peterisurhero

hey guys,
So now that my car is basically half way to being stock again, i wanted to attack all of the problems in my car. One of those problems, the most irritable and annoying one, is my transmission.
See, here is the picture, about a year ago, i got the ACT clutch and ACT flywheel. And that is when the problem arrised. From that moment on, it seems that my clutch or my transmission was having crazy grinding problems. For instance, when i redline my car, and try shifting, my shifter will not even go inside the gear and it'll make like a "keeeeeeeeeeeeeek" noise. This happens not only when i shift from first to second, but second to third, and third to fourth. Also, there are times when i am just driving normally, for example to school or work, and i press my clutch in, but my shifter wont budge inside first gear. Sometimes, i have to force it in the gear, but it'll make a huge knocking noise that even shakes my car. By the way, sometimes, i can't even get my shifter into the gear and i have to literally turn off my car, put the shifter inside the gear, and then turn on the car.
So basically, what i am here for is to ask you guys for help. Do you guys know what might be the problem? Do you guys think its my transmission or the clutch itself? Should i change my clutch line? Also, i should tell you guys that i have Royal Purple Tranny and Diff fluids.

Thanks in advance guys,

peterisurhero

bump??

savedsol

Clutch line won't help, you my friend need a rebuild. There is no fluid or magic potion that will solve your issue.

8is>enuff

Does this sound like your problem? - https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/clutch-pedal-snap-off-8-year-warranty-recall-%7E%7E%7E-132912/page9/

All three of us have the ACT clutch/fly combo. At least you're not alone.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

Lots of possibilities for what the actual issue is:

- worn synchros (not likely since it's all gears)
- air in clutch line / failing hydraulics
- failing clutch (release bearing aka throw out bearing)
- improperly adjusted clutch pedal
- (and of course, the ever popular) failing bracket

I'd proceed in this order:

1) bleed the clutch line (only bleeder is at the slave cylinder - you can see the little rubber cap next to the oil filter
2) check your clutch pedal for signs of impending doom.. check the "woo! clutch snap off" thread linked above
3) adjust the pedal to bring the clutch engagement point further away from the floor (you will also need to adjust free-play after you do this!). Instructions are in the FSM

SilverHokie

iTrader: (1)

Hey man what's up. I dont post often but I try to help out people with tranny problems. I had grinding issues but only in 4th gear at high speeds...please search my post for the solution. The dealership pretty much ahd to replace all my synchros because they were also screwed.

They also mentioned that the brass bearings in between them were non existent...and this is with MINIMAL grinding issues. I went as soon as I could and caught the problem early. A good dealership will help you...if your not in warranty...it would be cheaper to replace the entire tranny...trust.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

Or you can hold out for a BHR trans that will have reinforced internals..

peterisurhero

would you guys just recommend me take out the parts and then take it to the dealer so they can deal with it? Cuz i think that the defects or problems i am currently having with my shifting is because of the tranny and not the aftermarket clutch. HOwever, i may be wrong. So should i just take out the parts and hopefully get the dealership to replace whatever is wrong with my car? i think im covered under warranty. i have about 32,000 miles on the car.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

If you're under 60k and want to deal with the runaround, you can try to get warranty coverage. I wish you luck

peterisurhero

damn, hopefully it'll work. hahah i am gonna replace my car all back to stock and hopefully it'll work out for me.....

staticlag

if the problem started when you put in the new clutch then I would say that its air in the clutch line or an incorrectly adjusted pedal.

savedsol

I'm still holding my breath for the clutch pedal bracket Now you're talking about Aisin prioritizing one lone group ahead of all the major manufacturers? I believe he can do it but I wouldn't count on anything too soon. I could be wrong - he's a smart cookie.

Your better bet may be to hold your breath for the 09 tranny.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

Is the 09 trans that different?

savedsol

1100+ posts and you haven't looked at the pictures of the new 8?

http://www.seriouswheels.com/2009/kl...-1600x1200.htm

Yes it's different, completely different. Reverse is on the left like BMW transmissions which means it's entirely different and Mazda has recognized the problem with ours.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

Hmm that's nice, reverse on the left.. The real question though, is if they strengthened the internals.

savedsol

They wouldn't have gone through the cost of replacing the entire trans if they weren't going to do it differently/better/more reliable/etc. They had pro race teams like SpeedSource and Roar Racing breathing down their necks regarding needing a new trans (or two, three) every race. Not to mention all the folks who have needed theirs rebuilt/replaced.

I'm not on the inside but can pretty much guarantee this was not an arbitrary change.

CnnmnSchnpps

iTrader: (1)

Hmm.. that sounds pretty nice. Guess it will be a tough choice between the BHR and the new 09 trans.. Wonder how they will compare in cost

Pink Flea

Hmmm, sounds similar to the thread I just posted.. and I just had an ACT clutch put in as well.