def_note

i have a 05 manual rx8 with 14k mi on it..lately it feels like when i change gears it is slipping... for example putting it to second will rev for a sec and then catch speed... has anyone seen this??? thanks

93rdcurrent

That is the classic sign of the clutch slipping. Try putting it in 6th gear while you are going about 50 mph and gas it to WOT and see if it slips. That would happen more under greater load conditions. Have you been driving manuals for a long time?

fray

iTrader: (1)

Definately sounds like a clutch slipping.

Having just replaced someone else's clutch.. I can tell you right now, it's a LOT of work.

def_note

i have been driving standard for a while... i was wondering if it could be a power loss issue...because i have had hard starts lately.... is the clutch covered under warr..???

fray

iTrader: (1)

Clutch disc is a wear item. If it is slipping, you need to replace it ASAP, otherwise you can damage the flywheel/pressure plate and you'll have to replace those items as well.

def_note

what would be the definite signs Of the clutch... other than my signs. I guess i notice the power loss..would there be a smell or noises. the dealers here in san antonio wont look at it for like 3 weeks or so. i dont know if i should trade ...

zoom44

take it to a clutch doctor or other local clutch guru- have them drive with you or drive it themselves forthe diagnosis. dont wait for an appointment that might appear in 3 weeks. if you have the money get a better/lighter flywheel while the clutch is being done.

def_note

i was going to lunch right now and the car seemed to get worse... changing gears it would rev and try to speed up... putting it in higher gear and revving only made a burnt smell appear.... i called mazda and have an appt for monday.. they said clutch is NOT covered...whats the avrg cost for repar and parts ... ???? this sucks... anybody have any advice...thanks

93rdcurrent

Boy that sounds like the clutch alright. I wouldn't drive it this weekend. You need to check on your driving habits. I know you said that you had driven a manual (standard) before so I'm going to go out on a limb and say there is a small possibility it is a faulty clutch. 14k miles is unusual. I only had to replace one clutch in a car and that was my MR2. I was at 70k miles on the ODO and after I reached about 15 psi of boost on the turbo and that would've killed just about any standard clutch.

I recommend you upgrade the flywheel and clutch as long as you gotta replace it. I personally like the Centerforce dual friction gold series. There are others but this isn't a common problem among the low torque RX-8s. That is the reason I questioned your experience in a manual shift. Generally early failure of the clutch comes from launching it on a regular basis at 7.5k rpms or riding the clutch (essentially allowing the clutch pedal to be depressed for too long while shifting or getting going). When you ride the clutch you cause the surface of the clutch plate to slide when it should be engaged and holding grip. You would notice a smell of something burning. Over time this smooths and wears down the surface causing it to lose traction under load conditions. I can't think of too many things that would lead to this other than what I described.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Here's a link to clutch slipping issues: http://clutchwizard.com/diagnosis.htm

Hope this helps.

Old Rotor

Here is a new clutch TSB, but I dont think it sounds like your problem. How hard do you think you were on it. How many times did you feather it for a better take off. Do you have a lot of hills to start off on.......steep driveway? We are all wondering how much this clutch can take?

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...04-06-1641.pdf

swoope

iTrader: (5)

wow,
you can see the burnt clutch smell???? mazda you did not talk to.. you talked to a dealer... and unlikely they would tell you it was not covered on the phone.... as they would not know that your car had 14k miles on it...

many clutches have been covered outside the 12 k mile warranty..

your discription of the problem is silly... unless you dont remove your foot all the way...

beers

def_note

well, it happened yesterday... i was leaving work and all of a sudden, it would only rev in gear...NO SPEED acceleration whatsoever... I could not move in gear.. I am very good on babying the car, i have never drove her past the speed limit to tell ya'll the truth. i would not abuse the car that takes me to school/work everyday. I couldnt risk that. So, i called mazda na and they were kind and sent a tow truck to pick the car up and take to the dealer.. that was my first experience with them and it was pleasant...while i was driving down the street, my car wasnt getting any speed so i gently steered into a vacant lot.. i could have been on the highway and it could be worse.. when i called the dealer, i told them the mileage and they stated its only covered til 12 k ... from my description, does that sound like ONLY the clutch or maybe another part..thanks... my car is at the dealer til they look at it next week

def_note

to make what happened more clear... i had put the car in 1st gear and the shift was normal...BUT when i shifted into 2nd gear..it was moving and then all of a sudden only reved up at that point...no more acceleration...i had enough time and movement to drive into a vacant lot...when i stopped ..there was no movement...i turned off the car ...there was still a strong burning smell..