sturney

Recently picked up an '04 RX-8 and it's making a few noises that I don't think are right.

I'll try and explain them and see if anyone has any info they can provide. I'm only asking so I don't look like a moron when I go to the mechanic and get bent over on the repair costs.

Issue 1:
When the car shifts (seemingly from any gear upwards) sometimes there is a high pitched noise. It's not very loud, but it's definately happening fairly frequently.

Issue 2:
When starting the car cold there is a noise that sounds like a spinning electrical motor it continues for about 30 seconds or so and then seems to slow down fairly quickly and then stop. If I turn the car off and on again I don't hear it.

Issue 3:
When starting the car it seems to chirp, as if a belt was slipping. I had the belts adjusted (or at least paid for them to be adjusted), but it continues. While accelerating (and again this problem seems intermittent) I can hear a noise that almost sounds like inconsistant rushing air if that makes sense (before you make fun of me, it's not the air moving past the car) something which I think is part of the same problem.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

sturney

Neglected to mention that it's automatic and the high pitched noise seems to start just before it changes gears and end just after.

Thanks again

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

#2 would be the secondary air motor, pumps air into the exhaust on a cold startup, to raise the cat temp quickly. Perfectly normal until it dies, screeching.

#3 your belts might just need a squirt of spray belt dressing, can make a big difference.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

Stealth is right on #2. I am not a fan of belt dressing at all, as I've seen many people use too much, causing more issues with belt slipping. You can use a quick squirt of dressing, or WD-40, on the belt to see if it affects the noise. If so, and the belt tension is good, you'll need to replace the belt to get rid of the noise.

I have had success with using Vaseline, but if you do try that, of course do it with the engine off. And use very little. Again, I've seen issues with people using too much.

Bladecutter

Easier way to determine if it truly is a belt related noise:

Remove belts from car.
Start engine.

Is noise gone?

Yes = buy NEW belts.
No = Look under hood to see where noise is coming from.

Turn off engine within a minute to prevent overheating damage.

BC.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Proper belt dressing compound is the opposite of vaseline or wd-40 - it provides a sticky/grippy coating that grabs the pulley instead of slipping and squealing.

Don't use greasy kids stuff....

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

The noise could come from an idler pulley that belt dressing won't find.

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

WD-40 isn't a fix... It's just a quick and easy way to troubleshoot the noise.

The reason why belts make noise, is how they wear... Over time, they dry up build up a "glaze", and this is what causes the noise. A petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) can break down that glaze. Like I said, the key is to not use too much and make it slippery.

The real repair of course, is to replace the belt.

sturney

Well I picked up some belt dressing and sprayed a little on (just a tiny amount). I've started the car once and it seems to have subsided a little. I may spray a little more on and see what happens.

I appreciate the posts and if anyone has anymore suggestions I'd love to hear them. Just want the car to run well and not run in to any preventable issues.