When I go start up my 8, it does it normal cranking sound, but right before the engine fires up, for a brief second you hear a sound like a belt squeaking or a chirping noise. I opened the hood and couldn't really hear it but I could hear it from inside the card while starting it. Once the car fires up though, you don't hear anything unusual revving the engine or while driving. Thoughts?

 

Sometimes I've heard what sounds like predetonation during initial startup. I believe it's associated with timing advancement on start up. Nothing abnormal I'm aware of.

 

Thanks! I won't worry about it to much then if it is nothing abnormal. Thank you for your help!

 

Or it could be the onset of this


I thought it was the starter, replaced it with the upgraded one, and that lasted about a week before it just spun. Pulled the trans and found this. I replaced everything, however you could probably just tack weld the starter ring to the flywheel again.

 

Did it sound kind of like a belt slipping at first?

 

Yup then it started to sound like that. At first it would catch to start then in the end it was toast. I would say it took a couple of weeks. I use my car a lot so it went quick.

 

Dont mean to thread jack guys but speaking of noises. When i shut my 8 off i hear a split second grinding sound. Any ideas?

 

i sometimes get the belt squeek noise also when starting, doesn't sound like that broken starter ring very interesting though.. havn't noticed it for a while though i stopped paying attention.

my rx8 still has the slow original 2004 starter motor and its very slow but still starts the car everytime. i have called mazda about the recall but they say there is nothing outstanding??