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Hi everyone.
I thought it might be a good idea after seeing recent posts regarding tools used for our 8s to start a thread for New Owners who are interested in doing their own maintenance and repairs.
I have done a few jobs that required specific tools for the job, and I also have basic tools that come in handy for certain jobs.
I thought it would be useful for new owners.
For example, if a new owner was having problems with the rear brakes and Googled RX8 Rear Brake Tool, maybe their search would lead them here with specific categories for certain tools.
That's my thought anyway.
Your post for the hose clamp removal tools is part of the inspiration for it.
That was a tool I was unaware of, and I've had mine for over 3 years.
I recently did my brakes.
A special tool is useful for screwing in the rear caliper pistons.
I own a kit, but they are available for rental at most parts stores.
My fuel pump died.
A special tool is useful for removing the retaining ring.
I used a universal rental tool which worked, but not without difficulty and some damage to the ring.
BHR sells an RX8 specific tool that I'm sure would work better.
I also recommend a wheel saver socket if you don't want to scratch your wheels. or if you have specialized wheel lug nuts that use a proprietary key then I suggest wrapping it in electrical tape to protect your wheels.
Those are nice. I have gear wrenches, but not flex heads.
I haven't seen the wheel sockets.
I will look into that.
They work well, but they can be knuckle busters if you don't keep them straight. I have been meaning to buy a set without a flex end. Mine are gearwrench as well and I have had them for years and abused the hell out of them.
I also recently purchased this punch set of Amazon made by Capri Tools. I wish I had bought it many years ago, this thing works damn well. And the quality is excellent for $50.00.
Another thing that I recently bought that is excellent and a buddy linked me to a sale they were having on it for $100.00 is this very comprehensive metric tap and die set from Gearwrench.
Oh and on that note, using thread chasers instead of a tap to clean threads is always the smart move and cleaning threads will save you a ton of hassle. Having broken a bolt in a brand new engine from debri in the hole, I can tell you that it is a major PIA and expensive to get remedied.
I also wish I had bought these years ago. I got a basic metric set on Amazon for cheap.
I bought a vacuum gauge/bleeder for one man brake bleeding.
I tried to bleed my clutch line with it, and it was very difficult to seal it well enough to bleed it.
In hindsight, I should have bought a pressure bleeder.
Williard likes his, and recommended it.
Both of these items are used on a regular basis. The factory retaining clips are hard to come by and break easily so I use this along with the appropriate screw driver to make sure they don't break.
This kit (Harbor Freight has it cheap) is great as well for removing the radio and other types of panels with doing damage.
This is the old time basic diagnostic tool, the Mechanic's Stethoscope.
Great for locating troublesome engine noises, (bad accessory bearings, fluttering valves, etc.)
Yes, as for the vacuum pump, I highly recommend getting a quality one (mityvac, etc) as the cheapy like the HF brand suck.
I also use my Mityvac extractor a lot to drain oil, coolant, etc. You can do a full oil change on the RX-8 (Series I only) without ever lifting the car up.
A chain wrench (heavy duty) or strap wrench (light duty, won't scratch things) has also come in handy a time or two when you need to keep a pulley in place to remove bolts.
11-18-2015, 10:37 AM
