Clutch Pedal Bracket, Solutions, and Explanations# NOW RECALL
 

* EDIT.
A NEW CP Bracket is now under a 8 year MAZDA Factory Recall/Extended 8 year Warranty, see LINK below in red.

I get questions constantly and read many threads with the same questions and concerns about the same issue stemming from the Clutch Pedal. Many RX-8 owners complain and have concerns about what is going on with their pedal which is no new issue to the RX-8 community.

The issues that come from the OE Clutch pedal assembly are nothing we are not familiar with but I wanted to have a thread in one place showing my experience of what I have seen along with pictures and everything in between.

These issues Include but not limited to:

- Snapping (making vehicle inoperable)
- Squeaking (re-lube the spring!)
- Popping
- Side to side movement

The Following are pictures and explanations to show the weakness and possible fixes and failed attempts as well.

Let's take a new pedal to start off with these pictures are of Revision C the latest Clutch Pedal Assembly.


Bottom Side of Clutch Pedal Assembly:

There are two spot welds as shown in red circles showing how the top pedal is fixed to the base assembly.

Attachment 262532

Another Angle this time from the top side. Again circled in Red you can see the only spot weld holding this assembly in place. If you look at the red arrow you can see where the one bolt will come thru the assembly and no welding or reinforcements added. ( This is the most problematic area of the Clutch Pedal assembly) Typically this is where the spot weld will come apart and seperate from its base. More pics explained later.

Attachment 262533

Here is another angle showing the lack of support and reinforcement on the pedal.

Attachment 262534



Now common fixes for this issue are two things Welding and our Clutch Pedal reinforcement bracket.

Lets first look at welding.

Although this is not my favorite it is a viable option to be completed for the end user. From my experience with customers I advise against it only based on what I have seen with several instances with customers. (This is not to say that all welding techniques are not good) I have seen one RX8 owner from GA have a very interesting approach with welding I will let him chime in with his pictures and what he did and how it is working for him so far.

To date I have received back several failed assemblies from welding where the customer ending up welding the pedal intially then when it failed again ended up buying the clutch pedal bracket we offer.

Here is one such instance of what I have received back from the customer, below are pictures and explanations.


In this picture we can see that a local welder to this customer had done some more welding for him because he had read up that his pedal was prone to issue. Which is a good thing he was proactive about it instead of reactive. I have arrows showing where he had welded the assembly and as you can see the clutch pedal still snapped!

Attachment 262535

On the bottom side of this assembly we can see that the base has cracked in two points and has lifted apart where it has been reinforced with welding and it has failed.

Attachment 262536

In this last picture people most commonly over look this issue or don't notice at first. The pedal as you can see here has been warped. Remember this piece has been reinforced with welding and the unit still flexed out of proportion which lead to its failure once again and snapping. A common question is that is welding a viable solution? Yes and No. I have yet to see a welding job eliminate the flex commonly associated with this pedal which in the end can still lead to it potentially failing. I say yes because it can temporarily fix the issue. Synthetic Darkenss has a good DIY in the DIY forum but if you may know his pedal snapped again and now has a new assembly with our bracket installed.

Attachment 262537


The Next group of pictures are a breakdown of what the Clutch pedal Bracket we offer actually does.

This first picture shows the components of the reinforcement bracket. The arrows I have pointing out where the bracket will reinforce, stabilize and prevent flex of your clutch pedal. With the unit installed it gives the Clutch Pedal a much firmer more confident feel along with the strength and design that is much needed.

Attachment 262538

These next two pictures showing how it is affixed and reinforced to the other side.

Attachment 262539

Attachment 262540

And of course lastly the completed reinforced assembly with the bracket installed.

Attachment 262541

We offer the Clutch pedal Bracket on our site which can be purchased here

We also offer the completed assembly with a used core or a new assembly from Mazda and then reinforced with our bracket.


Lastly I always get asked...

Q. " My pedal snapped and broke do I have to buy a new pedal and get this bracket so it doesn't happen again?"

A. NO! Not necessarily I have installed several brackets on broken clutch pedal assemblies and the unit will be use-able again. If you have concern snap some pictures and email them to me. I will let you know if it is reusable or not. I have only come across two units that were not re-useable.

Q. "I am not very handy, is this item difficult to install?"

A. This does require drilling but the average DIY'er will be able to complete this. All units include instructions on how to complete installation. There have been few occurrences where a customer has not been able to complete on their own, feel free to contact me for assistance.

Q. "Will this make my clutch pedal feel stiff?"

A. Yes it will give a very firm pedal feel, it will be vastly improved over stock pedal feel depending on application.

Q. "My pedal squeaks is this normal?"

A. Yes and no. It is best to inspect your pedal for any signs of flexing or cracking. The spring located on the top of the pedal is known to need to re-lubing and that should eliminate any squeaking.


LASTLY IF YOU HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO A BROKEN ASSEMBLY!!

Follow this link and file a report!

I'm posting these images at the request of Race Roots. Mine snapped two years ago.

http://silvereightstudio.com/misc/Br...t/DSC_1862.JPG

http://silvereightstudio.com/misc/Br...t/DSC_1850.JPG

After welding, I installed a bracket also. Don't have pics of the bracket install. I'm very pleased with the combination. The welding was done at the company I work for. I'm lucky enough to have a source for fine quality shop work.

http://silvereightstudio.com/misc/Br...t/DSCF0856.JPG

http://silvereightstudio.com/misc/Br...t/DSCF0857.JPG

http://silvereightstudio.com/misc/Br...t/DSCF0858.JPG

Ttt ....

any feedback on the installation of this kit?

it takes me hours and hours to install this.
specially this part, i had to buy an crawfoot wrench just to tight the bolt, you cannot use any normal wrench, the clearance of the bolt to the bracket is to tight...

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2...age1xbn.th.jpg

ill try to take a picture of the actual set later...

There are lots of different uses of ttt so if you would please just say what you are thinking, it would be a lot easier to understand.

My only warning on the reinforcement bracket is to remove the switches from the clutch pedal as early in the installation process as possible. 1) they get compressed and must be reset. 2) The metal can twist during drilling and damage the switch housing.

Getting the reinforced assembly back on to those three bolts trough the firewall is a pain. Maybe it would be good to have someone on the other side to push things together?

The bracket transforms the feel of the clutch: It's an awesome upgrade and good preventive measure.

Nice post: Good pictures... It is a thinly disguised sales pitch but it is for a great product!

Yes! as in PAIN, it took me 3 hours to do this as i tried to install it alone, the crawfoot wrench is the right tool for the 3rd bolt & it's a good option to have someone on the other side to push it.

and one more point that i find useful, leave the bolts for the bracket un-tighten until you have the 3 bolts inserted.

^ exactly, worth the pain.
:)

Don't forget about the spring digging through. I don't know if you still have that picture I sent you, but if not you can find it in my clutch thread to use it on here.

when my buddy was installing it, he had 2 problems:

1. the bolts supplied were too small to hold the bracket in place while drilling
2. the fucking thing wouldnt go back in the clutch slave cuz it wasn't lining up

eventually it got in but after multiple attempts...

So, pretty much a typical installation? :lol2:

has anyone's pedal squeaked MORE after installing the bracket?

i have the gained confidence in my pedal, but the squeaking and creaking annoys me... any point of the pedal i should take a look at? maybe tighten/loosen/grease something up?

Grease the spring

Got mine installed last night. The holes drilled into the bracket didn't line up with the holes on the clutch pedal (the ones that go into the firewall) so it was a complete pain in the ass to get it in there. We finally got it together by doing what you see below:

Attachment 254383

As you can see even then the holes in that bottom right opening didn't line up very well. I'm not sure if mine was a defect or if they are all this way.

Another thing was that the description when I purchased the item said that all necessary tools and instructions will be included. All I got were some stickers to buy brakes? lol

I can definitely say that there's a huge difference from before and after the pedal. My clutch engagement isn't as far out on the pedal anymore and shifting just feels a lot firmer. My pedal was in the BEGINNING stages of starting to break and the notice even then was night and day. Because of that I think these brackets would cause a difference even on a pedal that isn't broken at all. I'm very satisfied!

I have been meaning to write some instructions for the complete assemblies, I have the instructions for just the bracket but that is pointless at your point when it is already done for you.

And yes that is common with it being difficult to line up, because the bolts are tightened down and the pedal itself flexes it can be a challenge to line those two up.

Gotcha. I figured that was the case so I didn't want to say anything too negative.

I'm still a very satisfied customer thanks to both your service and your product. Money well-spent if you ask me!

I gave you a positive i-trader ranking as well. :)

Finally got a chance to install mine. Pain in the butt to get it in. I had to hit it with a dremel to get the assembly back in with the brace installed. Sounds like the typical installation for this product so be prepared to wrestle it in there.

But once it's in, WOW!

Huge improvement in clutch engagement consistency and feel. Results greatly exceeded my expectations.

I sware my brake pedal even feels stiffer, anybody else notice this?

Stiffer in a good way?

This is a must-have-upgrade for feel similar to the AFE short shifter IMO.

I guess you are keeping the car Gareth, good to hear.

Glad the bracket exceeded your expectations.

Yes. Like I said though, might just be in my head haha.

I'm gonna keep the car for a while still. Even if I do sell it this part would improve a potential buyers test drive experience substantially. I'm going to try and put in the stainless clutch line right away too so hopefully that makes it even better.

Been driving on mine for about 3 months now. The pedal is amazing. Brice provided great customer service as well. :bowdown:

Hey RR, was just thinking...
With clutch pedal interest peaking you might want to offer some kind of special on the reinforcement brackets and help convince the fence-sitters to get this mod.

Whenever I get my RX-8 this will be the first modification that I will make.

My clutch pedal is moving sideways!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGEaEIi6oCA

It has been making squeaking noise for some time now, but its always been on-and-off. But earlier today after work, I noticed that it was wobbling side-to-side. Is this a sure sign that its going to break soon?

Time to get the bracket, it's already broken if you have that much movement and it will get worst soon!

*worse

I'm getting ready to install mine today. not looking forward to the 3 hours of pain but I am looking forward to a better clutch feel. Specially now that it started to snow. I'll report back after I'm done

I have had a sqeaky clutch pedal for a few months now, went to drive this morning and my clutch pedal was sunk all the way to the floor. after wiggling a bit i got it to come back up, but after i push it down a few times it sinks to the floor again.. I Did not see any cracks on the pedal, however it is wiggling from side to side a bit.. would this be a faulty clutch pedal? or a clutch slave/master? i replace the slave cylinder maybe 10k miles ago so im pretty sure it wouldnt be that..

Pull the clutch pedal out completely so you can easily inspect it. I have seen installed pedals not show all the failures while still installed.

Wait... Brice, ure shipping these now in Red ??

Im SAD....

just bought and installed this, absolutely night and day difference. i also bought a used assembly off ebay that wasnt broken and installed the bracket on it. my old one had completely broken of the left side. THANK YOU RACE ROOTS A++++ PRODUCT.

Your welcome! Glad everything worked out for you.

I'm wondering if I need a reinforced assembly. My clutch works fine, but it does feel a bit wobbly side to side. Maybe 3mm of play? It's not much, but it just doesn't feel solid like the gas and brake.

If your bracket was failing you'd have a lot more play than that but get the bracket reinforcement anyway: It's a great upgrade for both pedal feel, stability and security.

I'll put it on my list... Haha

CEL P0704 "clutch switch input circuit malfunction" !?
 

Hey guys..so I got a new clutch pedal assembly installed by my local dealer last wednesday for free because of a recall (faulty clutch pedal brackets) that was issued in October. Saturday I intalled a revi intake and then sunday outa nowhere my CEL comes on. At first I thought it might have something to do with the intake until I went to autozone and got the code for the CEL which is P0704 "clutch switch input circuit malfunction".

I'm guessing the technicians screwed something up while installing the new clutch pedal assembly ? I tried taking the car back but now the service guy s over here giving me BS telling me how that could be anything and the CEL did not come on because of the new clutch pedal,so basically he wants me to come in and pay $135 just for a diagnosis....YEA RIGHT! Also, first day I came back from the dealer I noticed while parking in front of my house that when Im in 1st gear or reverse, with clutch and brake down ONLY, the engine continuously revs by itself without having my foot on the gas. I called the service guy back that same day and explained this to him and he told me not to worry that this sounds normal to him and I jut have to let it break in.....ehh idk. What do you guys think!?

Please help

I just had mine replaced. looking at this picture, can you tell me if they installed it right? I had it for week, and now i can't shift gears with the car on and mazda is saying i need a new clutch kit installed.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...disp=inline&zw

cant see pic

It is a new part number and that is all I could see. I had several pedals to compare between old, new, and used.

Noting has changed really.

I'm kind of late to respond, but the change in part number was probably done so it's the same for both Series I and Series II.

Assembly bracket #2
 

Its the beginning of the end again for the replacement bracket currently installed on my 04. The clicking noise has been ongoing for the 3rd week now. When pressing it in about an inch. Only 53 days after being installed by the dealer. From information I have gathered the replacement was on backorder and either was rushed and poorly made, yet again. Or, it is a mere re-manufactured version from the original product. I will be ordering the reinforcement bracket as soon as I figure out what the more beneficial way to go is. $300 Pre-installed bracket or the $135 bracket itself. Would the dealer even bother putting the bracket on? or would it be all around easier/inexpensive to get the $300 Pre-installed bracket and just have the dealer replace it?

Thanks in advance.

I have an extremely good relationship with my local service and parts manager at the dealership.

That being said I have offered them the Clutch Pedal brackets and they can not offer them to the customers that come in with complaints because it is not a Mazda OEM part.

If you do know the mechanics you can ask them if they will install it.

Let them know it will take about an hour ot two MAX for a competent mechanic to install. Which includes removing the pedal, installing the bracket, reinstalling the pedal.

What's the drill bit size used to drill the hole? I'm waiting for the shipment to come in but I want to go ahead and buy the drill bit so I can start asap.

Assuming it has not changed at all since mine....................

Using a 5/16 size drill bit carefully drill a hole through the bracket using the external hole as a guide.
Then drill through to the internal hole on the other side and drill through.
Refer to the photos for the direction the long reinforcement bracket, bolts, washers and nuts should be inserted.
Tighten bolts and nuts completely.
Using a 3/16 drill bit, drill a hole through the long reinforcement brace using the hole in the brace as a guide. Debur as necessary

Cool thanks a lot!

Due to recent increase in production and change to keep the lowest costs possible for the consumer when possible we have been able to lower the price of the Clutch Pedal Bracket and the Complete Assemblies.

Check it out on our site!

Oh I should have waited to buy the bracket...I bought with the old price but I haven't had a chance to install it... :(

Need help with RR bracket install
 

I spent 3 hours often in contorted positions last night removing the clutch pedal, installing the Race Roots bracket and reinstalling partially. My problem is that the RR bracket is obstructing the way for one of the nuts for reattachment to the firewall. Of course it had to the most difficult nut on the left side so it took a while for me to figure out it just wasn't going to work. I removed the pedal again and took some pics.

Any one had this problem? The hole in the RR bracket is maybe 1/8" inch off compared with the hole in the original pedal. This causes the nut to be obstructed by the vertical part of the bracket. Is this a manufacturing fault in one of the batches?? Only thing I can think of doing is taking to the bracket with a dremel to extend the hole but that would be a major pain. Hopefully I there's a better solution.

Any ideas?

Perry sent you an email.

thanks

Brice

Thanks, Brice (Race Roots). Apparently one slipped through the cracks and the hole was drilled in the wrong place as I suspected. Brice kindly offered to send a replacement or issue a credit.

I will dremel out the hole tonight as I need to use my car to go to work and it was quite a pain to get the nuts tightened between the bracket and the pedal frame. There's a little hole where you can grab the nut with long-nose pliers. Perhaps a ring spanner would have worked but I don't have one.

I'm 3hrs into it...another late night coming up.....

Have a used pedal with a New CPB installed on it.

$225 shipped LMK who wants it