release bearing, the bearing will cost you less than $50 (i think), and a competent mechanic can do it in less than ~4-6 hours on his back. Less than 3 hours if he has a shop with a lift.

+1,000,000

I pulled my RX-8's transmission 4 times, and the last time was comparatively quick. I'm paying someone else to do that from now on. I hate it.

billjoebob

I just don't think that I could afford to purchase all of the tools necessary to install it myself, properly.

billjoebob

Well, finally solved my release bearing issue. I purchased a fully loaded 6 speed RX8 with just 37K for $1,500. It had front right damage.

I noticed that my shift **** was sitting significantly lower than that of my new to me spare car. I removed the shift assembly to both vehicles and they were identical. So no luck there.

I started to compare the trans from the spare car to that of my car. My engine was swapped, so I started unbolting things to try and redo what was done to my vehicle. When I had unbolted the transmission support, the transmission immediately dropped to a much lower level (on my spare car). I then tightened the bolts. I proceeded into the vehicle and realized that the shift **** was sitting very low. I tried to shift gears and it was very difficult, just as my vehicle.

I quickly put my vehicle up on jack stands and then noticed that my transmission had a subtle sag. I unbolted it, then raised it as high as I could and tightened the bolts.

I no longer have trouble shifting into any gears or have an idle release bearing squeaky wheel. However, the damage has been significantly done to my synchronizers. :/

Now you all know, if a shop does any work to your car, inspect everything that is done before leaving. Also, if you decide to do your own clutch change or any transmission work, to make sure that you lift your transmission adequately before tightening the bolts. This will prevent a huge failure in your transmission.