Another RX8 RECALL
07-25-2005, 02:38 AM
#26
there is also a recall in Hong Kong regarding the heat and the front suspension issues.. saw the news last week on the internet.. however, Mazda HongKong said there is only 22 RX8s were affected... they r not popular in HK... 
THe news said that some 05 models are also affected...
THe news said that some 05 models are also affected...
07-25-2005, 06:08 AM
#27
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If Takas car can last that many track days without snapping anything,
then I'm just gonna take my chances and keep doing what the RX8 does best...BURNOUTS!
Hehe only kidding, but seriously, I'm not gonna let this put me down until theres news
aplenty Downunder.
then I'm just gonna take my chances and keep doing what the RX8 does best...BURNOUTS!
Hehe only kidding, but seriously, I'm not gonna let this put me down until theres news
aplenty Downunder.
07-25-2005, 06:27 AM
#28
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Originally Posted by Lock & Load
Could it be possible that they are made of different materials in different countries by different suppliers ???
07-25-2005, 06:33 AM
#29
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Originally Posted by Lock & Load
Could it be possible that they are made of different materials in different countries by different suppliers ???
B..free
michael
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michael
C'mon Michael, do you really believe that Mazda will use different suppliers for different country's cars. I guess they may have an agenda to put a label on the 8...made in australia...LOL!
07-26-2005, 03:44 PM
#32
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This is a very interesting thought.. If the part numbers are different it might suggest that the RX-8 is built to a price.. For US$30k you get lesser quality components?? Let's face it there must be assumptions made by many Manufacturers that Australian (and South African etc) cars need stronger suspensions because the roads are not good.. Interesting..
Interesting..
07-26-2005, 04:53 PM
#33
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I am taking up this issue with Mazda head office and if i dont get a satisfactory answer i will divulge this information to the relevant car Authorities and car media groupshere in Australia.
Last time i challenged Mazda as to why Australian cars only get the 1 oil cooler as opposed to the American ones they came up with a shitty excuse saying it was due to our different weather conditions( BS )
As if we dont get cold or extremely hot weather here in different parts of Australia.
WELL ON THIS ISSUE OF IMPROPER FORGED LOWER ARM CONTROLS , POSSIBLY CAUSING CRACKS IN THE IN THE BALL JOINT SOCKETS , WHERE THE BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE BALL JOINT SOCKET CAUSING THE LOSS OF STEERING AND POTENTIAL CRASH .I am not prepared to sit it out i want a proper response from MAZDA
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michael
Last time i challenged Mazda as to why Australian cars only get the 1 oil cooler as opposed to the American ones they came up with a shitty excuse saying it was due to our different weather conditions( BS )
As if we dont get cold or extremely hot weather here in different parts of Australia.
WELL ON THIS ISSUE OF IMPROPER FORGED LOWER ARM CONTROLS , POSSIBLY CAUSING CRACKS IN THE IN THE BALL JOINT SOCKETS , WHERE THE BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE BALL JOINT SOCKET CAUSING THE LOSS OF STEERING AND POTENTIAL CRASH .I am not prepared to sit it out i want a proper response from MAZDA
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michael
07-26-2005, 05:40 PM
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Gotta agree with you L&L. I think it would be surprising if the control arms differ depending on end markets. In addition to tramlining on straights (which I acknowledge is most probably due to uneven wear on the RE040's) my car is occasionally "drifting"- not drastically but definitely unpredictably- at the front end in corners at suburban speeds. It's like there is play in the steering or something. Very unnerving to say the least. I'm not sure that 3 advanced driving courses and 27 years behind the wheel leave me well prepared for a catastrophic and total loss of steering control.
At this stage my car is booked in on Tuesday for a service, alignment and full check of the front suspension. The dealer of course knew nothing of the US recall. I'll post the outcome next week - and am driving VERY carefully between now and then.
BTW: to those who reckoned that 38psi would result in even tread wear on the RE040's - at 29000km mine are close to knackered (down to Tread Wear Indicators) in the tread centre, and have at least half their original tread depth to go on the outer tread area. I started running at 36psi and upped it to 38psi all round after listening to advice from others here. The steering response and handling benefited, but wear hasn't. I'll still stick with 38psi in the future though.
The RE040's come off in the next week or so - replaced by 245/40 Toyo Trampio TPG (Gu:Wn). I'll post some comments on these too, once they're full bedded in.
At this stage my car is booked in on Tuesday for a service, alignment and full check of the front suspension. The dealer of course knew nothing of the US recall. I'll post the outcome next week - and am driving VERY carefully between now and then.
BTW: to those who reckoned that 38psi would result in even tread wear on the RE040's - at 29000km mine are close to knackered (down to Tread Wear Indicators) in the tread centre, and have at least half their original tread depth to go on the outer tread area. I started running at 36psi and upped it to 38psi all round after listening to advice from others here. The steering response and handling benefited, but wear hasn't. I'll still stick with 38psi in the future though.
The RE040's come off in the next week or so - replaced by 245/40 Toyo Trampio TPG (Gu:Wn). I'll post some comments on these too, once they're full bedded in.
07-26-2005, 07:16 PM
#37
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Originally Posted by timbo
Careful Michael...you're sounding...very...stressed! 
Some one has to take up this issue with Mazda Australia and hopefully get some conclusive answer to a potentially major problem .
This certainly is more important to RX8 OWNERS then talking about other usseless issues that will never have the potential of causing a major accident with our cars .
Maybe you like Mazda avoiding issues with our cars and giving it to you up the **** :p
But i certainly .....DONT :D
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michael
07-26-2005, 07:46 PM
#38
we all can just simply ring up Mazda Auustralia and ask for it, if they receive 50 to 100 phone calls in a day or 2 regarding the recalls, they will then definately look into the matter more seriously...
07-26-2005, 08:05 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by aa@uow
we all can just simply ring up Mazda Auustralia and ask for it, if they receive 50 to 100 phone calls in a day or 2 regarding the recalls, they will then definately look into the matter more seriously...
Do it ...............mazda Australia has already gotten away from giving us a second oil cooler just because they could inaction is indemic in the Australian physcke.
Stand up and be counted .
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michael
07-26-2005, 08:22 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by Lock
Do it ...............mazda Australia has already gotten away from giving us a second oil cooler just because they could inaction is indemic in the Australian physcke.
I will get someone to look at the control arm next service.
You know, time for an upgrade for me. Strangely enough the Japanese had the car the longest and none of the company found the forged problem in the control arm and bringing out their products.It could still be an isolated batch that has gone out to the US. Anyway, if there is one shown in Australia - then a recall should happen.
07-26-2005, 08:58 PM
#41
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I have seen the whole thread of the link from Lock, and also seen the attachment that brothervoodoo have posted.
It is certainly seem like the K4 batch of the lower arm at the moment. The batch number should be at the undersurface of the arm. I suggest if there is any K or 4 in the batch number than you should rush to the Mazda dealer, call up Mazda Australia, and demand answer.
It is certainly seem like the K4 batch of the lower arm at the moment. The batch number should be at the undersurface of the arm. I suggest if there is any K or 4 in the batch number than you should rush to the Mazda dealer, call up Mazda Australia, and demand answer.
07-26-2005, 10:44 PM
#42
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Heres the letter i have sent Mazda Australia.
Customer Service Centre
Mazda Australia
Private Bag 323
Mount Waverley BC
Victoria 3149
Dear Sir
As you may be aware, there has been a recent recall of RX8s. Both in the USA and Japan. Mazda is recalling the RX8 sports cars because of a problem with the front suspension that could lead to a loss of steering resulting in a crash. I am led to believe that this is due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket.
It has been reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America.
I understand that there is a risk of cracking in the ball joint sockets, which could result in total failure and a loss of steering. Obviously, this has the potential to cause serious accidents and consequent fatalities and injury.
Both myself and a large number of other owners of RX8 models in Australia are very concerned about this issue as no doubt our cars share the same component parts as those recalled in the USA.
I have attempted to discover from Mazda Australia whether Australian distributed models are similarly affected but to date I am yet to receive a satisfactory response.
Kindly advise forthwith whether my car is likely to suffer from the same or similar fault. If so, what does Mazda Australia plan to do to rectify such a serious risk?
Should I fail to receive a satisfactory response, I shall have no hesitation in taking the problem to the relevant authorities.
I also suspect that the media would be interested in yet another attempt by a japanese car manufacturer to hush up a safety recall.
I look forward to hearing from you by return mail.
Yours faithfully
Michael Elias
Customer Service Centre
Mazda Australia
Private Bag 323
Mount Waverley BC
Victoria 3149
Dear Sir
As you may be aware, there has been a recent recall of RX8s. Both in the USA and Japan. Mazda is recalling the RX8 sports cars because of a problem with the front suspension that could lead to a loss of steering resulting in a crash. I am led to believe that this is due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket.
It has been reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America.
I understand that there is a risk of cracking in the ball joint sockets, which could result in total failure and a loss of steering. Obviously, this has the potential to cause serious accidents and consequent fatalities and injury.
Both myself and a large number of other owners of RX8 models in Australia are very concerned about this issue as no doubt our cars share the same component parts as those recalled in the USA.
I have attempted to discover from Mazda Australia whether Australian distributed models are similarly affected but to date I am yet to receive a satisfactory response.
Kindly advise forthwith whether my car is likely to suffer from the same or similar fault. If so, what does Mazda Australia plan to do to rectify such a serious risk?
Should I fail to receive a satisfactory response, I shall have no hesitation in taking the problem to the relevant authorities.
I also suspect that the media would be interested in yet another attempt by a japanese car manufacturer to hush up a safety recall.
I look forward to hearing from you by return mail.
Yours faithfully
Michael Elias
07-26-2005, 11:09 PM
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L&L, keep the stress levels up cos you are justified in this instance. The letter looks okay. Keep us posted.
Do you guys think that we should all send letters, emails or as previously mentioned call MA. If we are to call would it be better if we all called the same number? If so, could someone suggest a number we all call.
Do you guys think that we should all send letters, emails or as previously mentioned call MA. If we are to call would it be better if we all called the same number? If so, could someone suggest a number we all call.
07-26-2005, 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Bat1
L&L, keep the stress levels up cos you are justified in this instance. The letter looks okay. Keep us posted.
Do you guys think that we should all send letters, emails or as previously mentioned call MA. If we are to call would it be better if we all called the same number? If so, could someone suggest a number we all call.
Do you guys think that we should all send letters, emails or as previously mentioned call MA. If we are to call would it be better if we all called the same number? If so, could someone suggest a number we all call.
1800=034-411 ............... MAZDA Australia.
I am allways justified :p :D
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michael
07-26-2005, 11:26 PM
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This bit....
doesn't really sit too well with this bit....
You were going well up until that point Michael.....
I also suspect that the media would be interested in yet another attempt by a japanese car manufacturer to hush up a safety recall.
Yours faithfully
Michael Elias
Michael Elias
07-26-2005, 11:32 PM
#47
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SUPRISE ------SUPRISE ----------SUPRISE :D
Mazda has NOW officially told me that the re-call does effect Australian cars and that i had beaten them to the notification
All effected vehicles will be notified by mail in about 4 weeks time .
At least our cars now will be a lot safer around wakefield
Thanks to all of you who may have taken the initiative to try and get a straight answer from MAZDA .
"United as a group we stand as individual owners we fall"
VIVA LA REVOLUZION :D
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michael
Mazda has NOW officially told me that the re-call does effect Australian cars and that i had beaten them to the notification
All effected vehicles will be notified by mail in about 4 weeks time .
At least our cars now will be a lot safer around wakefield
Thanks to all of you who may have taken the initiative to try and get a straight answer from MAZDA .
"United as a group we stand as individual owners we fall"
VIVA LA REVOLUZION :D
B...free
michael
07-26-2005, 11:50 PM
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Nice work old boy ! (... no I'm not a pom ....... I can handle my willow and bat the distance with anyone )
In a way I would like my 8 to be recalled, I will get some new parts (which can't be all bad) and for my inconvenience I will demand at least an oil change, a valet and some promotional gear they usually have. :D :D :D
(... no I'm not a pom ....... I can handle my willow and bat the distance with anyone )In a way I would like my 8 to be recalled, I will get some new parts (which can't be all bad) and for my inconvenience I will demand at least an oil change, a valet and some promotional gear they usually have. :D :D :D
