Hi guys, first time poster, year-long owner.

I've noticed a few things about my RX8 that bother me. My dealership is always flooded with cars and requires a week-in-advance appt. which I'd rather avoid if I'm not having serious problems. I'd like to run a few things past you guys and see what you have to say, and if you've noticed these things, whats going on.

The most alarming noise I've heard so far is a sort of random knocking coming from the rear/pass-rear. It happens every few minutes or so, and it sounds like a rock is bouncing under the car. It happens a single knock at a time. I haven't associated the noise with a certain movement with the car- it seems to happen completely randomly.

The second thing I've noticed is with the radio off. When I back up it is most apparent...a very slight, metallic, tense sound, from the rear. Perhaps suspension or chassis. I notice it most when going slow, and when coming to a stop from a slow speed.

The third thing I've noticed is that the fan will turn on after I've shut the car off. I live in Florida, and it is very hot much of the year. However, after letting the car cool down for a minute or so, when I turn the car off, the fan will turn on and will not turn off till I put the key in and turn it to ON, then turn it off again. Is this normal?

Thanks for the responses guys and gals. Any info/advice would be appreciated.

I think the first 2 items are probably related. There were some early cars that had some improperly torqued rear suspension members, and what you are describing sounds like yours could be one of them.

Yes, you fan action is normal. And, yes, you can re-insert the key and turn it off, but it will go off by itself when engine cools down or internal timer times out (I think at 15 minutes). I used to get impatient with mine as well, then I just used to it.

Thanks for the quick response.

What needs to be done to fix the rear suspension? I'd like to know so when I go in there and try and describe it, I at least have a good idea of what I'm talking about.

Thanks again.

there should be a bulliten posted for it, try rosenthal mazda, or trussville, they are listed at the top of the main page for rx8club.

if the fan turns on, let it run, its helping cool the car down.

The thunking sound.. especially when you back up certain ways... is your gas moving about and hitting the top of the tank... it makes loud thumping noises... I was wondreing about this too.. but then.. the other day rolled my rx8 out of my garage without the engine on and stopped and heard the gas moving around....

the fan thing is normal...