Iceman808

HeHe

I have read all the posts I can find on transmission noises. I am very new to the RX8 having only had mine for a week.

I tend to notice all engine drive train sounds in any car and always check what is normal and what is not after purchasing a new car.

I am aware of the "marbles in a can/ blender" noise which I gather is gear rollover. This is not that sound at all.

What I have also noticed is a noise perhaps a little bit more subtle and not noticed by some. It can only be described as a sort of "ssssshhhhhhhhhhhh" or sand being rotated in a metal can or even water running through pipes. It is not a loud noise, but can be heard over normal engine noise depending on road surface. It appears to be coming from the center of the console from the ashtray area and back. It is present in all gears and only goes away if you put car in neutral while driving. It is present when moving forward from 15-20kmh up to and over 120Kmh. It does not seem to change pitch at all. Just a constant meshing sound.

To me it sounds like a normal gear meshing noise. I am told the gearbox is practically on top of you when your sitting in the car. Mazda dealership says it is normal and is a characteristic of the car.

Once again, it is not a loud noise. The noise can be heard if you listen for it, but I expect unless you are trying to hear it you won't.

Anyone else ever noticed it or do I just have bionic hearing! Hopefully it is normal RX8 transmission noise.

Cheers

mat128

From what I understand this is normal in our case. I have it when I release the clutch in neutral and you can actually find the friction point just by hearing the noise. Try opening your door and releasing the clutch slowly, you should hear it much louder.

Iceman808

This is heard when you are moving forward, not standing still. It is there in all gears at almost all speeds. a subtle noise, not loud, just in the background. Prob more noticeable at higher speeds on smooth roads. Sounds like gear mesh to me, but just checking.

bose

iTrader: (5)

I have noticed the same thing but figured it was normal, cause the car isn't acting odd at all. I think it's just the gears doing their job, but I'm not sure.

Iceman808

I think i have the wrong area of the car. Having spent some time listening to it some more I am now thinking it is actually induction noise. It is only present when on the gas and follows the throttle inputs.

Apologies, but think it's actually the sound of air induction. Either way it does not sound abnormal.

Cheers

Razz1

I have noticed the same noise.
It is normal.