Problem with New Installation of Clutch and Flywheel?
 

Some of you know that I just had my clutch, Flywheel and Pressure plate replaced with Racing Beats Products. I got it done at RP-Performance in Manassas VA.

I don't know if there's a problem or it just a different feeling because of the parts installed.

1). When I'm driving and hit the gas about half way or more I get this vibration or strain it feels like in between 3-4 RPMS. But after you pass 4000 it goes away and the smooth feeling is back. Also my Engine light came on, for what reason I do not know. Does anyone have any input?

2). There's also a smell and sound like metal contact when engaging the clutch at anything above 2K. Is this common because of the Break-in period for the Clutch.(I Was told that it was by the shop and that it would go away).

I called them back and he said if the problem still remains after the weekend to bring the car back in. My main concerns are the Engine light that stay on and the vibration in between 3-4K.

What do you all think?

The vibration sounds like an imbalance problem, the metal sound is not good, I can't think of a good reson for it to be there that isn't a problem. I would take it back in for them to check it out

That's what I think the Vibration is from as well. Any idea why the Engine light would come on? He said Racing Beat used a different kind of metal so it may need some braking in. I'll give him a call tomorrow. Their real nice people. I would think that they know what their doing because they have their own Race Team. He actually let me in the shop to see how they worked on it. I've never seen the Clutch and Flywheel Replaced, so it was something new and informative.

If you have a code reader, check to DTC. If not, I would check and see if they forgot to reconnect the rear O2 sensor back up. They would have removed the exaust to drop the tranny. I don't know if it is possible to get the counterweight and the flywheel missalligned...or if the flywheel could be out of balance?

They should phone RB and talk to them if they can't figure it out. They have great customer service

Thanks, I appreciate all the info. The more I know the better off I am when I walk in their and tell them possible situations. Do you do your own maintenance on your RX8?

Everything i can. I let the dealership change he oil....for 24.95$ its not worth the work. I have them trained. They don't try to upsell me, or wash the car...and I buy them donuts :D

Right now I'm in the middle of a clutck, transaxle, brake swap in my son's MX-6.

It's definately harder than the cluch in the 8. They really cram stuff into the engine bay in the FWD cars.

That's what I have heard. Clutch and Flywheel replacement from what I saw on Friday didn't seem so hard especially if you have a lift and the right tools.

^if only i had a lift and tools :( haha ah well leasson learned.

my car is making the funny sounds now as well...haha what gives? but i make a crazy sound when i start from a stand still (i.e. 1st gear or reverse) :(. didn't do this when i picked it up..but started to make a lill noise..then got real bad...so now i got to go down there and have them fix whatever the issue is:(

Where did you have it done? And what setup do you have?

i have the mazdaspeed flywheel adn the clutch and pressure plate from Racingbeat (the street/strip disk sprung) it was installed at RP in manassas

Thats where I got mine done. I'll be giving them a call too..............

indeed...now i'm a lill more worried b/c the only other person i've heard of getting this down (or anythign for tha tmatter) has the same issues :(..i'm calling RB tomarrow adn ask them what they think it could be (parts or install)...then i'm calling RP and askign them to fix it it driving me crazy..i don't want to be messing anythign else up:( ah well guess i'll find out tomarrow what my game plan is. good luck :D

Yeah, I'm sure RP Performance knows what their doing since they work on their own cars all the time. They had about 10 cars in the shop when I went it. Had a M3 in the back I think their adding to their racing team. They have been in business for a while now. I'm going to give Racing Beat a call as well. Are you get the vibration too when stepping on the gas or just the noise on engagement into 1st and reverse?

i ge ta vibration in everygear at 3k-4k (notice it more in teh higher gears..i.e. 3rd-6th)...adn i also have to noise / bad vibration/shuder at engagment into 1st and rev :(

I think its an alignment thing. Need to have them take if off and do it again.

So you basically have the same thing as I do. We'll have to double team them and get this taking care of.

^Indeed we shall

RP should take care of both of you, seeing that practically the SAME symptons happened to both cars, this is *really bad* for their reputation if they don't fix this issue for both of you.

they are an official racing beat parts dealer also, so I assume they will also contact Racing Beat about this, but you guys do need to keep pressure on the shop so they know they have to fix this or they're screwed.

btw this is what is risky when you are the guinea pigs for a shop to get hands on a new car. They may have done hundreds of clutch/flywheel swaps, but you two may be the first two they had done for the RX-8... good luck to both of you

*holds money back for clutch/flywheel swap* :o

Just contact RP Performance and I'm taking the car back in tomorrow morning. I'm also about to call RB right now...................................... BRB

i just contacted Racingbeat..they haven't had any problems with this clutch/pressure plate set up. they've been using it since '93 (with 7's)...and they had it test fited...adn tested on their 8 with no issues. But they are goin gto check with teh sale manager and what not so i'll call back in a few hours to get the whole story about it. but nothing from RB so it has to be RP performance :( time to give them a call.

edit: no answer when i call rp guess they are at lunch:( so i'll try then back in a few hours as well

I'll called RB and basically got the same answer as you. I will have to call back in about an hour to talk to the Service Manager. The guy I talked to said that he would look into it and to give a call back later on today. I also talk to RP Performance and will be taking my 8 back in tomorrow at 7am.

RB said its most likely something the shop did because that setup has been used for a while and they have never had any problems with it. I'm going to believe Racing Beat before I believe RP Performance.

^me too. unfortunatly i don't have a lot of tiem to drop my car off at RP :( going out of town on weansday and have work/finals befor then.. this sucks :( ah well guess they'll get an ear full when i get back. :D

Just talked to the guys from RB again and they said that Bret from RP Performance has talked to their Top Engineer about why it would be making such noises. I have to be at the shop at 7am tomorrow, so hopefully will work out fine. I'll keep my fingers crossed.