Okay, firstly, I have searched tirelessly over threads for 7+ hours, and on the internet, but I need direct responses as to what this could be. Secondly, I'd like to thank everyone whom helps me with this. I have an 09 rx8 manual transmission. I was driving last night when 3rd gear popped out without any clutch engagement or manipulation. I realized this and went to out it in 4th, when I let out on the clutch, it was stuck to the floor. I pulled over and after 10 minutes I achieved victory and freed it up. Whilst it was stuck, it felt engaged, but I could not go into any gears. After getting unstuck, there was this smell of burning metal/rubber. And when I engage the clutch, it is much more sensitive than normal, and needs hardly any pressure to engage. I noticed that when I engage the clutch, there's a whirring sound, and sort of a grinding as well. There's also a high pitched whistle, though I'm unsure what it is, but it happened at the same time. I can still drive and shift, but the clutch is too easy to push, and when I shift it feels "loose." There's also a vibration in the clutch when pulling away, and resistance with that as well, but only while driving. I know the brackets went bad, but mine has no cracks, bends, broken parts, or welds coming off. There is play, but only a 1/4 inch to each side. All fluids are filled and working, slave cylinder is fine. If anyone has an idea of what it is, or help, I'd appreciate it!!!!! Heres a video with sound of the clutch being engaged/disengaged. Again, many thanks!




By engagement I mean pressing the clutch to the floor, disengagement I mean releasing the clutch to the raised position



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uTt0qMaUnc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

your clutch pedal probably just snapped and gave up. do a visual inspection of where the clutch pedal assembly mounts to the firewall and see if it is cracked through.

if you can move the pedal left/right more than 1/4" then you likely have a broken pedal assembly. this is a common problem and some aftermarket suppliers make a brace for the new pedal assemblies. when you take the old one out you will know why it fails regularly.

 

If it is not the pedal, likely you are on the last threads of life for the release bearing (throw out). the smell is it burning up... I towed mine home.

If you do need one, not a bad time for a light flywheel and new OEM style clutch (Stage 0). Search for clutch upgrades on that one. The one mod I wish I had back was my Stage 1 clutch. One of the best ones was the flywheel.

 

Checked that again, its pretty solid. Only the lower part moves, and only to the right. The actual bracket doesn't budge. I checked the welds, and checked the ines again. I'm beginning to think its the throw out bearing. I wmjust hoped someone else had the same issue.

 

Ah, thanks green. I figured that's what happened. The gear just snapped out of place, and after that it hasn'tbeen right. I figure I will go ahead and upgrade to a stage 1 clutch from act, and a lightweight flywheel.while I'm at it. I planned on doing those next year. Guess I don't have to wait!! Lol

 

How did the flywheel turn out for you?