Abnormal Buzz noise on new RX8
 

Hi guys,

I just bought a new 2006 RX8 and I am really, really happy with it.

There is one thing that I'm worried about right now.

Everytime when I start the car (after it has sit there for some time - like half an hour, or overnight) this happens.

After I start the vehicle, I usually let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes.

I then press the clutch all the way in, and put the gear shift into first gear.

As I'm releaseing the clutch and start moving the car a few feet - all of a sudden I hear this "buzzing" noise (at this point my clutch is about 1/2 to 3/4 released).
This buzz noise happens for about 0.5 seconds.

My dad, who always sits next to me while driving notices it too.

It's definetely not loud or anything, but it is very noticeable.

Also, this occurs, after I start the car, warm it up, and place the gear shifter in reverse. When I start moving backwards a few feet and the clutch pedal is released about 1/2 to 3/4, the buzz noise also occurs.

I don't know what to make of this.

Is this happening to anyone?

I'm just really bothered by this. I love my car... that's all I can say.

Any help would be really appreciated.

-Josh

Its normal one of the many sounds you'll come to love

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

I have never come across this sound before.

I was getting really worried.

I don't think i've ever had thiis noise. buzziiing?

Buzzing is the best way I can describe it.

Its this buzzing, rumbling noise that goes on for about a split second.

It always happens when I move the car a few feet for the first time after its been sitting for a while.

Well there IS a very brief, deep rumble kind of sound, which is normal, as the car is self-checking something (I forget what exactly, maybe the brake system?) every time it's started up.

No way I'd describe it as a 'buzzing' sound, though.

ABS diagnostic check - from what I read. It happens when you get moving from a standstill.
It's more like a "CLUNK".

Yeah. Mine's more like a clunk sound, too.

LOL,
thanks guys.

I've just done a ton of searching and realized why I couldn't find out anything. it's not a buzzing sound, but a "clunking sound".

I knew I heard this noise somewhere before.

My dad's car does this everytime I start it up and start moving and apply the brakes for the first time. On his dashboard the instrument signal "ABS" lights up. It sounds just like this!!!!!!

It makes perfect sense that its an ABS test.

Phew!

These days, all I do is worry. Thank God for CLUB RX8

The ABS clunk. If not for this site, I'd still be looking for a loose bowling ball in my trunk. :)

BTW - you really don't have to (and probably shouldn't) sit for 2 or 3 minutes idling to warm it up. The best way to warm a car is to drive it. Don't run hard or rev high til it's warm, but driving will warm it quicker and better.

Ken

Why is the best way to warm a car is to drive it?

Thanks a lot.

I usually do both.

Yeah, its this same sound that made me think I had an issue with my transmission. Took me a while to get used to this :)

BTW, driving the car and not revving it over 3K is a good way to warm up the car. I don't like idling until it warms up. You want the complete drivetrain to warm up at the same time, not just the engine...

Well, as sunilseru points out, by driving you're warming up the whole driveline, not just the engine.

But by driving you're also increasing the heat generated in the engine, thus warming the engine faster and more uniformly. Idle is also a bad operating condition with regard to fuel mixture, fouling plugs, and circulating oil.

Ken

I have to say that your the only person on this forum that makes awsome comments. All of them have meaning and help the person who is asking the questions.

THANKS MAN

hi guys, when u say clunk, does it sound like a metal snapping for a split second or more like a thump sound like the bass of your stereo speakers?

I just heard this loud snapping metallic sound for the first time after owning my RX8 for 2 weeks. It happened almost immediately when i started to move off my car from idle.

Kinda worried.

I'd say it's the same thing.

Uh also rust will make pads vibrate. And if someone slapped pads on old rotors can make brake vibrations worse. Get a mechanic to go on a ride with you to listen or try record it and post sample for diagnosis.