jeod20

Hi guys,

the clutch in my rx8 '04 is grinding and making squeeking noises like if it needs grease or something. My car has 51600 miles.

Well, I called the dealer and they told me it cost $1050 (parts + labor) to get that replaced. Ouch!

I went to a small shop, they quoted $540 for parts and $390 for installation (wow still), $930 total.

I called the dealer parts dept myself, and indeed the parts cost $540
Bearings: $40
Clutch Disc: $220
Pressure Plate: $280

Shopping online, found this website with some aftermarket clutch disc and pressure plate kit (I would still need the bearings) for $305. So far I'm down in parts to $345.

http://replacement.autopartswarehous...%20Kit&dp=true

Can someone recommend me a good aftermarket clutch kit or parts to replace it in my car? If they produce better performance, even better, the kit on the link above supposedly provides better performance. I am considering installing a bunch of things in my car after the warranty expires (like turbo, etc), so this should be a good time to install a high performance clutch.

Also, if you guys can recommend a shop in Miami, FL that can install this for me I'm all ears.

Thank you,

J.

jeod20

Guys,

I found 2 more links selling clutchs for RX8. I'm price concious, although if for a little more I can get a real good high performance clutch that really makes a difference from stock, please recommend.

Links Below:

http://www.srmotorsports.com/RX8_Clutch_Flywheels.html

http://www.performancecenter.com/pro...lications/1.3L

Thank you,

J.

NoTears316

Are you sure the clutch itself is bad? Here is a service bulletin for "squeaky clutch pedal"...

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...11-06-1724.pdf

... and is covered under warranty

jeod20

Very interesting.

Called the dealer and they said they have to take a look at it to determine if that's the problem.

I'm taking it next week. Thank you for the info.

J.

Illmatic

Thank goodness someone said it. It might not be the clutch! Check the TSB! :P 8club ftw.

NoTears316

I hope it saves you that $1k

Vancouver Blue-8

Hi Jeod, I had the same problem with my clutch, it needs to be fixed at the dealership next time I am there, but what I have found out is that, if you don't press the clutch all the way down touching, just 4/5 down, that gridning doesn't happen. Perhaps you should try that.

kalix

I had that same TSM service done, my clutch was squeeking and one time it actually got stuck to the floor. Anyways hope your problem gets fixed under warranty. And when you say grinding, do you mean gears grinding? Or does it sound more like rubber and metal rubbing against each other, cause i'm having that sound myself at low rpm take offs.

jeod20

the griding is like when your brakes are wet and you press them; that squeaking sound is about the same thing coming out of the actual clutch, the actual pedal is what makes that noise, like if it needed wd40 in the joint.

Now, in addition to that, the feel when I press the clutch is like when your brakes pads are worn out that your brakes are already braking against the disks, that weird feel is what I get now when I press the clutch.

NoTears316

You still haven't had it checked out?

otakurx

I am curious about this now. What is it that mazda does to fix the grinding petal and all?? What is the actual cause and the fix, I don't have the problem but am curious from the mechanical stand point.

Detrich

nice avatar...

what was this thread about again?

Mortal Moxie

I'm getting mine replaced this week while they put my new engine in. Everything will already be out and accessible, so the labor cost will be $0. The engine replacement is covered under warranty, but the clutch is not, so they're charging me 540.

So they're not screwing you on the parts cost really. Seems like the generic Mazda pricing.