90+mph Rattle
 

there is a rubber flap in the front passenger side wheel well that makes a flippidy flap flap noise (more subtle than I describe) at speeds @90 mph. The flap is secured by two plastic retainers. The flap protects the hot exhaust collector from water spashing directly on it. One retainer is firmly holding the flap, the other is more loose....and it can kind of move front and aft.
I will investigate further if the "loose" retainer is intended to be that way, or is simply the cause of the excessive movement and therefore "noise" at that speed.
While it is a minor problem, if you notice this noise- thats probably what it is.
I can post a pic if anyone wants so see the the water shield.

Hahaha, you asked if you should post a pic. What do you think??

Since most of us don't have RX8s to refer to, I think a picture would be in order ;).

As far as that shield being loose, it might be loose like that to offer some expansion, since it is so close to the exhaust collector.

You say you here this at 90 mph? Are you sure that that is the item making the noise?

---jps

This is what I THINK is making noise at high speed. I checked and it does appear to be intentional that the front retainer is loose. It was the same on the drivers side as well, and the hole in the flap ( if you look close) in elongated to allow for about an inch of play.
I assume its this piece making noise because its the only loose item I can find. It seems light enough to flap around in a hellish vacuum that would be your wheel well at 90 MPH. If this is true....it doesnt make any sense....Mazda could never have overlooked something so basic.
In any case, it will be easy to see if it is in fact the water shield. I guess I could zip tie the bottom so it will be firm....then go for a spin on the Freeway........ALSO if it is this rubber flap.....other owners will hear it as well. Radio off and windows up, it is VERY noticable. any thoughts??

I suppose you could have a new one fabricated out of aluminium, or perhaps carbon fiber? Would have the same effect, but resistant to flapping...

Hey, what are you doing at 90mph?! That's not legal in your state... ;)

Looking at it, it looks very easily removed w/o causing damage. And if it is a water shield, take it off and go for a test drive in the dry to see if the noise is the same or not.

Then worry about how to make it stop.

---jps

Many cars have a flap similar to this one, and also have that noise. Get the right cross wind, and you might hear it at 70 mph or less.

As for a fix, I would have put a piece of foam with sticky back behind it to damp the vibration/interfere with the flapping, but seeing as most don't have this (I was a squeak & rattle engineer for many years), maybe the soft side of velcro applied to the backside (where it is hitting whatever is behind it). It might be enough to keep it quiet.

Tom

Edit: and the retainer is supposed to be loose, to allow for build variation. Looks like in the picture that the bottom hole is actually a slot, which helps for variation and ease of installtion.