Clutch pedal bracket reinforcement fit up issue
 

My clutch bracket broke (2nd bracket @ 140k miles) on the left arm per the classic failure mechanism. So, I bought a brand new bracket & a race roots clutch pedal reinforcement kit. Clutch Pedal Reinforcement Bracket

The kit came super quick, so props for that. However, there was a fit-up issue with the reinforcement bracket that bolted internally in the clutch pedal bracket. The flange which mounts the reinforcement to the lower bolt on the pedal assembly was welded at an angle which causes it to not lie parallel to the bolt flange. The flange on the reinforcement should ideally be 90deg to the rest of the structure. An email exchange with raceroots said "appears when they welded the piece they didn't set it correctly. Installation is still ok, and would not affect the assembly."

I'm worried that improper fit for the bottom bolt will eventually allow play as I drive, eventually loosening the nut & assembly. Also, might have some issues lining up after I drill holes for install.
1) Have any of you guys seen this with your own mods?
2) Do you guys agree that I should ask for a replacement and send this back? Thanks!



https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/...ec4db664a5.jpgimage_5 by polloloco.rb67, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/...dd21067816.jpgimage_4 by polloloco.rb67, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/...35dc744864.jpgimage_1 by polloloco.rb67, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/...9e96fcde28.jpgimage by polloloco.rb67, on Flickr

Old thread but my clutch bracket just broke too 75km and ordered the new clutch assembly for 75$ canadian. what a piece of junk lol

I would return it for sure and have a friend weld up the pedal.

Isn't that the clutch fix that was under the recall from mazda?. The dealer fixed mine while on their make work tour while it was in for an oil change some time ago. As it was free i had no problem.
If this is not relevant apologies for stepping on the thread.

They just replaced the pedal with a "revised" one that looks no different than the last original part when i put them side by side. I welded up the areas that needed more strengthening which is how it should of came and also why they fail. The aftermarket brackets IMO are a waste of money as they're no better than a good weld.

Yep. These brackets are a waste of money.

Exactly, I plan to weld mine as soon as it snaps. Will take maybe 5 mins?

I bought a new one and welded it only b/c the bushings for the spring were missing

Is Race Roots still around? I tried installing their pedal kit but the brackets don't sit flush with the assembly, so before I drill into it I want to confirm if this needs to be replaced or is normal.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...25ff38da2e.jpgBracket on top is off
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...2e24b6b54e.jpg

Please see post #6.

It's Race Roots, shitty is what they do best. And I have not seen them (well it was one guy actually IIRC) around in years.

Some assembly persuasion may be required ...


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...eaf8d3f881.jpg

They've gone by a few names in the past years...Fluid, Race Roots. I want to say there's another but I'm not sure.

Their website is still up, but that doesn't necessarily mean much.

I just bought a BHR reinforced clutch pedal and called it a day, personally that's what I'd suggest.

Why not suggest welding up the perfectly good pedal you already had in the first place. It’s a 20 minute job by any decent welding shop.

I wouldn't consider mine perfectly good,


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...03334e431a.jpg

Yeah, it's a quick job to have the welds reinforced, but given mine in the shape it was in when it gave out, I just opted for the BHR pedal. Charles was great to deal with,

Ok, Makes sense. That looked like a new pedal in the pic with the bracket. Still, it could have been welded back together, but a new good pedal won’t be a bad investment if you hold onto the car long enough.

Im not keen on welding for a couple reasons.
One, theres the chance of shitty, improper welding.
Two, even welded the whole assembly is weak and flexes. The bracket should take care of that. I mean my pedal isnt cracked but still flexes.

it came from the factory with a shitty improper weld. i had a pedal crack on me years ago. yanked it out, welded it up, reinstalled it, and drove the hell out of the car for years. i could teach a monkey to weld it right. less than 15min job and zero cost

I just welded mine after the 2nd time it snapped, pedal is not a bad design it just needs enforcement