Hi all,

Posted this on another forum and was advised to try here for info on it, can anyone help?

About 4 months ago I started hearing a rattling noise coming from the engine when I was accelerating. I have a 2004 231 with about 7000 miles on the clock. The noise only happenings at about 2000rpm and happenings in all gears. It has been into the dealer 4 times, they have replaced the exhaust, done something with the injectors but it has made no difference. Then the last time it was in the car was handed back to me and I was told it was a characteristic of the Rx8. Now I don’t know much about cars but I know something is not right. I just wondered if anybody has had this problem and what did you do to fix it. Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers

What is a "231"? Automatic or manual tranny?

I'm not aware of anything that is happening normally at that RPM that would cause a "rattle noise". It may just be a part like a heat shield, for example, that is vibrating at a resonant frequency. Have you tried having someone hold the engine at that RPM so that you can attempt to locate the origin of the sound? There have been some posts related to noisy heat shields.

Other than that, you might want to call Mazda North American Operations (800-222-5500) as the manual suggests when the dealer is unable to resolve a problem.

when your 8 starts "Rattle" are you doing 50mph?
It sounds like your tires are not balanced.

when your 8 starts "Rattle" are you doing 50mph?
It sounds like your tires are not balanced.

What would the tires have to do with a rattle?

when your 8 starts "Rattle" are you doing 50mph?
It sounds like your tires are not balanced.
This is what he/she said: "The noise only happenings at about 2000rpm and happenings in all gears."

Think about it. Always happens at one specific engine RPM regardless of the gear the car is in. It indicates a problem with an engine component or a sympathetic vibration problem of a car component at that specific frequency. That does not suggest a drivetrain problem.

when your 8 starts "Rattle" are you doing 50mph?
It sounds like your tires are not balanced.

No. It only happens when I start to move and hit the accelerator.

Wow. My rattle's are when I come to a stop. Shakes like a 6.0!
I think its the AT. My 8 is going to Magic Mazda on Monday:tear:.

I have a 04. Just a little over a year. I was very excited. About six months after I got it I also heard a rattle the same as you explained. The dealership has replaced the converter twice blaming it on different reasons both times. Took it in today they claimed to have done something to it yet the noise remains. Actually planning on trying to lemon law the damn thing. the noise got so loud once that I just headed straight to dealer and on the way it died on me 5 times. Interested to know if anyone else has the same problem. :banghead:

Well... I have a 2004 and the first time i noticed my " rattle " i had 3 other people in the car and i hammered it and it was this loud rattle... And it doesnt happen allt he time.. I have never takedn mine in cuz like i said it doesnt do it all the time.. and my luck it wouldnt do it for them.. plus the dealership down here is bankrupt for scaming mazda... A heat sheild sounds good to me.. now that i think about it mines kinda knocking type of noise... G could it be a piston ?????? lol kidding.. You guys arent alone on this... i find that the best solution for this rattle in the center of the dash board there is this black round knob.. keep turing that up till about 28 rattle goes away... :) Instant fix... at least for me...

:mad: Yeah, I have a loud rattle/clatter sound at high RPM's. I have had my car in the shop to several dealers and each time I get a "not able to reproduce". One time, I even got "We arent even going to touch your car under warranty because you have an aftermarket exhaust and intake on and for all we know THAT is the reason you are getting your rattle". The problem with that is that it made the rattle/clatter even before i got those mods.

So my current Service Manager called Mazda and they advised him that my PCM needed reprogramming, yet every source I have talked to said this wont solve my problem, yet nobody can tell me what WILL solve the problem.... :mad:

Flyboyindy, PM sent ;)

I experienced this same thing last year with engine power loss but just thought it was a tank of bad gas. I put in 98 octane gas and that seemed to make it better. Today I experienced it again when temps were 100*F. This time I had the music off and downshifted into 3rd while under load and doing about 60 mph... :eek: I heard serious knocking!!! Had serious power loss!!!! I already had an appointment at the dealer for tomorrow so I'll keep everyone posted.

Sounds like your going to be part of the new engine club. Welcome

I was afraid someone was going to say that! :( I was just about to enjoy the wonders of FI too!!! Glad I waited to get the project started until I could address a couple of minor issues and set an appointment at the dealership for tomorrow.

Anything new on the unknown rattle in the RX-8?

I hear a noise in mine too at low RPMs in every gear.. But it's not a rattle.. It's more of a sqeek that goes away once I get above 4.5rpms.. Im taking it in weds. Ill let you know if it's anything.. Mine could be the starting stage of the noise your hearing.. Raptor2k told me it could possible be the synchros. Which kinda makes sense to me.. I'm going to bring that up at the dealer.. Ill keep you posted next week..

I have 43000 miles on my 8, and the rattle occurs between 1 and 2 rpms. Of course the dealer can find the problem

Anything new on the unknown rattle in the RX-8?
Sounds like got a new Engine. If not hes got a AT and its just the sound of his Trans.

My dealership put in a new engine and no more noise, full power (well, more than Ive ever had before) and much improved gas mileage. I was averaging about 16mpg... now im up to about 22/23mpg.

It was like getting a new car!

I have an 2004 also with 37,700 miles on it. They can't find the problem either. Rattles underneath especially with hard acceleration at about 1000-2000 RPMs...hmmmmm

Interesting that engine replacement maybe required and these are the symptoms - but short of something that drastic, Seconding the suggestion about hiway being at fault. If you are hitting 55-65 and start getting rattle and vibration and it isn't there at lower speeds or higher it may just be your road, and it can happen in any kind of car...Big trucks tend to make kind of washboard pattern of wear in the hwy at that speed. It happens where a little bump occurs so the tires come down harder then jump up and help create another bump - you can check your shocks, change your tires or try to avoid that road or those speeds. It can get so bad you will think you are getting a flat, it can cause shimmy especially if you need a little front end work, and it can generate vibration in brackets. Consider rubber vibration dampers. You can also pick up rocks and stuff - get one of those long swiffers and do a front end sweep if you haven't put on front end screens - no telling what you will find in there! :SHOCKED:

No, the road issue.....that's not it for me. Happens when I am just starting to accelerate....power seems to be down to at those times. It does not vibrate all the time.

My "rattle noise" was always at higher rpms, but the power loss was noticeable at all rpms... My dealer said that I had low vacuume when hot, and my compression test had me on the low end of nominal.

Interesting that engine replacement maybe required and these are the symptoms - but short of something that drastic, Seconding the suggestion about hiway being at fault. If you are hitting 55-65 and start getting rattle and vibration and it isn't there at lower speeds or higher it may just be your road, and it can happen in any kind of car...Big trucks tend to make kind of washboard pattern of wear in the hwy at that speed. It happens where a little bump occurs so the tires come down harder then jump up and help create another bump - you can check your shocks, change your tires or try to avoid that road or those speeds. It can get so bad you will think you are getting a flat, it can cause shimmy especially if you need a little front end work, and it can generate vibration in brackets. Consider rubber vibration dampers. You can also pick up rocks and stuff - get one of those long swiffers and do a front end sweep if you haven't put on front end screens - no telling what you will find in there! :SHOCKED:
My Engine went with out warning. One day I went to the dealer to have my Engine mounts changed. When I picked up my car it died on the way home. Back at the dealer I was told "the mazda guys used a new proto type flach on my car". Next thing I know hes tells me I'm getting a new Engine. Wow...

Wow, flyboyindy...new engine because of the rattle issue.....hmmm.....wonder if I should mention your issues since they seem similiar to mine and maybe I can get a new engine!!! It take it yours is manual and not auto.?

I have the same sounds in my engine...my mechanic said to put a higher grade of gas in the car (although I wasn’t able to reproduce the sound...)...I'm going to try that...see what happens and report back...he also suggested fuel injector cleaner that you put in the gas tank..

"When the rotary engine starts it inject oil directly into the engine...and this will clean the residue out.."

I’m going to try both of these suggestions...if you find anything before me...let me know as well..

Keith
:scratchhe

I think I know what you guys are talking about and have the same issue.

WIth my case, I get the rattle under hard acceleration starting around 3k RPM and it lasts until about 4000-4500. I thought it was my engine too, but recently had it replaced and still have the same rattle.

I've narrowed it down to 3 things that I'm going to investigate a little further:

1. Engine mounts (would also explain the minor shaking I have at idle)
2. Heat shield
3. Loose exhaust hanger

The sound seems like it's coming from directly under the center console or a little bit infront of it, but I can't reproduce it outside of the car. It's not gas as I always use 91 octane.

I don't have any powerloss (at least not since the new engine). Those of you should see about getting your engines replaced.

I think I know what you guys are talking about and have the same issue.

WIth my case, I get the rattle under hard acceleration starting around 3k RPM and it lasts until about 4000-4500. I thought it was my engine too, but recently had it replaced and still have the same rattle.

I've narrowed it down to 3 things that I'm going to investigate a little further:

1. Engine mounts (would also explain the minor shaking I have at idle)
2. Heat shield
3. Loose exhaust hanger

The sound seems like it's coming from directly under the center console or a little bit infront of it, but I can't reproduce it outside of the car. It's not gas as I always use 91 octane.

I don't have any powerloss (at least not since the new engine). Those of you should see about getting your engines replaced.


I have the same as you explained...so you think it is one of those things??? Interesting.

you dont think that it might be a bad CAT. converter?

you dont think that it might be a bad CAT. converter?

Had my cat replaced as part of the recall as well and still have the rattle...

ok...
was the engine part of the recall? i have yet to go and take advantage of the recall.

Could this be the tran. slipping thats what it feels like.

Keith

I think I know what you guys are talking about and have the same issue.

WIth my case, I get the rattle under hard acceleration starting around 3k RPM and it lasts until about 4000-4500. I thought it was my engine too, but recently had it replaced and still have the same rattle.

I've narrowed it down to 3 things that I'm going to investigate a little further:

1. Engine mounts (would also explain the minor shaking I have at idle)
2. Heat shield
3. Loose exhaust hanger

The sound seems like it's coming from directly under the center console or a little bit infront of it, but I can't reproduce it outside of the car. It's not gas as I always use 91 octane.

I don't have any powerloss (at least not since the new engine). Those of you should see about getting your engines replaced.
I just had my engine and motor mounts replaced at the same time when mazda did the recall work and my car still has shaking at idle. I'm due for new recall work so I'll see what happens. I think its time for engine #2.

there has to be something that we are missing...do you think that you need another engine? WOW.

You guys won't believe this, but I just recieved my car back after 1 MONTH of being at the dealership for the recall. I got a new motor (which of course includes new plugs), starter, battery, and 1 engine mount. Guess what, it still idles like shit. In addition to that, when I feather the clutch gently to get a slow start, something else unknown rattles violently. Fortunately the new engine seems to be running strong. I'm still breaking it in and thus keeping the revs under 4k, so I can't really say for sure. There's also a new 'farting' sound coming from the exhaust that's especially noticeable when I let off the gas while still in gear (engine breaking). It's interesting that a new motor sounds so different.

Car had 30k miles and is a 2004 6-speed with GT package.

I am having idle problems too before and after they performed recall... no new engine here though. just new coils, reflash, CAT, and plugs.


That rattle noise I heard also before the recall was done... Now it is gone... Apparently that is the engine misfiring. Since there was evidence of mine misfiring... and it had this noise for quite some time.

WIth the new Ignition coils... I haven't heard that noise at all at any rpm and the car runs smooth while driving... But the idle issue is still a problem.


It must be something not directly related with the "physical" engine..

I am having idle problems too before and after they performed recall... no new engine here though. just new coils, reflash, CAT, and plugs.


That rattle noise I heard also before the recall was done... Now it is gone... Apparently that is the engine misfiring. Since there was evidence of mine misfiring... and it had this noise for quite some time.

WIth the new Ignition coils... I haven't heard that noise at all at any rpm and the car runs smooth while driving... But the idle issue is still a problem.


It must be something not directly related with the "physical" engine..
If the idle problems are due to our cars misfiring, Do you know how many threads and people on here have responded to threads of this manner with the same idle problems? and me, I just got a new engine and still have rough idle. God help us all lol :Freak_ani

If the idle problems are due to our cars misfiring, Do you know how many threads and people on here have responded to threads of this manner with the same idle problems? and me, I just got a new engine and still have rough idle. God help us all lol :Freak_ani

Yeah no kidding.. Bringing my car back on Monday to get looked at.

Will see what will happen.

I know no one has posted on this thread in a while but I have the same problem as described in this thread. I have a rattling noise that occurs just as I begin accelerating. I have a 2004 6 speed with about 58K on it. I don't have any problems in idle, however I do have terrible gas mileage (around 180 miles a tank city, maybe 280 highway if i'm lucky). I had an idea that it may be my transmission, but based on what I've read it sounds like it may be my engine. Does anyone know if this is definitely a sign of needing an engine replacement.

im having this same issue...kinda. i noticed it one day when i was driving back home on the highway ( about 175 miles ) and it would happen around 3,000 rpm from 1st to 4th gear ( if it happened in the other gears i couldn't hear it). i thought it was just because i had been driving for a couple of hours but it has started back up here recently. it usually only happens from 1st to 4th ( 4th gear being the loudness or most audioable) at around 3,000 rpm. its not a very loud rattle though. you have to really listen for it and it sounds more like metal on metal.

i have also noticed here lately that my 3rd gear kinda grinds when going from 2nd to 3rd at around 4,000 to 4,500 rpm.

any suggestions?

I'm having a similar issue on my Series 2 engine with ~10k miles. I noticed it a few weeks ago. Only happens when in-gear, any gear, accelerating (both hard acceleration and normal), between ~2500-4000 rpm. Its a pretty faint rattle and can easily be covered up by road noise or traffic around me. But I deffinitely can hear it clearly on a smooth road with no other traffic around. Took it to the dealership and had the service manager do a ride along with me, of course he couldn't hear anything.

I think it could be somehow linked to the transmission. I've noticed the transmission has been a lot more notchy in the cold weather and it sometimes almost feels like the clutch isn't disengaging all the way. A few times it has even felt like I was popping it out of gear when shifting to neutral. The transmission issues go away when the weather warms up, but the rattle noise is still there. Maybe they aren't linked.

im having this same issue...kinda. i noticed it one day when i was driving back home on the highway ( about 175 miles ) and it would happen around 3,000 rpm from 1st to 4th gear ( if it happened in the other gears i couldn't hear it). i thought it was just because i had been driving for a couple of hours but it has started back up here recently. it usually only happens from 1st to 4th ( 4th gear being the loudness or most audioable) at around 3,000 rpm. its not a very loud rattle though. you have to really listen for it and it sounds more like metal on metal.

i have also noticed here lately that my 3rd gear kinda grinds when going from 2nd to 3rd at around 4,000 to 4,500 rpm.

any suggestions?

What gas do you use reg-87oct or prem-91?

i only use prem 91

i only use prem 91

Please give us some more info...model,year,miles,etc... What service and parts has the car had?. How many miles on plugs,coils,wires? What other mods have you got?...How long have you had it?... Have you ever done a de-carbon cleaner?

2006 rx8 i think it is the sport but im not for sure 22,000 miles. i haven't added any mods to the car...yet but all i have really done to it so far is the air duct fin removal and changed the oil every 3,000 miles. i was reading in another post that the heat shield around the exhaust can sometimes cause the rattling im hearing. it sounds like it is coming from underneath the center console. around the area were the cig lighter is. i have not done a de-carbon clean but i do red line it once a day :). i have had the car since may of this year. would carbon actually do that though?

If it's a "rattle" yes it could very well be the shield. If it's a "hammering" it could be preignition and our engine do build up carbon from around town driving, flooding, short trips , carbon will be a hot spot and preignight and cause a "MIAC" (Marble In A Can) sound. Not a good thing for the engine.

ok guys you might not like me but i have an 04 127, miles and mine did the rattle and when you are in 2 3 4 you try to speed up it rattles right ? ok if thats the case you need to go get BG syncroshift or on that lines and put that in yorur trans and thats should stop it how i know is that i put redline mt-90 same rattle RP same Kaaz same BG no rattle so try that it worked for me

i have the same rattle as Samcs06,
it usually only happens from 1st to 4th ( 4th gear being the loudness or most audioable) at around 3,000 rpm. its not a very loud rattle though. you have to really listen for it and it sounds more like metal on metal.
I'm at 45k, I'm using 93 or 91 oct gas. i did seafoam one year ago at around 37k miles. and I'm using Eneos oil in transmission.
I have no idea what causing that noise.

i have the same rattle as Samcs06,

I'm at 45k, I'm using 93 or 91 oct gas. i did seafoam one year ago at around 37k miles. and I'm using Eneos oil in transmission.
I have no idea what causing that noise.

Run the highest prem gas to make sure. Record the sound and post it here. Could be lots of things.

the best fuel injector stuff is prestone full syn with boost in it i still have some of the RP and will put it back in and will try to get the sound for you guys but all i ask is if you guys could help me get it on here i dont know how all have done on here is post and read

We need a de-carbon cleaner like Seafoam($8 Walmart).