Squeeky Clutch Bracket and Flexing
 

Hi all!

So i took my 05 WB 8 to the stealership a while back to have the loss of power recall done and they reflashed the ECU to the new specs. While I was there, the service guy mentioned he noticed some flexing in my clutch bracket and suggested I have it fixed. :sad: Im coming up on inspection in a few months and decided to wait on changing it until then so I could save some money for it. Plus Im looking into an aftermarket one since I know the factory one is crap.

Anyhow, I know the flexing in the clutch bracket is a pretty common problem, but my question is.. Is there a way to improve the squeeking until I get it replaced? It has become super annoying and I cant just leave it anymore. I went out today with a can of WD-40 to try and lube the springs around the clutch bracket but its just as bad as it was. Should I be using some kind of special grease for this problem? Again just to clear up, Im not positive that the noise is coming from the springs. Any ideas? I can take pics if anyone would need a visual as well, just let me know.

Thanks guys!

If it's flexing then, get ready for it to break!

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/clutch-pedal-snap-off-8-year-warranty-recall-%7E%7E%7E-132912/

This is a long ass thread, but the bottom line is that the welds are weak and so is the metal used. You better get in there and take a look. There are numerous threads with pics that will show you where to look, and possible fixes.

Mazda has a "replace if needed" warranty on this item for 8/100k. This started after the US NTSA began investigating the problem. The noise you hear may be coming from the neutral switch in the clutch peddle assembly.

Do you have any more info on the replacelement? It would be great if I could get this replaced by mazda under a recall or something. The service guy mentioned it would cost about 300$ for them to give me a new one so I decided to pass and was going to go with a reinforced BHR unit when inspection rolled around. I couldnt find any info on any replacement on mazda's website. Im within the 8/100k so I should be good if it is covered.

A quick search on this site I found this: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...&model_yr=2006

This is the thread where we discuss the problem: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=132912

Please check out the race roots clutch reinforcement bracket

Dark Brew, I was looking into the BHR replacement or the race roots reinforcement, if I am already having the flexing problem is it necessary for me to replace the whole unit or would it be an easier fix by installing the race roots support bracket? Would installing the support fix my problem or should I really be replacing the whole unit? Which would be a better solution long term?

The bracket will address the issue; It's very sturdy. Don't wait for the pedal to break! $135 and a bit of work
https://www.rx8club.com/race-roots-134/clutch-pedal-bracket-solutions-explanations-now-recall-194975/
http://raceroots.com/index.php/produ...t-bracket.html

Was aware of that, but hadn't actually heard of anyone confirming that a dealer has done so free of charge. Can you actually confirm a case?

Matter of fact, it was discussed that even MNAO reps weren't even aware of it when someone called and asked. Even when the person FAX'd in the NTSA document. Maybe I haven't see the latest?

Yea I read over that lengthy post you sent me, it seems there is a case pending but Mazda has yet to put the clutch bracket into Warranty. Seems that most people are replacing them and then keeping the receipts in hopes that Mazda will reimburse them at some point. I personally will not hold my breath. Im going to look into the Race roots reinforcements and go that route to fix the problem. Thanks to everyone for their insights. ;)

Yeah, I've been watching that thread and others for years now, so if Al knows of a specific case, I'd like to know about it. Still doesn't sound like anybody has had it replaced free as of yet.

^ I'll pass by my dealer tomorrow n show my service advisor that post, hopefully he agrees to change it for free.

o Mazda has already told the NHTSA that the warranty replacement program is in place so it is. that most or all of the dealers havent heard is merely a factor of timing. mazda has to prepare a letter, have it checked by legal, have it checked by the nhtsa, make revisions, approve the final copy, prepare it for mailing and release etc etc. people starting checking like a week after the nhtsa thing had been "closed". if you go in with a bad clutch pedal they will just call and get the ok. dealers suck at keeping informed. they will all get told about it but until they face the issue they wont pay attention.

No, I haven't heard of a case or seen anything that says Mazda in the letter head about it. But, I think Zoom covered the state of things.

^..........Granted.....................thanks for clearing that up!

rather than spend $ on a bracket i just took mine out and welded it. it feels much stronger and i know it wont break now. if you dont have access to a welder have a shop do it for you it should be pretty cheap and take 10-15 min tops

The bottom line is that if it's squeaking do not wait for it to break! No good will come from procrastination on this component!!

That was the whole purpose of my initial response. To let him know and not to wait.

Thanks for all the reply's guys, its much appreciated. I am going to call a couple of the local dealerships and see if any will replace my flexing bracket pro bono. I will also email them the page posted by the NHTSA and see if that does some convincing. If they give me a hard time or just straight up wont replace it for free I will be ordering the racing roots support bracket tomorrow night. Again thanks for all the help. I will let anyone know if I find anything out from the dealerships tomorrow night as far as the warranty goes.

So I'm not allowed to also warn of same?

Good move Chrishoky.

Of course you are!
Think you took it slightly the wrong way. I was re-affirming your re-affirming of my original post. :wavey:

^ I just love a good reaffirmation. ;)

Quick update on this. Called Mazda Customer Service and the guy there said he knew of no known recall for the clutch bracket. He also has no knowledge of mazda extended a warranty to cover this issue. Looks like I will be ordering the racing roots support this weekend. Man this stinks.

Hey all. I had my clutch start squeaking on me a couple of weeks ago. I went by a dealership on Monday Oct. 18 and they claimed to have never heard of such a problem let alone a recall or warranty extension. I finally called Mazda Customer Service today and discussed this with them. The Mazda rep told me that the dealerships had been informed of the warranty extension yesterday on the 20th and the owner mailings were headed out today and tomorrow. Looks like mine decided to start going at the perfect time. I have noticed my clutch slipping more lately...wonder if I can get them to believe the pedal issue caused it

Is there anything that I can look for myself rather than taking it to the dealer? The recall notice says pay first and then get reimbursed which is unlike any recall I've had with any other brand where it's all taken care of through the dealer and you don't have to put out $ up front. No squeaking or issues with my '05 thus far - or is it just a matter of time?

Thanks