Brought my 8 into Almaden Mazda to address a few issues...basically some typical 8 issues (broken sunvisor, recall 4206F, squeaky front brakes, squeaky motor mount) and also a oil leak.

I've been smelling burning oil while on the road but did not see a leak. I suspected the MOP or the oil filler tube but after a few weeks I noticed a leak from the back on the engine/transmission area.

Dealer found it was the driveline slip yoke seal, which they replaced. I've heard of these failing in turbo modded cars which might wind up the driveshaft so much it kills the seals (usually in the rear but not in the front) but I am running stock.

Anyone else here have this issue (search makes me think not too many)?

 

i have read about a couple. not a big issue..

beers

 

This morning...more oil on ground...more burning oil smell..jeez whats with these dealers

 

i've never had a worse experience with warranty repairs.. generally I've found that if you want the problem fixed you have to do it yourself.. mazda must have a pretty lame *** certification process for their mechanics.

 

Usually when seals fail after a replacement its an indicator of an underlying problem.

If the U-Joint or the rear transmission bearing fails, it makes the shaft vibrate around, which destroys the seal, be it new or old.

They just didn't dig deep enough on the first repair. Not really bad wrenching, just not being very thorough with the troubleshooting.

 

Yup. Took my car back yesterday.... and told them to find the root cause.

 

they found root cause...crack in tail shaft assembly. Its been two day no leaks ..so I am stoked. Dealer says it was factory defective.

 

so it was a problem in the yoke? rare, very rare.

beers

 

glad you got everything worked out! forgot to welcome you to the norcal group!

 

Yeah they said it was rare, one of the only times they have seen that issue.

 

Thanks, I am happy again with my 8...actually I never stopped being happy with it. All cars have their issues.

BTW I was down at Laguna Seca for the sea otter bike race and was looking at the Skip Barber racing school fleet of cars which was mostly Mazdas (Mazda is main sponsor of that track). Almost all Miatas but several 8s were there.

I noticed that they were running stock wheels but with 245/40 tires...aw man I just put on 225/45 stock size Kumhos! They looked so much cooler! Kicking myself for not doing that, I did not know wider tires would work with our wheels.
Anyone want to buy a set of almost new Kumhos? LOL