br0wm

im having a problem with shifting.

i have a 2004 rx8 GT 6MT

when my car is off and i push down the clutch i can go through all my gears and they slip in easily

but when i turn on my ignition and press down my clutch i cant get it to slip into any of the gears
it almost feels like its "locked" in the neutral position

does this mean my clutch is gone?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Yep, most likely.

br0wm

are there any other possibilities?
could this be a serious transmission problem?

FastFreddy61

It's a long shot, but, do you have sufficient fluid in the clutch reservoir ?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Were you having any issues prior to this happening? This sounds like typical clutch be gone behavior to me. the clutch might not be completely gone, it could just be the throw out bearing but I doubt it and if you are going to pull it all part you might as well replace the clutch anyway.

PeteInLongBeach

It actually sounds like the clutch is not releasing, which does not necessarily mean the clutch itself is gone. It is far more likely that the clutch master cylinder is either low on fluid and/or has worn seals, or the clutch pedal bracket has broken. Research all of these FIRST. If none of that appears to be the problem, you might have some broken fingers on the clutch pressure plate, which can cause partial release (drag) of the clutch, and this would require complete clutch replacement.

BTW, a "worn-out" clutch usually slips while in gear (not drags going in), unless the pressure plate is broken.

br0wm

the only issue before was that it was kinda hard to get into reverse, i replaced my fluid with mt-90 like last month, i dont think that is the issue

im probably gonna just buy a clutch kit, from what ive read the exedy stage 1 should do me fine for a normal daily driver

ill probably order it through BHR, but being in canada sucks *** for deliver

thanks for everyones help

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

I had this exact same problem, and it ended up being my pilot bearing exploded into bits and pieces. If you feel up to it, I would recommend getting a clutch kit and replacing the clutch/pressure plate, throwout bearing, and pilot bearing. And your rear main seal while you're at it. You can pick up the rear main and the pilot bearing that goes in after the pilot bearing at the dealership for ~$13. This happened to me a couple months ago and I did all the work myself with a couple friends, it's really not that difficult.

br0wm

so when you had your problem it wouldnt move through any gears when your car was on? but it would move through them when the car was off?

would u recommend i get a whole new clutch kit? or just replace the exploded bearing?

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

Yep, I couldn't get it into gear at all when the car was on, but it would go through gears fine when the car was off. I would just go ahead and change it all while you're in there. I still have my Exedy OEM clutch/ pressure plate that I removed with only 4k miles on them when I replaced everything with a stage 2 clutch and lightweight flywheel I could sell you so you could save some money. There's barely any wear on the clutch, I'll send you pictures if you'd like. Also, I wrote a DIY on doing a clutch replacement, here's the link:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ght=DIY+clutch

br0wm

im very interested.
pm me a price?

PeteInLongBeach

You don't KNOW that it's the throwout bearing or clutch assembly yet. Typically, if it was the bearing, there would be noticeable noise when depressing the clutch. It "might" be a broken pressure plate, but you don't know that yet either.

Rule out the easy and most likely stuff first (clutch master cylinder fluid / seal integrity / overall function, and clutch pedal bracket integrity). If you don't know how to check/diagnose these items, get help from someone who does - these are very common and straighforward issues for anyone with automotive experience. If the root cause of the problem lies in the clutch master cylinder or pedal bracket, replacing the clutch will NOT cure the problem (and will have been done needlessly).

vlad0691

iTrader: (1)

^ Good point. Check to make sure you still have adequate pressure in your clutch pedal, that neither the slave or master are leaking, and when you start your car push your clutch pedal in and see if you can hear any noises coming from under the car that sounds like a bearing gone bad.

PeteInLongBeach

BTW, I was not referring to the transmission fluid. The transmission oil is NOT the same as the clutch master cylinder hydraulic fluid.

br0wm

i can depress the clutch without problem with the car on and off.
it felt as normal as before when it was working fine

i will get someone to inspect all the brackets and i will listen for the noises you specified

but like i said before when the car was off it slips into every gear fine, but as soon as i turn it on the shifter feels "locked" in neutral

PeteInLongBeach

Be aware that the clutch master cylinder can leak internally (no noticeable external fluid loss), which will reduce or disable clutch release. You need to verify that when the pedal is pushed down, the slave cylinder is acting effectively on the clutch throwout lever AND holds in place with no leak-back while the pedal is held down.

br0wm

how do i test this?
is there a visual way or a "feel" i should be aware of?

again your advice is extremely helpful at the moment

PeteInLongBeach

You should be able to view the slave cylinder / throwout lever moving when an assistant pushes down on the clutch pedal. With the clutch fully depressed and held, the slave/throwout should hold its actuated position. Leaking internal seals can allow the slave/throwout to slowly return when the clutch pedal is held, or not actuate at all.

Simple stuff first (as previously noted): check the clutch master cylinder fluid level. If it is low, add fluid and see if it helps. If it is empty, fill and bleed the clutch hydraulic system. If it is either low or empty, it suggest leakage / seal failure.