2007 Model Auto RX-8 grinding sound and loss of power
 

Hey guys, recently while driving up a hill and doing a lane change I revved the car up to about 4000-5000rpm in 1st and then after that for the rest of the day a 'knocking' sound was heard from within the cabin when the engine was running and driving the car at about 2500-3000rpm. Anything above that it cannot be heard anymore (probably cause its at such a high frequency.)

From outside it sounds like a rubbing noise. The noise is only heard when accelerating the car up an incline. If I was to shift to neutral and rev the car it is completely fine. It is only heard when the car is in 'D' and accelerating (its a 4spd auto.)

The next day the sound was completely gone and I continued driving it at relatively low rpms for a few days. Today I was going up the same hill again and took it to 5000rpm in 1st and heard a horrible grinding noise. I stopped accelerating immediately. Now when I drive the car up any slope it struggles to go past 40km/h in 2nd while revving at about 3000-4000 rpm and the 'knocking/ rubbing' noise is back. :wallbash:

Sorry for the long post. I have dropped it off at the dealer and I guess theres nothing to do now but wait. I feel it has something to do with the transmission because revving the engine alone feels normal. Just thought I would share my story with the people here and maybe see if anyone has experienced the same thing? The car has done almost 40 000km.

In case anyone's interested. Called the dealer today, they said they're putting a new engine in... o.O

Autos seem to develop a lot of problems. Mazda should not have produced a rotary auto.

I am glad your dealer is looking after you.

skc

The dealer said they were putting a new engine in. But, what are the chances it'll just be a refurbished one?