Okay, so I apologize ahead of time if this has been posted before, if it has please don't be mean about it, just link me to it, but I have searched and I haven't found anyone with the same issue exactly.

My 8, 2004 manual, has this issue with the gears grinding really often (and I'm not THAT bad of a driver). I was driving to California over spring break and it got quite bad when I realized that it was almost impossible to downshift, make those mountains quite the hassle.

I've also noticed that when my car is in neutral, but the clutch is NOT engaged, their is a slight screech that accompany's the idle, when I engage the clutch (still in neutral) the screech goes away. Its not super loud, I can only hear it when I'm parked, but its making me nervous, and the inability to downshift is really 'Grindin my gears' ;D (See what I did there?)

SOOOO.... If you have any suggestions, answers, or anything helpful at all, please don't hesitate to help me out!

 

release bearing is failing. the part is cheap, the labor is not, as it's the same work as replacing the clutch.

if you opt to replace the clutch, get an oem clutch from BHR, it comes with the bearing you need

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

++ ^^

Could also still be an issue with trans, or with clutch pedal height. Make sure to adjust it. Big thing to check is freeplay. If the pedal goes more than half an inch when you first push it before you get some resistance, then you care not getting the clutch all the way disengaged before trying to shift. There is a DIY someplace on adjusting the clutch pedal.

 

Okay thanks!! I appreciate the replys! Ill have to make time to get to work on her!

 

Also I would be doing the work myself, I dont really go to mechanics much. Maybe I'll take pictures as I do it and post them...

 

check your hydraulics systems as well I had a similar issue with an 01 eclipse and come to find out it was a failing slave cylinder.. if there is an issue with your hydraulics diagnosing it is fairly easy as you'll notice a decrease in the pressure under your clutch pedal much like if your breaks were to go out. good luck!