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Anyone know how to change a clutch in an RX8

Old 12-09-2008, 08:37 PM
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Question Anyone know how to change a clutch in an RX8

I have been searching to find how to replace my cluth in my 04 RX8.. Im getting the Exedy Racing Clutch but need a step by step instuction to do so.. Mazda wants to charge me 1200$ for a factory clutch, but I can get an aftermarket racing clutch for 300$. I just need to know how to DIY.. Do It Myself.. Some people say it should be pretty ez. If anyone could help me it would be great..
Thanks a whole bunch..

Mike

Last edited by alnielsen; 12-13-2008 at 07:42 AM. Reason: spelling in the title
Old 12-09-2008, 08:45 PM
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pretty sure there is a diy for that in the DIY section
Old 12-09-2008, 08:51 PM
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replacing a clutch is by no means easy... and I don't think there is a DIY on this forum.
Old 12-09-2008, 09:15 PM
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Question

Yeah I see a DIY for a clutch by a girl but she never finished on how to go about it.. I really need a clutch bad for my 8, and had some ppl say it should be pretty simple, but they are used to american cars.. They RX8 is highly different than most cars as I have found out.. I can buy a cluth the can hold up to a turbo from Exedy, but would like a step by step on how to do it.. Its only like 4 or 5 parts.. They mazda dealership said it would be 900$ in labor and 400$ in parts which to me is INSANE... I figured it can't be as bad as changing a head gasket in camaro.. But I have no clue.. Its hard to find a manual on the 8 in local stores... I just need to know if its worth it to do it by myself or get the mazda dealer to do it.. I really don't trust the stock clutch they may put in it.. I would rather go with a performance clutch and get more life out of it, but mazda won't warranty one.. I really need the DIY pretty bad because im ready to get started on it as soon as possible.. If anyone has anything please post.. I could use all the help I can get..

Thanks to my Mazda Friends....
DrMazda..
Old 12-09-2008, 10:07 PM
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get it installed somewhere else with the clutch you want then.. it would probbaly be cheaper than the dealer ship
Old 12-09-2008, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by drmazda
Yeah I see a DIY for a clutch by a girl but she never finished on how to go about it.. I really need a clutch bad for my 8, and had some ppl say it should be pretty simple, but they are used to american cars.. They RX8 is highly different than most cars as I have found out.. I can buy a cluth the can hold up to a turbo from Exedy, but would like a step by step on how to do it.. Its only like 4 or 5 parts.. They mazda dealership said it would be 900$ in labor and 400$ in parts which to me is INSANE... I figured it can't be as bad as changing a head gasket in camaro.. But I have no clue.. Its hard to find a manual on the 8 in local stores... I just need to know if its worth it to do it by myself or get the mazda dealer to do it.. I really don't trust the stock clutch they may put in it.. I would rather go with a performance clutch and get more life out of it, but mazda won't warranty one.. I really need the DIY pretty bad because im ready to get started on it as soon as possible.. If anyone has anything please post.. I could use all the help I can get..

Thanks to my Mazda Friends....
DrMazda..
get a quote at a good mechanic
Old 12-09-2008, 10:28 PM
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Check your PM.
Old 12-10-2008, 12:22 AM
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subscribe to alldata or go to mazda and get the service manual but doing clutches is a heell of a lot easier if u have a lift
Old 12-10-2008, 12:54 AM
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There is a DIY on changing your flywheel. It is the same procedure to change your clutch...except you skip the part about taking the flywheel off.

I think it was by broke_apex_seal
Old 12-10-2008, 02:45 PM
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have u ever done a clutch? If not i would not recommend trying it the first timeoon the 8....and there is no difference really in changing this clutch or a camaro clutch etc etc....but makes it easier to have a lift and transmission jack...alignment tool if it doens't come with the clutch kti...also should have your flywheel resurfaced.....(prob part of the labor from mazda) and it's basically simple just take the old off and bolt the new on the opposite that it came off and make sure u get the torque specs.....
Old 12-12-2008, 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 04RX8man
have u ever done a clutch? If not i would not recommend trying it the first timeoon the 8....and there is no difference really in changing this clutch or a camaro clutch etc etc....but makes it easier to have a lift and transmission jack...alignment tool if it doens't come with the clutch kti...also should have your flywheel resurfaced.....(prob part of the labor from mazda) and it's basically simple just take the old off and bolt the new on the opposite that it came off and make sure u get the torque specs.....
clutch should come with alighment tool tq the clutch to luike 20-25flbs i just make them tight evey time i do a clutch if u never did anything like that i would not do it take it to the dealer but if u think u can do it fucckkk it go for it
Old 12-13-2008, 03:07 AM
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mazda charged me 350 bucks for labor on my act clutch and flywheel.....ur getting @$$!@
Old 12-13-2008, 03:18 AM
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yeah it SHOULD come with alignment tool but all dont!!! dont forget resurface flywheel!!!
Old 12-13-2008, 06:51 AM
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I wouldnt do something like that yourself without the help of someone who knows what they're doing there with you.
Old 12-13-2008, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Ross_Dawg
replacing a clutch is by no means easy...

How is it not? Should take about an hour with a second person...2 hrs with a complete novice.
Old 12-13-2008, 09:19 AM
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^but this is with a trans jack and a lift and the right equiptment to do it....yeah replacing a clutch it simple you just unbolt the old and bolt the new in the same sequence but without proper equipment it makes things more difficult
Old 12-13-2008, 09:29 AM
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^No trans jack needed. A transmission is a person lift, no big deal. A couple sockets, 18" extension, and a cordless impact gun...done.
Old 12-13-2008, 11:05 AM
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Don't forget the pilot bearing, and release bearing. If your in there you should do that too.
Old 12-13-2008, 11:13 AM
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I personally like having a trans jack or some sort of extra protection when changine a clutch just to b safe! Yeah release bearing and pilot bearing needs to b changed while in changing the clutch
Old 12-13-2008, 11:00 PM
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Yeah you definitely want a trans jack so you can use it to wiggle the trans in place. It's MUCH easier than trying to manhandle it
Old 12-14-2008, 07:04 AM
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Bunch of girls! haha
Old 12-14-2008, 09:20 AM
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well I'm not saying i couldn't do it but KISS Keep it simple stupid take the easiest safest route is what i say haha
Old 12-14-2008, 09:26 AM
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I guess it comes down to an experience thing. I've swapped 10+ tranny this year alone...but it really comes down to time constraints. I've had to swap out a clutch/tranny combo in under an hr just to make qualifying. But when swapping out my own clutch I took a little longer but still did it by hand.

Life on a race team...
Old 12-14-2008, 01:15 PM
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Yeah. I bet it's a ton easier when you do it all the time. I've done it twice in the 4 years I've had mine and always with a trans jack and someone else's tools. I definitely wouldn't want to do it by myself.
Old 12-14-2008, 01:50 PM
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Yeah i've only done it 3 times this year and it was on some lowered b.s. POS cars sucked barely fit under there damn!!!

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