So im driving i punch it get up to about 6 grand not too high and engage clutch and my car goes BANG!.. and i cant shift into seconed... The car will move a lil but have not tried much but whenever i hit the clutch it makes this clunking sound

Time for a new clutch.

^^^and (maybe) tranny. Maybe more. FYI Low mileage used ones at Mazmart (Paul.)

8k is not too high???

sounds like you might have shattered the mainshaft retention ring. i would edit or delete your post about the 8k, and take it to the dealer

sounds like you might have shattered the mainshaft retention ring. i would edit or delete your post about the 8k, and take it to the dealer

The way I read it is he gunned it in 1st gear and was changing into 2nd at 8k when it stopped working, not dropping the clutch at 8k.

The way I read it is he gunned it in 1st gear and was changing into 2nd at 8k when it stopped working, not dropping the clutch at 8k.

Thats the way I read that too. That should be a warranty issue if you are within the limits.

I think you need to more clearly explain how this happened.

If you shifted into 2nd gear at 8k rpm and first gear blew, not your fault, get it fixed.
If you dumped the clutch from a stand still at 8k rpm... way to go man, way to go. Please sell your car. Dont get it fixed, just sell the car.

I think you need to more clearly explain how this happened.

If you shifted into 2nd gear at 8k rpm and first gear blew, not your fault, get it fixed.
If you dumped the clutch from a stand still at 8k rpm... way to go man, way to go. Please sell your car. Dont get it fixed, just sell the car.

Doesn't the car rev limit at 6 or 6.5k with the clutch engaged anyway? He couldn't have dumped it from 8k from a standstill.

^^^ Wow this is new

no i didn't launch it... I was driving and when I got up that high i just pushed the clutch in and it started making this clunk clunk noise all around... I thought my drive shaft shattered and was hitting all underneath the car but thats not what it was I checked for that... I really dont know but when the car isn't in gear right now at a stand still it idles like normal until you engage the clutch... and then it makes this clunk noise even in neutral...

Doesn't the car rev limit at 6 or 6.5k with the clutch engaged anyway? He couldn't have dumped it from 8k from a standstill.

No you can rev to redline anytime you want.

It seemed like when I pressed in the clutch pedal it wasn't actually engaging the clutch but I heard that loud noise so i was instantly like WTF... I was more worried about my drive shaft being shattered and hitting my gas tank!


BTW Car is a 04 with 46K miles on it

What's the build date of you car?

no i didn't launch it... I was driving and when I got up that high i just pushed the clutch in and it started making this clunk clunk noise all around... I thought my drive shaft shattered and was hitting all underneath the car but thats not what it was I checked for that... I really dont know but when the car isn't in gear right now at a stand still it idles like normal until you engage the clutch... and then it makes this clunk noise even in neutral...

I would take it in to be checked out, obviously something is not right. Sounds like you weren't abusing it to me.

What are some specifics on your car? If it is a 04 model, some of them had trouble with the pressure plate being loose or not correctly mounted from the factory. Red Devil beat me to the post on what the build date question.

The VIN ends in 121823 and the build date i believe is Feb 04

Hmm, I must be thinking of when the car is in neutral then. I know my manual had a rev limit (not just cold related) of some kind. Since I don't drop the cluth from 8k at a dead stop though or try to rev the engine while it's not engaged too often, I wasn't sure which it was.

I took mine to the dealer yesterday. Waiting to hear back.

I was coming to a stop light and in 3rd doing ~25mph and the transmission made this funny sound and wouldn't let me into neutral. Once I got it into neutral I ouldn't get it into first or second. I saw the TSB about the shift fork, but it seems like a clutch issue.

The best part... The dealer tells me the mazda only covers the clutch to 12k. I have 16k and I baby this thing. The clutch gave me no issues and there were no signs of a problem until the failure. My last car I replaced the clutch at 80k.

I think my build date is either feb/mar or 04.

I took mine to the dealer yesterday. Waiting to hear back.

I was coming to a stop light and in 3rd doing ~25mph and the transmission made this funny sound and wouldn't let me into neutral. Once I got it into neutral I ouldn't get it into first or second. I saw the TSB about the shift fork, but it seems like a clutch issue.

The best part... The dealer tells me the mazda only covers the clutch to 12k. I have 16k and I baby this thing. The clutch gave me no issues and there were no signs of a problem until the failure. My last car I replaced the clutch at 80k.

I think my build date is either feb/mar or 04.

They pulled the ol "Its a normal wear part" to me too!

Just got off the phone with the dealer and mazda usa. The dealer (Star Mazda) says the clutch "came apart" due to .......drum roll....abuse. I called Mazda USA and they have to go by the dealer assesment of the situation. Nice right.

My car has 16k and I have the oem tires with 60% tread left, but some how the clutch wore out from abuse, but the tires are fine.

The best part is the guy at Mazda USA claims he's never heard of clutch or transmission related issues with rx-8s. Flooding yes. Clutch/tranny no.

Just got off the phone with the dealer and mazda usa. The dealer (Star Mazda) says the clutch "came apart" due to .......drum roll....abuse. I called Mazda USA and they have to go by the dealer assesment of the situation. Nice right.

My car has 16k and I have the oem tires with 60% tread left, but some how the clutch wore out from abuse, but the tires are fine.

The best part is the guy at Mazda USA claims he's never heard of clutch or transmission related issues with rx-8s. Flooding yes. Clutch/tranny no.

They should explain that to my replaced clutch. It was all in its head.

Yet another example of why Mazda sucks customer service and support wise. Their equipment fails, it's covered under warranty yet they use the "abuse" line to avoid having to pay up. I have heard this "abuse" excuse so often it is a joke.

Fix it, pay for it and sue the basterds, I have read of another user that did it and Mazda didn't even fight it. This is just a quick and easy way for Mazda to save a buck.

Sounds like a clutch issue. Check the vin plate on the driver door sill, get back to me on the build date. DO NOT LET MAZDA WALK ALL OVER YOU. If they refuse to fix it, refuse to take the car back and call MNAO immediately.

And mazda can suck my nuts, DMP's clutch shattered too and his got replaced under warranty. Fight this bitch before they void your warranty just like they did mine.


Ktreece, my car is an 04 with 53500 on it, and my clutch exploded at 52000. make sure to have them PROVE it to you, dont allow them to TELL you. I cant stress enough not to accept the car if they do not fix it, take it up with the general manager and if he refuses to fix it, raise hell and get the owner in there.


Assuming youre not a young guy, that should get you somewhere, i know being 19 that got me nowhere, since us 19 year olds are all hardcore street racers, fucking fast and furious.

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT LET THEM PIN THIS ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=72838&highlight=clutch+disc


They FIXED MINE - they will FIX YOURS; as there is precident in your favor.

Thanks dmp, I'll definitely reference that post

Today, I went to the shop and took some photos. (Got so pissed off I was beside myself ...more on that later).

The clutch was toasted, but I also took photos of my original rear tires with 16k on them. Remember, according to Star Mazda, I "abuse" my car.

I got the service manager to call out the local mazda rep. I guess they make the decisions regarding warranty work. The tech couldn't give me an answer on how I could do that to the clutch while the original tires remained pristine. The service rep eventually tried to rationalize that it may be because I dragged the clutch. Can you believe this crap? Me neither.

Just a thought...since there are so many documented clutch/transmission issues with this car and Mazda is so reluctant to stand behind its product, someone (maybe me) should start a class action.

Dont mean to thread jack, but I have a question regarding this type of stuff... I KNOW dropping the clutch at 8000+ RPMS is just plain BAD! so my question is... if you ARE going to launch the car, what is the maximum "safe" launch RPMs that wont damage or destroy your clutch?

I do!

So this is where the shit hit the fan. When I brought it to Star Mazda, I told the service rep, in great detail, that 1) the nose was low and 2) the skirts are ornamental and the car must be lifted carefully. He understood, made the note on the workorder and then highlighted it. The tech skipped it completely.

This what I saw toaday. The service manager said they'd replace them....common guys, its not that hard. Next time I'll put post-its all over the skirts and bumpers.

<shouting>Mazda are you out there? See how your dealers treat your products and more importantly customers!</shouting>

Ktreece777, tell me you're having better luck.

The rep is kinda right, if you "ride" the clutch you wouldn't burn the tires up but would kill a clutch, but you say you don't do that so I believe you. The clutch looks like it has a little bit of life left in it, but that might just be the picture. Anyways, the clutch should not have gone bad at 16k miles, and if they don't replace it for free, I would order a new lightweight flywheel and probably a stage 1 clutch set somewhere and be done with it.

Also, what kinda idiot lifts the cars by the damn side skirts like that. He/she should have noticed them giving in like that and quit. I guess they figured you wouldn't come by to see it lifted up, they guessed wrong.

Read in my linked thread - The PRESIDENT/OWNER of ACT Clutches weighed in. Don't let them tell you your clutch disc was 'blued with heat' either.

Fockers... :(

The rep is kinda right, if you "ride" the clutch you wouldn't burn the tires up but would kill a clutch, but you say you don't do that so I believe you.

I think that's really the issue. Mazda nor its dealerships really have no incentive to believe me or any customer for that matter. Here's how I laid it out for them:

1) Been driving manual for 12+ years. Put 135,000 on an accord and changed the clutch once at 80k.

2) My fiance was in the car with me when the tranny made a horrible clunk then lots of grinding (I was slowing to a stop ~25mph trying to get the car into neutral when it failed)

3) The clutch showed no signs of wear before failure. No slippage. No sounds. No issues at all. It went from 100% fine to flatbed.

4) I offered to take the tech and the service manager for a ride. No takers.

5) I've taught other people how to drive manual. They all think this is crazy and won't touch a mazda now. Especially after recalls a battery issue and now this.

Yet, Mazda believes I have clutch issues because I don't know how to drive. What I'm really concerned about is that this may be a design issue and another 16k from now I'll be right back here.

you sure its just the clutch?......cuz my trans blew apart after 12k miles on it.......and originally mazda tried the abuse shit on me too but i fought and got a new trans....here is my full story

http://www.rx8web.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3330&perpage=30&pagenumber=1

and the part i posted here.....

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=83510&page=1&highlight=trans

This makes me feel great :rolleyes: . between the clutch issues and the engines starting to bake again this summer, I'm sure glad I leased this car. 9 more months and I may be opting out of this group...

OK NEW NEWS!!

Just got done talking to the guys at the service shop and they said they are having to completely rebuild the transmission... Anyone know how long that takes?... Not having a car is terrible!... Oh also the lady at mazda yesterday told me that she thought my CV joints were out... hahahahahaha

anyone have case numbers? According to my Service manager my case# with Mazda USA is 46949. They also informed him this was the first case of its type.

I'm sighting these posts as precedence, but I'm sure they'll disregard.

On another note, this clutch exploding crap can be dangerous. I was at 25mph, but what if the tranny locked up like this at highway speeds. I filed a claim with the nhtsa.

Mazda needs to be held accountable.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Thanks dmp, I'll definitely reference that post

Today, I went to the shop and took some photos. (Got so pissed off I was beside myself ...more on that later).

The clutch was toasted, but I also took photos of my original rear tires with 16k on them. Remember, according to Star Mazda, I "abuse" my car.

I got the service manager to call out the local mazda rep. I guess they make the decisions regarding warranty work. The tech couldn't give me an answer on how I could do that to the clutch while the original tires remained pristine. The service rep eventually tried to rationalize that it may be because I dragged the clutch. Can you believe this crap? Me neither.

Just a thought...since there are so many documented clutch/transmission issues with this car and Mazda is so reluctant to stand behind its product, someone (maybe me) should start a class action.
to me, (ive seen it done it before)this looks like damage from flat shifting

Damn now you guys got me scared .....

I'm about to hit the 15K miles mark .....

flat shifting

what's that, shifting without the clutch?

here's how i shift: clutch goes down/gas comes up (same time), shift, clutch comes up/gas goes down (same time).

and could I put 80k on a honda clutch "flat shifting"?

here's what I don't get: the accord clutch is not made for spirited driving and it lasts 80k. I drive the same way with my new Mazda RX-8. Its clutch presumably should be made for spirited driving. craps out at 16k. same person same driving style different cars unacceptable results.

what really pisses me is that for the last 6 months I've been religiously keeping the rpms under 3.5k. I paid $3.51 on my last tank. maybe that's abuse.

i started compiling some related threads:

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1051717&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1061863&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1062675&postcount=19
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1055792&postcount=37


http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=348739&postcount=34
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=363473&postcount=73


http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=644711&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=647908&postcount=7
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=348556&postcount=22

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=651037&postcount=84
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=651128&postcount=85

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=928691&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1052423&postcount=12


http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=528528&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=533844&postcount=4

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=814906&postcount=169
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=830628&postcount=172
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=796138&postcount=164

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=658178&postcount=117
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=658206&postcount=118
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=658461&postcount=119
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=658529&postcount=120

5 posted clutch failures and this was back in 11/04
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=629674&postcount=4
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=629477&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1256044&postcount=2
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1358402&postcount=4
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1349824&postcount=21
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=707677&postcount=85
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1377691&postcount=19
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=842361&postcount=33
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1218077&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1315276&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1327549&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1324275&postcount=3
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1287605&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1288001&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1253643&postcount=1
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1254561&postcount=9

I'll look through the records of the previous owner and see if I can find a case number for the clutch replacement he had done. His was done at about 7k miles.

OK NEW NEWS!!

Just got done talking to the guys at the service shop and they said they are having to completely rebuild the transmission... Anyone know how long that takes?... Not having a car is terrible!... Oh also the lady at mazda yesterday told me that she thought my CV joints were out... hahahahahaha

dont do the rebuild.....fight it...get a new one!

I'll look through the records of the previous owner and see if I can find a case number for the clutch replacement he had done. His was done at about 7k miles.

much appreciated!

what's that, shifting without the clutch?

here's how i shift: clutch goes down/gas comes up (same time), shift, clutch comes up/gas goes down (same time).

and could I put 80k on a honda clutch "flat shifting"?

here's what I don't get: the accord clutch is not made for spirited driving and it lasts 80k. I drive the same way with my new Mazda RX-8. Its clutch presumably should be made for spirited driving. craps out at 16k. same person same driving style different cars unacceptable results.

what really pisses me is that for the last 6 months I've been religiously keeping the rpms under 3.5k. I paid $3.51 on my last tank. maybe that's abuse.

i started compiling some related threads:


flat shifting is shifting without letting off of the gas between shifts. i have owned 3 hondas myself, and i did the same thing as i saw in your pics to my clutch on my first by flatshifting it. the car had about 90k on the car and about 50 k on the clutch when i bought the car, and the clutch finally bought it after about 40k of me abusing it. i chalk that up to the fact that it was an after market clutch and the car was making about 50 hp less than the 8.

the clutch in the 8 CAN stand up to abuse, as long as it is not every day.

my tranny went out on me, where i lost first and reverse, and before i could get it to the dealer, i was locked into 6th gear. as it was a weekend, and i wasnt going to leave it or pay to have it towed, i got it home, using only 6th gear. the clutch took it, and still had better than 50% left, though my service writer got some strings pulled and got it replaced under warranty.

i am just stating that from what i see from your clutch, and what i have experienced in the past, that looks like abuse.

flat shifting is shifting without letting off of the gas between shifts. i have owned 3 hondas myself, and i did the same thing as i saw in your pics to my clutch on my first by flatshifting it.

I'd think the tires would take some abuse from flat shifting too. Did your tires stand up to flat shifting (ie does flatshifting or the circumstances where you would flat shift, contribute to tire wear)? My tires are in great condition for having 16k.
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=78115

I'm assuming someone would flat shift when pushing the car and not at 3500 rpms.

Anyway, something went pop/clunk in the tranny under very little load (coasting to a stop in 3rd from 25mph) and whatever clunked or caused the clutch to go clunk is the problem.

Call them today and im out of a car for..... Yeah 2 weeks

Gary B. at Star Mazda helped plead my case to MNAO and they're covering the clutch replacement. What we're not sure about is whether the transmission will be an issue and I'm still concerned I'll have the same clutch problem another 16k from now.

step1) install new clutch

step2) verify the tranny still works

step3) address the busted MS side skirts.

Gary's been great so far. Hopefully the matter of the damaged $800 side skirts won't rock the boat.

So I got my car back. Mazda covered the clutch under warranty, but now the tranny sounds like crap. At 5k, its louder than the engine.

Anyway the tech took a ride and admitted it was noisy. His solution is to put a thicker insulator in so I won't hear it as much. WTF.

I called MNAO and that was a waste of 5 minutes.... except for part where I said something about common sense and how I had no noise or extra insulation before the clutch explosion and making it so I can't hear the tranny problem isn't a solution....and his response being: "common sense isn't always the right answer."

You can't make this stuff up.

and his response being: "common sense isn't always the right answer."

You can't make this stuff up.


LMAO :) Dude - that's horrible. :(