Tuesday, I noticed a "Ford emblem" shaped crack about 2" x 4" on my right rocker panel, just in front of the rear wheel well. I washed it on Saturday before going on a rally (my only excuse for it being so dirty) so I know it happened in the last couple days. Monday night we got down to 29 degrees F, my only guess as to why the crack appeared.

Strange enough? Nope, the same shape crack is on the left side in exactly the same position! take a look at the pics.. any ideas?

I'm going in for my new brake pads on Monday, so we'll see what Mazda says.

cc

 

what a bizarre crack it doesn't look like there is any surface marks where pressure would have been placed (unless directly on the crack which still doesn't appear to have happened) yeah have mazda replace it for free....this one is a wacky one

 

Eh, I think that's a piece of protective molding put on from the factory, not a crack.

 

I think you are right...I just went outside and I have something like that but it is longer...you might just have wax caked up against the protector

 

No, its really a crack. It looks like there is something inside the plastic that expandeed and popped the piece loose. But, this makes no sense, if it is due to the cold snap we had. Another "theory" is there is a defect in the die for the plastic rocker.

I know they weren't there on Saturday.

 

Try and peel it off, you'll find that it's actually a piece of plastic put there to protect the leading edge of the door frame.

You'll find another larger piece between the rear door and in front of the rear wheel arch.

 

This photo shows the protective "patches". I know its hard to believe, but they look like they were punched out from inside.

 

Here, maybe this can shed some light for you:

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/black-sticker-rear-fender-40241/

 

What you have there is 3M protective film (similar to the stuff used in the clear bras and headlight protector films) that was applied to those areas to protect them from scratches and rock chips. It just looks more noticable because of the wax residue stuck in the cracks. I just used an old toothbrush to gently scrub the residue out.

 

Sorry guys, its a crack!

 

Nope - I have the same thing on my car after I washed it - Rotary Nut is right - just clean out the edges with a toothbrush.

 

now i have to go outside and check my car to see if i have this. it's a beautiful day so i'll take my time. :D

 

It is not a crack, it is a clear protective strip - go to the dealer and check out some other RX-8s. If you used Zaino you would not get the wax buildup on the edge and would not have noticed it.

 

See photo

 

i have a similar thing on only the right side, and it sure as hell feels and looks like a crack.

 

I'll try to get a better picture, tonight. I sent my photos to the dealer. He will inspect it Monday night. They are cracks. Sorry you don't believe me! I know the difference between the 3M clear stone guard stuff and a crack in the finish.

 

It is not a crack. It is the same type of protective film as the larger piece.

 

Isn't the rocker panel made of steel? How is it possible to crack like that?

I don't think temp is the problem- I saw -20F last year with no problems.

 

its protective film and Charles when you find out all of theses gents were correct i hope you will actually post in here that they were.

 

BINGO!

If its protective film, I will post an apology to all of you! But... its a crack!

 

the crack in mine has a black line in it and is slightly displaced from the panel and clean and straight on the otherside, im pretty sure he's right that its a crack. and im going to have them look at it.

 

Is it a crack in the paint, or a layer of metal?

 

well the thing looks to be made of a hard plastic, and is pushed in a bit.

 

haha, this thread made me laugh..."it's a crack" "no, it's the guard film" "crack" "film" wow..you guys are hilarious! I'm keeping my 2 cents out of this one..i just wanted to say ya'll make me laugh :D

 

:D maybe you should smoke it :D