Strange squeaking belt noise. stops when pressure on the clutch pedal.
#1
Strange squeaking belt noise. stops when pressure on the clutch pedal.
Hello all,
I've been lurking your website for 3 years and usually have been able to get a straight answer with out having to ask. I've searched high and low for 2 weeks now with no clear answer.
on to the issue: when the car is in neutral and not moving i can hear what sounds like a belt rubbing on a pulley. as soon as you put ANY pressure at all on the clutch pedal the noise stops completely.
i have no idea what it could be. it's been driving me mad. this is my second rx8 (i lost the first in hurricane sandy) my brother bought the car in arizona and shipped it to me so i had no way to check out the car and now im stuck with this issue due to his inexperience with cars. its been making the noise since i got it 2 weeks ago and presumably since before than.
any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance![Fingersx](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif)
-Dan
I've been lurking your website for 3 years and usually have been able to get a straight answer with out having to ask. I've searched high and low for 2 weeks now with no clear answer.
on to the issue: when the car is in neutral and not moving i can hear what sounds like a belt rubbing on a pulley. as soon as you put ANY pressure at all on the clutch pedal the noise stops completely.
i have no idea what it could be. it's been driving me mad. this is my second rx8 (i lost the first in hurricane sandy) my brother bought the car in arizona and shipped it to me so i had no way to check out the car and now im stuck with this issue due to his inexperience with cars. its been making the noise since i got it 2 weeks ago and presumably since before than.
any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance
![Fingersx](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif)
-Dan
#2
Hello all,
I've been lurking your website for 3 years and usually have been able to get a straight answer with out having to ask. I've searched high and low for 2 weeks now with no clear answer.
on to the issue: when the car is in neutral and not moving i can hear what sounds like a belt rubbing on a pulley. as soon as you put ANY pressure at all on the clutch pedal the noise stops completely.
i have no idea what it could be. it's been driving me mad. this is my second rx8 (i lost the first in hurricane sandy) my brother bought the car in arizona and shipped it to me so i had no way to check out the car and now im stuck with this issue due to his inexperience with cars. its been making the noise since i got it 2 weeks ago and presumably since before than.
any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance![Fingersx](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif)
-Dan
I've been lurking your website for 3 years and usually have been able to get a straight answer with out having to ask. I've searched high and low for 2 weeks now with no clear answer.
on to the issue: when the car is in neutral and not moving i can hear what sounds like a belt rubbing on a pulley. as soon as you put ANY pressure at all on the clutch pedal the noise stops completely.
i have no idea what it could be. it's been driving me mad. this is my second rx8 (i lost the first in hurricane sandy) my brother bought the car in arizona and shipped it to me so i had no way to check out the car and now im stuck with this issue due to his inexperience with cars. its been making the noise since i got it 2 weeks ago and presumably since before than.
any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance
![Fingersx](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif)
-Dan
#3
do you know if there is anything i (someone with fairly limited knowledge in mechanics) could do to fix it?
or any idea what it would cost to have the stealership handle it?
#4
Ok well according to this thread (read it thoroughly because they go back and forth) - someone says it could be the throwout bearing.
Because they are saying your throwout bearing is loose but as soon as you put any pressure/load on it it tightens up and the sound goes away. Which kinda makes sense I guess..... sorta like when you have a bad wheel bearing - it only howls when it's not under load. So even though it's spinning with the clutch pedal pushed in and your transferring the engine load to it - it doesn't make the noise.
https://www.rx8club.com/trouble-shoo...7/#post1570819
Because they are saying your throwout bearing is loose but as soon as you put any pressure/load on it it tightens up and the sound goes away. Which kinda makes sense I guess..... sorta like when you have a bad wheel bearing - it only howls when it's not under load. So even though it's spinning with the clutch pedal pushed in and your transferring the engine load to it - it doesn't make the noise.
https://www.rx8club.com/trouble-shoo...7/#post1570819
#5
Ok well according to this thread (read it thoroughly because they go back and forth) - someone says it could be the throwout bearing.
Because they are saying your throwout bearing is loose but as soon as you put any pressure/load on it it tightens up and the sound goes away. Which kinda makes sense I guess..... sorta like when you have a bad wheel bearing - it only howls when it's not under load. So even though it's spinning with the clutch pedal pushed in and your transferring the engine load to it - it doesn't make the noise.
https://www.rx8club.com/trouble-shoo...7/#post1570819
Because they are saying your throwout bearing is loose but as soon as you put any pressure/load on it it tightens up and the sound goes away. Which kinda makes sense I guess..... sorta like when you have a bad wheel bearing - it only howls when it's not under load. So even though it's spinning with the clutch pedal pushed in and your transferring the engine load to it - it doesn't make the noise.
https://www.rx8club.com/trouble-shoo...7/#post1570819
so i guess the general consensus is that it is the throwout bearing. now the question is, does anyone know if this needs immediate attention or is it not really a problem to concern myself with?
i would really like an answer. this noise haunts me, it rings for hours after i get out of the car after a long drive, i feel like im developing an ulcer from it.
![Eyetwitch](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/eyetwitch.gif)
#6
Charles Bundy
iTrader: (5)
Yep, if the bearing in question is making the noise, it will do so in cyclical motion while in idle (like a "noisy-unlubed mouse wheel" that you'll definitely hear outside of your car) and it disappears once the clutch is depressed. The noise was present for at least two months before it broke in November of 2010 and I practically drove the car everyday during that period. When my bearing broke, I definitely heard "marbles in a can" and thought my engine and transmission exploded! The casing and the ball bearings were all over the place once it was taken apart and the mechanic said that there were no apparent damages to the fork, pressure plate, and clutch; I wish I had taken a picture because the bearing was in pieces and all collected throughout the bottom of the transmission.
The MAZDA OEM clutch kit is made by EXEDY; as a set it includes the clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and the throw out bearing in one box. After the breakdown, I saw my disc and pressure plate in very good condition for something that's been driven for 148,000 miles, which could have easily lasted longer than my OEM factory engine(167,305 miles). I had all three replaced since we couldn't buy just the bearing itself at that time. But I found that it can be bought individually; as well as, the pilot bearing through RotaryFX.com.
Here's a Blackberry Cellphone video I had taken at that time:
Doc Beach's series of quotes which came from the same thread I pulled my response that is posted above:
The MAZDA OEM clutch kit is made by EXEDY; as a set it includes the clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and the throw out bearing in one box. After the breakdown, I saw my disc and pressure plate in very good condition for something that's been driven for 148,000 miles, which could have easily lasted longer than my OEM factory engine(167,305 miles). I had all three replaced since we couldn't buy just the bearing itself at that time. But I found that it can be bought individually; as well as, the pilot bearing through RotaryFX.com.
Here's a Blackberry Cellphone video I had taken at that time:
Facebook Post
Doc Beach's series of quotes which came from the same thread I pulled my response that is posted above:
I would just replace all 3 bearings and leave it at that. Pilot, Throwout, and transmission shaft input bearing. If the clutch isn't badly worn and has good life left leave it alone.
Pilot bearing - 12 bucks
Input shaft bearing - 30 bucks
Throwout Bearing (Release Bearing) - 60-70 dollars.
New Clutch with only Throwout Bearing - 400-500 dollars easy.
So if its just the bearing I would rather spend the 115 dollars instead of spending the 500 dollars or more. Of course labor wont be cheap, and if its not a dealer used to doing the ppf alignment it can turn out badly either way.
Pilot bearing - 12 bucks
Input shaft bearing - 30 bucks
Throwout Bearing (Release Bearing) - 60-70 dollars.
New Clutch with only Throwout Bearing - 400-500 dollars easy.
So if its just the bearing I would rather spend the 115 dollars instead of spending the 500 dollars or more. Of course labor wont be cheap, and if its not a dealer used to doing the ppf alignment it can turn out badly either way.
From what I have been taught here is how you tell the difference. If you have the clutch deperessed and you hear the noise its going to be the pilot bearing or throwout bearing. If you hear the whirring noise when the clutch is released in neutral then its your transmission shaft input bearing. So going from that knowledge move to which your going to replace.
Which is it? ...talk to BHR about getting a clutch. They know first hand whos clutchs fail and whos last.
Which is it? ...talk to BHR about getting a clutch. They know first hand whos clutchs fail and whos last.
Should a bearing break off it can cause some pretty serious damage. Then again you could just wear down the transmission input shaft, or even have nothing go wrong at all. You never know how a parts going to act, yours might have worn down as far as it will and it manages to survive the life of the car. Its really all up to chance luck.
A lot of times the release bearing is noisy when its disengaged. But any bearing can make noise when its under stress and worn or damaged. As long as its spinning so I have seen what happened to you in that same condition Grace.
The forks, and shaft input bearing both require you tear down the transmission. The pilot bearing requires a special tool, and if it comes apart, a lot of patience. The power plant frame alignment is the easiest of the ones to do you can pretty much follow the shop manual to do that.
But again if you havn't torn a transmission down before, I would recommend you do it with someone that has. It takes a decent amount of time to do as well.
The forks, and shaft input bearing both require you tear down the transmission. The pilot bearing requires a special tool, and if it comes apart, a lot of patience. The power plant frame alignment is the easiest of the ones to do you can pretty much follow the shop manual to do that.
But again if you havn't torn a transmission down before, I would recommend you do it with someone that has. It takes a decent amount of time to do as well.
Last edited by Grace_Excel; 02-24-2013 at 03:55 PM.
#7
Super Moderator
OP please PM me or post your full VIN number as I may be able to offer more assistance.
What year is your RX-8?
What year is your RX-8?
#8
Registered
iTrader: (13)
pilot bearing I remember mines was going out than I went ti the track and on the way home I sheared my input shaft as everything failed had to get new input shaft clutch pilot bearing everything LOL. so yea may as well replace it with a clutch kit to save you from having to do it later.
#9
#10
Super Moderator
OK, so you have a Series 1 RX-8, lets put your thread in the correct Sub Forum..
You might get more comments...
It also really helps other members to comment when you give more car details....like how many miles has your car done..?
I am perhaps thinking throw out bearing....what is the condition of your clutch?
You might get more comments...
It also really helps other members to comment when you give more car details....like how many miles has your car done..?
I am perhaps thinking throw out bearing....what is the condition of your clutch?
#12
Charles Bundy
iTrader: (5)
That's a good question, and I clearly remember two years ago when my throwout bearing (or pilote bearing as I thought) broke that pushing the pedal partially half-way stopped the noise; as well as, once it is fully. When pressure is applied, half-way or fully, which bearing is at work? I may have been mistaken and that could have been my pilot bearing broke.
#13
OK, so you have a Series 1 RX-8, lets put your thread in the correct Sub Forum..
You might get more comments...
It also really helps other members to comment when you give more car details....like how many miles has your car done..?
I am perhaps thinking throw out bearing....what is the condition of your clutch?
You might get more comments...
It also really helps other members to comment when you give more car details....like how many miles has your car done..?
I am perhaps thinking throw out bearing....what is the condition of your clutch?
Just broke 72k miles, minor slippage when attempting to take off in third gear
Any pressure at all on the pedal stops the noise, it makes the sound when in gear as well if I'm like in an alley with large stone walls but its pretty hard to notice unless looking for it.
I bought the exedy stage 1hd clutch kit complete with pilot and throw out bearings, so I'm hoping replacing everything short of the flywheel (clutch disk, throw out and pilot bearings, and pressure plate) will eliminate the noise
#16
I have this problem, I've had the clutch and throw out bearing changed but the annoying squeal is still there so i'm going to try putting grease on this soon.
This is my car and the noise its making, note theres 2 noises. The low hummm of the gears spinning that only goes away once the pedal is pushed to the floor and this is normal, and the high pitch squeal thats not normal and goes away as soon as the pedal is pushed past the freeplay.
Chris.
This is my car and the noise its making, note theres 2 noises. The low hummm of the gears spinning that only goes away once the pedal is pushed to the floor and this is normal, and the high pitch squeal thats not normal and goes away as soon as the pedal is pushed past the freeplay.
Chris.
Last edited by grisdale; 03-12-2013 at 09:09 PM.
#17
My clutch does the same thing. I had an ACT clutch kit put in about a 1000 miles ago. The car now chirps after warming up, while in neutral. It's a 2004 6spd GT. If I remain in neutral and start revving up, the chirps will gradually get faster with the RPMs and stop chirping around 4500 RPMs or so. This is also in any gear. When the chirps are present, the slightest bit of pressure on my clutch petal will take the chirps away. Everyone keeps telling me that it is the throw out bearing. I contacted ACT and they had told me that whoever installed the kit either let moisture get onto the bearing or that they did not apply the proper amount of heavy duty lubricants. They told me that I can try changing the transmission fluid or I can try to lubricate the bearing with some sort of lithium lubricant onto the bearing and that I can try this without removing the transmission (don't know how to do that). They said that it is important to do so without getting the lubricant onto the disks.
Also, when I'm in neutral, my transmission makes some sort of whirring sound unless I push the clutch petal all the way down, is this normal? It's never happened in any other standard car that I have driven. I have an appointment with Mazda, tomorrow, to have my car looked at.
Is there a step by step to grease the slave master? (as in the picture)
Also, when I'm in neutral, my transmission makes some sort of whirring sound unless I push the clutch petal all the way down, is this normal? It's never happened in any other standard car that I have driven. I have an appointment with Mazda, tomorrow, to have my car looked at.
Is there a step by step to grease the slave master? (as in the picture)
#19
Moder8
iTrader: (1)
Glad we could help.
Resist the urge to go with anything other than an OEM style clutch.
Make sure the pilot bearing is changed as well.
Now is a time to consider a light flywheel if you are intested. I recommend the "street" weights, not the "pro" or "track" weights. Something like the ACT Street Lite, Black Halo has them. This will also need to have a rear counter weight. In my opinion, this is one of the best performance mods for the 8. It is best accomplished with the transmission out for some other reason.
Resist the urge to go with anything other than an OEM style clutch.
Make sure the pilot bearing is changed as well.
Now is a time to consider a light flywheel if you are intested. I recommend the "street" weights, not the "pro" or "track" weights. Something like the ACT Street Lite, Black Halo has them. This will also need to have a rear counter weight. In my opinion, this is one of the best performance mods for the 8. It is best accomplished with the transmission out for some other reason.
#20
i believe oem throw outs are still junk, I had mine fail with no number of miles to my knowledge. Same signs though squeaking only in the warm weather at idle. Did this for a few months then boom and had to replace. I installed exedy kit and that throw out seemed different all metal no plastic ends. This one worked properly no noise. I just did an engine install last spring decided to put a new throw out in from Mazda and here I am a few months later with the noise back, not using oem for this part ever again.
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