nemesistyx

Hello everyone. I have done a good share of searching, and found that RX8s do have a noise that comes from the gearbox/flywheel area. Regarding the transmission input bearing. The noise of a wobble/engaging/whirring noise. It is very slight. Only happens when in neutral, with peddle depressed. Another noise of the engine breaking when in 1st and 2nd gear braking(using breaks) However the "BEST ROTARY MECHANIC IN OKLAHOMA" As claimed stated that my whole transmission needs a rebuild. I do not want to go in to get a real inspection, because if this noise is normal for a rx8 I do not want to waste my time and money, as well as open up the chances for the "shop" to try to play games with me. What I am asking is can it be confirmed that, 1... This sound if minor is normal? 2... If there was to be an issue with the input bearing would the whole transmission need a rebuild? (wouldn't want to replace unnecessary components, if still in a very operable condition.)
Also, I am very happy to say I should be getting my OBDLink today, and I really do enjoy this vehicle. I do wish they would go back into really developing the rotary.

EDIT: 75k Miles,

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

That sounds like the pilot bearing or release bearing, which is normal when they reach end of life. Replacing them is as simple as replacing the rest of the clutch with a complete kit while you are in there.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

In neutral with pedal depressed the transmission shouldn't be turning at all. So whatever sounds you're hearing, it's not the trans. If it's in neutral with the pedal up (not pressed), yes there is a slight whirring noise which is completely normal, or at least all RX8s have it. A video would help confirm this conclusively.

Glad you like the car, don't overthink it

I don't understand the part about the second noise when braking, you might have to explain that better.

nemesistyx

Is there any recommendations on sticky's, or resource for getting the parts?
In my current situation I don't have necessarily a lot of time, or extra vehicle to drive during a replacement. I have the general tools needed to remove just about anything but a Transmission jack/Cherry picker/Lift.

nemesistyx

Hah, I am over thinking it quiet a bit. I am a mechanic for the army, and any noise I hear is a instant alert in my head.
The second noise of which im talking about is basically the engine breaking sound, where the engine is slowing the shaft because of RPMs are not matching speed of transmission. I think to myself that this is due to the transmission being so damn close to you its noticeable.
I would try to add in a video, however I do not know if it will be audible across the sound of the rotary.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Your best best for a clutch kit is BHR, grab the oem one for $380 shipped I believe. Fits perfect, comes with the bearings, seals, a new pressure plate, and new clutch disc.

You can replace the clutch yourself with just some basic tools in a weekend. I did it 3 times on my 8 (thanks to Exedy's Stage1 QA problems). The first time took most of a weekend, the last time took me 4 hours.


You don't need any special jack, in fact I just used the scissor jack to get the transmission most of the way back into place and bear-hugged it into position. You will need something to get the torque needed on the PPF bolts, and if you are going to remove the flywheel to have it resurfaced (rather than resufacing it while installed), then you are going to need a large special socket and lots of torque for both off and on.

Everything else is just time consuming and irritating working under the car on your back.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, you are describing release bearing or pilot bearing rattle pretty perfectly. Not something that is internal to the transmission.

I assume you have >60,000 miles on your clutch assembly... Most of them start to fail around 80-110k, depending on how easy you are on the clutch.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

....and watch out for the bearing in the e shaft coming apart. right pearl

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yes. Borrow/rent/buy the correct pilot bearing puller tool before you start. Don't try to use something else. Do some searches on here for the right one. If the bearing inner race and ball bearings come out, you will have a complete bitch of a time getting the outter race removed.

nemesistyx

So this > Exedy Factory Clutch Kit, RX-8 | Black Halo Racing

Now you talk about the fly wheel, That it would possibly need to be resurfaced. I have seen some mentions of the fly wheel not being the correct flywheel for a clutch.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yup, that's the kit. It looks like the price has climbed a bit. Anything cheaper has had a poor (or worse) reputation on the forums here.

Just re-use the stock flywheel unless you want to replace it with something else. The surface that the clutch disc grips to just needs to be resurfaced when you replace the clutch, which isn't difficult. Basically think "sanding" to create an even gripping surface, but you will have to do some reading to make sure you do it properly.

nemesistyx

Now if i go and do all this and it doesn't end well... I am blaming..... The universe and myself haha. I should be fine. But I do know things tend to go the other way for me. I appreciate everyone feedback/ Especially when I am sure I could find all this information in stickies. have not quiet got the handle on forum searching!

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

It's best to use google, with "site:Rx8club.com" added to the search text, it will search only the forum, and it's better than the built-in search on the forum.

Lots of clutch and transmission removal threads out there with all sorts of suggestions and help, so it would be worthwhile to read up on them.

nemesistyx

Again thank you so much! I really do appreciate this. I knew when i bought the car it had tons of negative reviews. (mostly due to bad operators, whom neglected the cars needs) I absolutely love the car, Do wish fuel economy was much better... but you trade that for the car itself. I really wish they would keep developing the rx8, rotary.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

if the pilot bearing comes apart you can very carefully cut through the race with a dremel and a carbide cutting bit. ask me how i know lol

nemesistyx

So, in regards to this, "best rotary mechanic" here in oklahoma stating i need to have a transmission (overhaul). which said to include the input shaft itself. Is well.. Not the best rotary mechanic?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

True

Or rather, this has nothing to do with being a rotary. Same clutch components and design that is in virtually any other RWD MT car, regardless of engine

nemesistyx

Alright trying to upload a video, not quiet sure if you can hear it well enough.
Talked to 2 different mechs. Again another says its the transmission.. Well when it comes up ill link it!

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Is the noise your ONLY symptom?

I can't recall any time on the forum in the past 7 years that someone has had a transmission problem with only a noise and no other physical symptoms.

However, it is extremely common to have a clutch bearing noise, with no physical symptoms.

nemesistyx

RIWWP , I just took it to a local mechanic (specializes on imports) When he went with me on the drive ( thought I was going to lose my mind when he drove it ) But he stated " I assumed it was the gears and not the clutch itself " Guessing that I knew nothing about my sounds, and what i described. He then preceded to drive it easy, down shift, up shift. Then said " You know you are exactly right, The neutral and vibration is the release bearing, and the Other noise you are hearing is the clutch, Possibly worn... or that the pressure plates or needed to be fixed (aka clutch kit install ) And as for the other noises you are hearing, they are very common in these cars.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

nemesistyx

As for getting the part I am thinking of paying him to do the change out (65$/hr) replacing the kit with BHR >> Exedy Factory Clutch Kit, RX-8 | Black Halo Racing < < and then having the flywheel resurfaced for 60$. As i have researched after getting this done i should go real easy on the rpms/shifting/clutch for at least 500 miles. So far thats the plan, hoping to get it knocked out soon, Coming up on 75k miles.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yup, that is a very viable plan.

nemesistyx

Mech costs labor 5.5 hours, 400 bucks.
Parts 400 bucks Total = $800

After again doing more looking via youtube for each component of clutch for (failure noise) it is very clear it is the release/Input bearing.
Learning stuff everyday it seems! Also got my premix in today! Idemitsu