I have a 2004 RX-8 with approx 57k mi on it. I'm currently having the clutch replaced by the dealer (Free labor). How often/what is the typical interval for replacing the clutch, assuming no hard driving/racing? Also, assume an even mix of city and highway driving. I can't find the answer to this in the owner's manual, any help would be appreciated.

 

every 99,872 miles

 

Yes....


Does that help?

 

When you feel it slipping.

 

hmmmm......i was looking for a mileage interval.....

 

really? is this really a question that can be asked??

you should KGB it!!!! 542542

 

it depends, on how you drive. They can go 100k, some people might just suck at driving and only get 15k.

its an endless answer...

 

A clutch's life is totally subjective and depends on the use of the car and the skill of the driver. I've seen clutches last people 5,000 miles where as I have 93,000 miles on my factory clutch.

There's no mileage amount. You could, in theory, drive 150,000 miles and not need a clutch change. If the clutch begins to slip while being engaged then you need to look into having it replaced.

 

still think you should KGB it...

 

+1
You'll know when its time to change it out. Slippage is the key

 

yep - the more the better . Wait ................ what are we talking about again ?

 

I had mine replaced by the dealer during some transmission work right around that mileage also. It wasn't slipping yet, but they said it was close.

 

Why does it smell like astroglide in here?

 

Are you hard on your clutch? Mine is getting replaced at 36K. But I'm the 2nd owner and who knows what he did to it. I think he drove it hard.

So how did you get free labor out of ur dealer? My dealer said sorry 12K/12 month warranty on clutch when I brought my car in.

 

Only when you need it (slipping, higher power, etc)

 

FWIW I got my car new and have been autocrossing for close to 2 years, done a couple HPDEs, maybe a couple hard launches. I am currently over 58k miles and cannot detect any excessive slippage in my clutch at all.

 

wow, wait a minute, how much are they charging you total?
how did you get free labor?
i had my clutch replaced at 49,700mi two days ago, and the bill was round $1,470

 

On my last car my engine gave out before my clutch, at 114k miles and the clutch was still very strong. It wasnt an rx8 though, but I assume the 8 has a better clutch than my 99 mercury cougar that recently died? I even learned stick in that car, lol.

 

It's possible for clutch plate (double brake like friction material) to last a few 100,000 miles on some cars.

If you check to make sure there's a little free movement (less than inch) of clutch pedal before clutch pressure plate disengages you can get maximum time for your driving style.

In other words don't run clutch tight or it might start slipping at full power even with your foot off, and the throw out bearing will keep running, growl, and wear out sooner.

Bottom line; if you every have your tranny off, consider puting new pressure plate and throw out bearing so you don't have to go back in for maybe 100,000 miles.

 

i got my 8 around 45k mi. i have not driven it very hard. they're replacing the engine (parts + labor) free under warranty. while they're doing the work, they said the clutch could be replaced as well for free labor, i pay parts (Estimate $650). i have no idea why i'm getting free labor on the clutch, but i'm not complaining.

 

^ You should add a lightweight flywheel while they've got the engine and transmission apart. They might throw in that labor as well [since they're charging Mazda NA for it as part of the engine swap anyway].

 

holy ****. if thats just for the clutch, you got ripped, big time.

650 for clutch? you got ripped.

 

LOL hey now

 

its not an rx8 but i got 320,000 km (or 200,000 miles) on the original clutch in my old mk2 gti. clutches can go for a long time if they are driven properly

my rx8 has 51,000 miles and no detection of clutch problems. i drive it quite easy and would like to see the clutch go over 100,000 miles if the motor doesn't die first

 

Please tell me you got some lube, at least.