Tiger

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

Go48

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.

DOMINION

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

Raptor2k

What would the tires have to do with a rattle?

Go48

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.

Tiger

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

DOMINION

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.

alley

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.

mrkinn

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 ****.. keep turing that up till about 28 rattle goes away... Instant fix... at least for me...

flyboyindy

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....

DOMINION

Flyboyindy, PM sent

93rdcurrent

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... I heard serious knocking!!! Had serious power loss!!!! I already had an appointment at the dealer for tomorrow so I'll keep everyone posted.

DOMINION

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

93rdcurrent

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.

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

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

spotster20

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..

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

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

DOMINION

Sounds like got a new Engine. If not hes got a AT and its just the sound of his Trans.

flyboyindy

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!

cruzdreamer

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

Winfree

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!

cruzdreamer

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.

flyboyindy

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.

DOMINION

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...

cruzdreamer

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.?