I have not completed this yet once I get the air pump I will fill you all in.

Hi All If you are experiencing a high pitched buzzing noise on cold starts it is most likely a failed air pump. FYI my 8 has 100,810 miles on it and it failed now.

the easiest way to test it is to

wait for engine to be cold not started within 8-9 hours.

unplug the air pump unit located on the passenger side it is located right next to the strut it looks like a carbon canister. there is a black two prong plug on the unit itself that needs to be unplugged.

start the car the noise should have gone away and it should sound like your backfiring a little bit.

once the engine is started go around and plug the pump back in it should sound like a air mattress pump which is essentially what it is.

I will finish this install with a complete DIY if anyone wants it. a new unit costs roughly $270 so testing it first would be key.


DIY instructions for repairing the air pump bearing squeal issue: http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=3378536&postcount=45

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Hello,

I'm just in the process of my dealer saying i need a new air pump as he, "thinks" it's faulty....

I'd like to make sure it is so if you could complete this DIY in full it would be great.

Thanks

did you follow all the steps for the testing that I listed above? changing this yourself is stupid easy. I did it in my parking lost in dress attire.

Should also check the AIR fuse. It's a 60A, if it's blown, the air pump motor probably has a short or won't turn.

Hmm, So this is why that happens everytime I start my car.

Damnit.

Should also check the AIR fuse. It's a 60A, if it's blown, the air pump motor probably has a short or won't turn.

If the fuse is blown you wont have a high pitched whine.

Hmm, So this is why that happens everytime I start my car.

Damnit.

yep sucks dont it, I told someone it was my supercharger.

I'm looking at how to do an air pump delete.. the used one I bought has just failed on me.

Does it increase hp at all with out it?

it shouldn't increase or decrease HP. I have to look at the manual and see how the system is setup.

removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.

removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.

That happen to me too, and ever since the air pump has gone bad there is a lot of smock coming out of my exhaust when I start it up, until it heats up. I don’t know if I should change it or not.

removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.

So if I don't even have a cat it doesn't do anything :)

So if I don't even have a cat it doesn't do anything :)

correct, air pumps SOLE purpose is to make the catalyst reach its operating temp quicker. EPA regs require certain "bad stuff levels" by a certain timeframe after the car is started. the airpump helps the cat get to the operating temp sooner to meet this time requirement for making cleaner exhaust

Take the pump and the cat and toss them over your left shoulder . Get the AP to delete the codes and get some powa :)

Take the pump and the cat and toss them over your left shoulder . Get the AP to delete the codes and get some powa :)

+1. if your on a temporary budget you can do what Kane, myself, and i'm sure many other have done... get a piece of approx 3ft rebar or similar, a hammer. remove the pipe, remove the O2 sensor, punch out all the cat material(carefull its sandwiched in fiberglass) and replace everything. its not by any means good for flow etc... but it will immediately allow you to get tuned to run leaner since you have no cat to protect with dumping extra fuel. this can equal power and MPG

I'm still going to see if there is a way to bypass it for track days.. as we have strict smog restrictions here in cali.

punch out all the cat material(carefull its sandwiched in fiberglass) and replace everything. its not by any means good for flow etc...

me too and i'll bet ya it's as good for flow as just about any midpipe out there ....

I don't think it would be due to the shape and size of the cat. if you were to remove it and have a shop weld a straight tube into it of equal size and shape then yes you'd have a mid pipe as good as any.

I don't know if this is the same thing but i figured I wouldn't start a new thread if it was. But, what is the secondary air injection system? Is that the same as the air pump that you all are talking about? If so, how do I fix it? I checked the fuse for the air pump and it fine. any help would be greatly appreciated. (Sorry if I thread jacked. Not my intention.)

Yes, it's the same thing. Code P0410? Start with the OP.

Shady, your air pump is not bad. They just make noise when they are cold.

Yeah its code P0410. A DIY would greatly be appreciated

Shady, your air pump is not bad. They just make noise when they are cold.

there's different levels of noise. there's a soft whine which is normal and then there is the jet turbine which is bad.

did u buy a new pump or get a used one? where did u get it if it was a new one? part number?

I bought a used one from greddy2greddy. new they are expensive as ish.

where's a good place to buy one? besides the stealer

Maz mart.

Don't worry if they make noise, ass long as it goes away after it warms up.

I used to hear a light, high pitched but, not loud whine when I started my car in the AM. Now its loud as hell and high pitched. Just to clarify........... Is this possibly the air flow pump? It stops after 30 or so seconds. As long as it stops everything is fine? Should I look to replace? Just looking for the best solution. I'm not taking this car to the dealer. So far I've fixed everything else myself after they told me it would be a week before they could get to it. Dirty bastards.

yes its the air pump.. when it stops making noise that's when you'll have a problem. there are plenty of people selling used ones.

Option B is to remove the whole system I am opting for that soon.

From my experience these pointless efforts at reducing emissions usually leads to more hassles down the road.. In about 4 or 5 years from now I imagine we will be hearing all sorts of complaints.

so keep that in mind when you are looking for a replacement.

yes its the air pump.. when it stops making noise that's when you'll have a problem. there are plenty of people selling used ones.

Option B is to remove the whole system I am opting for that soon.

From my experience these pointless efforts at reducing emissions usually leads to more hassles down the road.. In about 4 or 5 years from now I imagine we will be hearing all sorts of complaints.

so keep that in mind when you are looking for a replacement.

Thanks for the answers. Also, if we delete this whole system...... will it throw a code? So its either replace parts as needed or delete it all and get the Cobb to cure the codes? Yes, appears this will be tiresome in the future. I only have 42k miles on an 04 and its f'n up.

It will throw codes for sure. you can wait for your AP. I got 111,000+ and my baby's been running amazingly well. I dunno if or when the engine was replaced but I'm happy. If she does blow I got a warranty for another 10k after that LS2 or 3 is looking dam good but will cost around 20-30k for the entire swap.

hi

I had the same problem with the air pump, if the engine was cold, the air pump would worked and whined.
The answere of this problem is, to change the bearings of the electric engine, now my air pump purrs like a cat ;-)

You don`t have to change the total pump!!!

You guys know it is normal for the Air Pump to be on when you first start your RX-8, particularly if the ambient Air Temp is cold, they usually only work for the first 30-60 seconds or so, during summer (just gone here) my air pump did not engage at all at engine start.
Now we are in Fall (Autumn) it now comes on at morning starts.

You guys know it is normal for the Air Pump to be on when you first start your RX-8, particularly if the ambient Air Temp is cold, they usually only work for the first 30-60 seconds or so, during summer (just gone here) my air pump did not engage at all at engine start.
Now we are in Fall (Autumn) it now comes on at morning starts.

I'm fully aware its normal to operate. Yet, it isn't normal to be as loud as it has been as of late. It was all of a sudden loud as hell.

hi

I had the same problem with the air pump, if the engine was cold, the air pump would worked and whined.
The answere of this problem is, to change the bearings of the electric engine, now my air pump purrs like a cat ;-)

You don`t have to change the total pump!!!

Awesome good to know. Where do you get the bearings from?

P.S.
Allot of people haven't experienced this problem yet because they are low millage and the part is still good. when it happens you will know it's almost painful to hear.

Thats a funny story, the bearings have the same dimensions as bearings of Inline skates.
I`d just took new inline skate bearings and assembled into the elektric engine case. You need only 2 bearings.
The inline skate bearings are better than the original bearings, because, they have to keep bigger forces than the original bearings.
I hope you know what I mean.

Thats a funny story, the bearings have the same dimensions as bearings of Inline skates.
I`d just took new inline skate bearings and assembled into the elektric engine case. You need only 2 bearings.
The inline skate bearings are better than the original bearings, because, they have to keep bigger forces than the original bearings.
I hope you know what I mean.


How did you get into that motor? I got down to the last "turbine". The stem in the center is what I could not get out. Before doing damage, I put back together and decided to ask.

How did you get into that motor? I got down to the last "turbine". The stem in the center is what I could not get out. Before doing damage, I put back together and decided to ask.


hi

I know what you mean. You must disassemble the turbine, then put out the two screws. Now I took a screw-nut and put it on the thread of the stem. Then you must put the screw nut with the stem into a bench vise. Now you can tap against the plastic case, with an rubber mallet or something else. So you can disassemble the electric engine.

If you have any questions, ask please. You can also send me a picture of the problem.

I hope I could help you

hi

I know what you mean. You must disassemble the turbine, then put out the two screws. Now I took a screw-nut and put it on the thread of the stem. Then you must put the screw nut with the stem into a bench vise. Now you can tap against the plastic case, with an rubber mallet or something else. So you can disassemble the electric engine.

If you have any questions, ask please. You can also send me a picture of the problem.

I hope I could help you

I question how to disassemble the last turbine. It is held in place by the stem and I failed to see any screws. When I get a chanced to remove it again, I'll post a pic. Thanks much.

I question how to disassemble the last turbine. It is held in place by the stem and I failed to see any screws. When I get a chanced to remove it again, I'll post a pic. Thanks much.


oh ok sorry.
But I don`t remember that there was any problem to disassamble the turbine. Maybe I don`t remember because it`s a few days ago.

Yes make a picture, I think I will remember.

oh ok sorry.
But I don`t remember that there was any problem to disassamble the turbine. Maybe I don`t remember because it`s a few days ago.

Yes make a picture, I think I will remember.

I know its been over a month but, I finally completed this task. I bought a used Air Pump from Tom at Parts Group. Awesome price too! Then I proceeded to repair mine. I have an old friend that owns a Skate shop and he gave me some new bearings and presto. Its quiet as hell. I'll either keep it as a spare or sell it and ask for the buyers old one. Its a little involved but, not impossible. If anyone needs an Air Pump, let me know.

So when I bought my car the air pump was one of the bits missing. Is there a way to trick the ECU into thinking the pump is there when it isn't? I was thinking of some device that would have a draw like a light or so...

So when I bought my car the air pump was one of the bits missing. Is there a way to trick the ECU into thinking the pump is there when it isn't? I was thinking of some device that would have a draw like a light or so...

Just having an electrical load won't trick the ECU. It will know the air isn't getting into the exhaust system.
The only way to mask the light that I know of is an AccessPort. A used pump is a lot cheaper.

any DIY for removing the air pump?

I don't think i need it since I have a straight through pipe.

yea there is one somewhere. its pretty straight forward.

Step 1: Remove 3 bolts and a hose clamp and two electrical connectors.

Step 2: umm done.

Let me know if you have troubles. I think I can find some pics somewhere.

yea there is one somewhere. its pretty straight forward.

Step 1: Remove 3 bolts and a hose clamp and two electrical connectors.

Step 2: umm done.

Let me know if you have troubles. I think I can find some pics somewhere.

how about those hoses inlet? Do I need to cap them?

If I remove the air pump and gut out my cat, the CEL will illuminate. Now, will this throw the PCM in a limp mode, or will the engine run normal. I know a lot of cars will go into a limp mode and not run to its full potential if the CEL is illuminated.

I don't believe it goes into limp mode without the air pump. I've had the air pump die (motor shorted and blew the fuse,) and performance wasn't effected. That's on a manual, automatics may be different.

It wont go into limp mode.

Okay Cooool. Mine wines every morning. I've unplugged the pump before just so it wouldn't sound like my car is a vacuum cleaner. I plugged it back in just because I figured the CEL would put the car in limp mode. I'm pulling the whole pump out then. It'll open up a nice spot for my new catch can. And i'll do the "anti-fouler mod" for my O2 sensor when I gut out my cat. Would gutting out the cat make the car notably louder?

someone should get a DIY going on replacing the bearings.

I second this! We need a How-To!! I plugged my air pump back in because I got tired of seeing the CEL on. I wanna know how to fix this. Pleeeeaaase

someone should get a DIY going on replacing the bearings.

yeah, it should be Mazda :rolleyes:

I figured it was just bearings, but got a good deal on a used one and swapped it out instead. Next time I will definitely open it up and do this.

yeah, it should be Mazda :rolleyes:

I figured it was just bearings, but got a good deal on a used one and swapped it out instead. Next time I will definitely open it up and do this.

same here, but i guess i got too good of a deal. within a couple weeks the one i just purchased on the FS section started howling. the worst part of it was that the old one was accidentally thrown out while cleaning up the parking area.:cwm27:

yeah, I had tossed mine out too, oh well ... live and learn ....

thread mentioning bearings:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=214386&highlight=bad+air+pump

post:

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=3378536&postcount=45

:dunno: i say it needs pics tho :)

The motor died on mine a year or 2 ago. The one I got second hand was quite a bit louder, probably the bearings going.. Thing is, it's continued working all that time without any changes. I've still got the old one to harvest the bearings from, but just haven't gotten around to trying.

I just pulled out the bearings from one of my nephews skateboard wheels. I'll be doing a how-to this week on the air pump.