risingsunroof7to8

So I have an 04 6 speed manual and just noticed some...... bad noises. It sounds like gravel and only makes noise in 1st thru 3rd when its under load(speeding up or slowing down) no noise in neutral sitting or moving with clutch in but with clutch out theres a slight very light noise. As soon as i shift into 4th the noise is gone. Its not gringing in or out of any gears and drives fine..... the gear lube is full and clean. it sound to me like a bearing going bad with the grinding(dry and gritty) Is there a main bearing that supports just 1st thru 3rd and a second for 4th thru 6th? Any ideas guys cause This is not a good time for her to let me down.
And I will admit I've been having possibly too much fun in her????? If you know what I mean so I cant blame her for all of it. Any advise would be awesome fellas but I can drive my 1st gen 7 till I know whats completely wrong with it. Thanks for all the help fellas.

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

Sounds similar to what happened to a friends. it ended up being his pilot bearing/ needle bearing it had shredded to pieces.

j9fd3s

sounds like it needs bearings...

risingsunroof7to8

I suppose that would be the best ase scenario! and to j9fd3s.. which bearings does it sound like to you? just trying to get a general census. lol

j9fd3s

the ones inside the transmission, while you have it out you should also replace the clutch, and the throwout and pilot bearings

risingsunroof7to8

Well i got this car a year ago and he said they had just put in a new clutch.... and I could always hear it slightly humming so I wonder if the pilot wasnt replaced or was done improperly...... clutch feels great so maybe just whipped pilot that they never replaced or fudged up????

j9fd3s

either way the trans needs to come out. my friends Rx8 has had a loud trans almost from new, and its got 90k on it and hasn't gotten any worse

risingsunroof7to8

thats for sure.... she will be coming out.... so lets say my pilot bearing is trashed.... whats a good way to check the tranny without cracking it open? cause my luck its got both problems. lol

j9fd3s

if it makes noise in neutral that goes away when you put your foot on the clutch.

risingsunroof7to8

noise stops with clutch in.

bse50

It will be cheaper to buy a used transmission from a shop like Mazmart than having yours rebuilt unless you can do the job yourself. Parts are kinda expensive and with the tranny open replacing the forks and synchros is a good idea... A lot of labor is also involved in rebuilding a transmission and it's not a job for everyone.