Please Help!

I've got a distinct rattle/grinding noise when idling. The sound goes away when I push in the clutch and begins again about half way through letting the pedal out. I brought it in today to my dealership and had them check it out along with the usual fluid/filter changes, but they said they don't know what it is or how to stop it?!? She's only got about 12K miles on her and I've taken good care of her...anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

Thanks,

Justin

 

There were early vin# RX 8's that had pressure plate bolts back out but this usually caused a change in clutch engagement point. It is easy for the dealer to check. All they have to do is pull the starter.

 

Some throwout bearings rattle a bit at idle. My 8 does this also. So did my previous Maxima and, to a lesser degree, so does my Miata. It is harmless except for being mildly annoying.

What kind of dealer service department wouldn't know that?

 

Yeah, my dealership called me back today and told me it was normal, but that seemed a little shady to me. If nothing else, it spoils a bit of the sweet sound of the engine when sitting at a stop light. Is there anything I can do about it?

 

Turn the A/C off.

No, seriously, both my RX-8 and Miata have the same rattle, but only when stationery, in neutral, clutch out, with the A/C on. Weird, but Mazda's Tech Line assured my mechanic that it's normal. Not pretty, but normal.

 

Put Red Line or Royal Purple in tranny and diff. after at least 3000 to 5000 mi break in. My noise disapeared and idel was smother. :D

 

Ah the power of search !!! Ipicked up my 8 lastnight and this noise was freeking me out !!! It's a lease so I'll ignore it, thanks guys. :D

 

Nice weather is back. A/C back on. And that nasty sounding rattle too! A real shame.

 

mine has always made this rattle at idle (not loud just annouying). it's just the nature of teh beast unfortunatly awe well the rest of the car is steller