I have been searching to find how to replace my cluth in my 04 RX8.. Im getting the Exedy Racing Clutch but need a step by step instuction to do so.. Mazda wants to charge me 1200$ for a factory clutch, but I can get an aftermarket racing clutch for 300$. I just need to know how to DIY.. Do It Myself.. Some people say it should be pretty ez. If anyone could help me it would be great..
Thanks a whole bunch..

Mike

 

pretty sure there is a diy for that in the DIY section

 

replacing a clutch is by no means easy... and I don't think there is a DIY on this forum.

 

Yeah I see a DIY for a clutch by a girl but she never finished on how to go about it.. I really need a clutch bad for my 8, and had some ppl say it should be pretty simple, but they are used to american cars.. They RX8 is highly different than most cars as I have found out.. I can buy a cluth the can hold up to a turbo from Exedy, but would like a step by step on how to do it.. Its only like 4 or 5 parts.. They mazda dealership said it would be 900$ in labor and 400$ in parts which to me is INSANE... I figured it can't be as bad as changing a head gasket in camaro.. But I have no clue.. Its hard to find a manual on the 8 in local stores... I just need to know if its worth it to do it by myself or get the mazda dealer to do it.. I really don't trust the stock clutch they may put in it.. I would rather go with a performance clutch and get more life out of it, but mazda won't warranty one.. I really need the DIY pretty bad because im ready to get started on it as soon as possible.. If anyone has anything please post.. I could use all the help I can get..

Thanks to my Mazda Friends....
DrMazda..

 

get it installed somewhere else with the clutch you want then.. it would probbaly be cheaper than the dealer ship

 

get a quote at a good mechanic

 

Check your PM.

 

subscribe to alldata or go to mazda and get the service manual but doing clutches is a heell of a lot easier if u have a lift

 

There is a DIY on changing your flywheel. It is the same procedure to change your clutch...except you skip the part about taking the flywheel off.

I think it was by broke_apex_seal

 

have u ever done a clutch? If not i would not recommend trying it the first timeoon the 8....and there is no difference really in changing this clutch or a camaro clutch etc etc....but makes it easier to have a lift and transmission jack...alignment tool if it doens't come with the clutch kti...also should have your flywheel resurfaced.....(prob part of the labor from mazda) and it's basically simple just take the old off and bolt the new on the opposite that it came off and make sure u get the torque specs.....

 

clutch should come with alighment tool tq the clutch to luike 20-25flbs i just make them tight evey time i do a clutch if u never did anything like that i would not do it take it to the dealer but if u think u can do it fucckkk it go for it

 

mazda charged me 350 bucks for labor on my act clutch and flywheel.....ur getting @$$!@

 

yeah it SHOULD come with alignment tool but all dont!!! dont forget resurface flywheel!!!

 

I wouldnt do something like that yourself without the help of someone who knows what they're doing there with you.

 

How is it not? Should take about an hour with a second person...2 hrs with a complete novice.

 

^but this is with a trans jack and a lift and the right equiptment to do it....yeah replacing a clutch it simple you just unbolt the old and bolt the new in the same sequence but without proper equipment it makes things more difficult

 

^No trans jack needed. A transmission is a person lift, no big deal. A couple sockets, 18" extension, and a cordless impact gun...done.

 

Don't forget the pilot bearing, and release bearing. If your in there you should do that too.

 

I personally like having a trans jack or some sort of extra protection when changine a clutch just to b safe! Yeah release bearing and pilot bearing needs to b changed while in changing the clutch

 

Yeah you definitely want a trans jack so you can use it to wiggle the trans in place. It's MUCH easier than trying to manhandle it

 

Bunch of girls! haha

 

well I'm not saying i couldn't do it but KISS Keep it simple stupid take the easiest safest route is what i say haha

 

I guess it comes down to an experience thing. I've swapped 10+ tranny this year alone...but it really comes down to time constraints. I've had to swap out a clutch/tranny combo in under an hr just to make qualifying. But when swapping out my own clutch I took a little longer but still did it by hand.

Life on a race team...

 

Yeah. I bet it's a ton easier when you do it all the time. I've done it twice in the 4 years I've had mine and always with a trans jack and someone else's tools. I definitely wouldn't want to do it by myself.

 

Yeah i've only done it 3 times this year and it was on some lowered b.s. POS cars sucked barely fit under there damn!!!