Catastrophic Clutch Failure?
 

Hey guys,

So I just got finished pushing my car 4 blocks to my house after what seems like a sudden clutch failure. I'm 90% sure that's what it is, but that other 10% may mean the difference between a warranty repair and a nice dent in my wallet.

The facts:

1) I was driving home, got off the freeway, came to a stop and it suddenly got very hard to get it into gear. Got it into 2nd, once. Then it wouldn't come out of second. I killed the ignition, put it in 1st and used the starter to get the car moving. At the next red light, I clutched in, and I had to pull it out of first with a lot of strength. It wouldn't go back into gear with the car on, no matter what I did. Pushed it home.

2) I just had the clutch pedal bracket welded last week. Installed it, clutch pedal assembly appears to be working fine, even now.

3) The car had been having typical RX-8 shifting issues for the past few months, e.g. hard shifting 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th at redline.

4) Sunday, I had it at the track. Hard shifting now also occurred 4th to 5th and 5th to 6th at redline.

5) At no time did the clutch exhibit any slipping or any abnormal behavior. Now the pedal has a very strange feeling.

Sudden catastrophic clutch failure? Or something else?

Did you check clutch fluid level?

you have air in your lines - that's all .

Really? How does that happen and how do I check it?

Actually I'm not sure of that but it seems you are quick to blame the clutch when from your description it is more likely to be a problem with the fluid /master cyl or slave cyl .
If the clutch itself had worn out you would get slippage .

If it is under warranty why not just take it in ?

I had a sudden clutch failure in another car (Integra). One of the springs popped out of the disc, locking the clutch in the engaged position. The result was exactly the same as what just happened to me. So that's why I suspected the clutch.

If it is the clutch, that's a wear item not covered by warranty. So I'll have my car towed to the local Mazda speed shop to get a nice aftermarket clutch and flywheel put in at a non-stealership labor rate.

If it's not the clutch, I'll have it towed to the dealership and have whatever work's necessary done under warranty.

Thus, my dilemma.

Anyone else have a guess? Any input is appreciated.

Like Brettus is saying, you probably have a hydralic problem.

Just check some basic stuff. Have you even popped the hood to check the basics? Looked around for leaks? It's not that complicated. Go figure it out.

Oh, and how did 147 mph feel when you redlined 5th gear?

That is the first thing I would eliminate.
Bleed the slave cylinder and see if it improves.

Thanks for the 'tude, bro. Yeah, I did check under the hood. There were no leaks. And by the way, I just got the car back. Turns out it was a catastrophic clutch failure, not a hydraulic problem, genius. Next time you think my problem is "not that complicated," I'll invite you over to my house to just "figure it out." But you'll probably be wrong then, too.

And BTW, I mis-typed. I meant to say "4th to 6th at redline." I couldn't actually get the car to shift into 5th at redline, so I was skipping to 6th. And 130 mph around the Auto Club Roval does feel pretty good if that's what you were wondering. Sorry if my typo got your panties in a bunch.

Did this satisfy your need to post douchey replies in my thread? Thanks for your input.

Jon316G and Brettus,

Thanks for your help. Based on your suggestions, I did check the hydraulic system before deciding to bring my car in and everything seemed fine. So I went to Mazdatrix to have the problem addressed and when my clutch came out of the car, it was in pieces. Surprising, considering I'm very careful with my shifts. They'd never seen one quite like that. Anyway, I appreciate your tips.

Well put beast!! I would have mentioned also that Pontiac has not made a GTO in over 30 years. What he has there is a Holden Monaro and if I recall there is a LOT more than 71 of them down under! Sorry to hear about the clutch, but happy to hear you'll be getting a better one!

My clutch thread, if it helps:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=clutch

Whoa, wait a minute. I understand you being pissed off about grenading your clutch... I get that, but go back and read what you posted. You were talking about longer term stuff like "last week" and "last Sunday" and "no clutch slipping or abnormal behavior". That sounds like a gradual problem that could be associated with hydralics. I applaud you for correctly diagnosing your catastrophic clutch failure, but you were asking for help or ideas, you were the one giving out the facts.

What the hell is a "Holden Monaro"? You have no idea what you're talking about.

My GTO is PONTIAC built AMERICAN muscle. Go USA!!!

:rofl:

haha whut!? dude the GTO is an Australian holden!! so is the new 4door one. the only American thing in that GTO is the v8 from corvette.

You may want to research your car a little more. GTO= Holden Monaro. Built in Australia, not USA.

Holden is a GM owned subsidiary in Australia.

Still a cool car though.

should have bought the camaro. lol

the clutch disk hub came apart and dumped all it's innards, you now have no clutch because once this happens the disc falls out of place, it's happened to a few owners here

DMPs detail thread

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/photos-my-clutch-disc-destroyed-13k-miles-72838/


.

Deny all you like, a Goat it ain't!
 

You should have done a little more research. . . but it's understandable, people heard the GTO is being reborn and that's all they needed to hear. Sadly, it wasn't a real GTO, and never will be. No question, you got yourself a mean car there bro', but a goat it ain't!!

"The Pontiac GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) is an automobile built by Pontiac in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is often considered the first true muscle car. From 1964 until midway through 1973 it was closely related to the Pontiac Tempest and for the 1974 model year it was based on the Pontiac Ventura. The 21st century GTO is essentially a left hand drive Holden Monaro, itself a coupe variant of the Holden Commodore."

Dude. I couldn't have cared less what GM branded my car as. I bought it because I am a fan of Holden. The GTO insignia is meaningless to me, and, believe me, you'll many 04-06 GTO owners that think the same way.

Oh, and for reference... check this thread out. There some eerily familiar. Can't put my finger on it... hmmm... just read. :evil_laug
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...82#post2324082

Originally Posted by YaXMaNGTO
What the hell is a "Holden Monaro"? You have no idea what you're talking about.

My GTO is PONTIAC built AMERICAN muscle. Go USA!!!


"Dude. I couldn't have cared less what GM branded my car as. I bought it because I am a fan of Holden. The GTO insignia is meaningless to me. . ."

__________________
Whatever bro' ? First you say what the hell is a Holden, now you say you bought it because you are a fan of Holden.

I'm not sure you know what you have, but if you like it then be happy. I'm done with this.

It just was a joke about not knowing what a Holden is. There, I'm just spelling it out for ya. That's all it was.
You would have realized that if you had read the link to the other thread I posted from a year ago, but it doesn't matter.

Dammit.. . .
 

I hate you man! I don't need any help making and "A" out of myself. . .! I just can't believe you went through this same sh*t a year ago. Cheers! (smacking myself on the back of the head)