littleace09

Ok so I searched through a bunch of threads but I want to get opinions from you guys about what happened. The other day I went to do a u-turn I pushed the clutch in completed my turn then let off the clutch but the clutch pedal stayed on the floor. So I put in in neutral pushed the clutch pedal all the way in and let off and it still stayed on the floor so I reached down and pulled it back up gently. Long story short, no tension, straight to the floor and then started to get scraping noises which I believe is due to the throw out bearing failing and the clutch and pressure plate rubbing. My biggest question is what exactly went wrong, is it just throw out bearing or do you guys think something else went as well?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

1st check your clutch/brake fluid.
It shares the same reservoir, but there is a partition inside to separate the two in case one system fails.
Make sure you have fluid in there and that there are no leaks coming from the master clutch, slave cylinder, and connecting lines,

2nd check the clutch pedal assembly for cracks around the spot welds.
This is a known problem and you can find many pics of this if you care to search for it.

littleace09

Reservoir is full, I didn't see any leaks and the clutch pedal works fine with the key turned forward with engine off, so I believe the pedal assembly is ok

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Just to clarify... the pedal works fine until you start the engine?
If so, does it get worse over time as the car warms-up?

Since the broken pedal assembly is such a known problem and can cause damage to the clutch (not to mention a safety concern while driving), I would still check it just to be safe.
You can shine a flashlight up there and usually tell, though sometimes the nut has to be removed to see the fracture.
Here is a post with pics showing the fracture:
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...&postcount=155

Felipe0631

I had the same problem as you over a year ago, it turned out to be my slave cylinder that has gone bad, i bought a repair kit for about 20$ and it still going strong.
I think you should check that as it is the cheapest way to go first, than change the throw out bearing and your clutch after.

littleace09

No temp doesn't matter, I get a scraping noise with clutch pushed in to start the car, let off and its fine, push it in and u get the grinding scraping noise and the pedal doesn't come all the way back up

littleace09

What's the easiest way to determine if its the clutch, throwout bearing or slave cylinder? This caught me at a really bad time for money but I have an insurance check coiming in hopefully soon so I can fix it, because my 8 is how I work, without it there is no job

rx8 man

iTrader: (1)

Think if ti was the "throwout bearing" the note (noise) would change when clutch to push in.
Slave Cyllinder -- I think i'll be a lack of movement.

littleace09

Well there isn't much movement but when I push it in it does make scraping noises. If the key is on engine is off shouldn't the slave cylinder still operate? Because it seems like everything is fine until I push the clutch in

rx8 man

iTrader: (1)

"engine is off shouldn't the slave cylinder still operate?" -- Yes

Can you do a vid, put on youtube ?? , be more help see ing whats happening/ or not??

littleace09

I will make one in the morning since its too dark outside now. Does the tranny have to come out to change the clutch?

littleace09

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Wow... wasn't expecting that...
Obviously you're in neutral since you begin with the clutch pedal out.
When you press the pedal in, the release (aka throw-out) bearing pushes in on the pressure plate fingers to release the disc from the flywheel.
Even a seized bearing shouldn't cause the motor to quit running and sound like that.

I think its time to drop the transmission and start investigating.
Might want to prepare on a new clutch/pressure plate.
Buy from BHR and get their HD throw-out bearing.

littleace09

Funds are very short for a few weeks so I ordered an eclutchmaster stage 2, with pilot and release(throw out) bearing. I don't have any experience so if the clutch gets here before the check for my other car that got flooded then I will attempt the clutch job myself. Im going to try to drop the tranny here in a few so I can take a look. Will I able toto get away with just unbolting the driveshaft at the u-bolt and be able to slide the tranny back enough to see whats going on without cutting off the exhaust hangers?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The exhaust is held on by rubber grommets... no need to cut the hangers.
Curious why you went with a stage 2... is this a daily driver?
Here is a thread I made detailing my experience when I first replaced my clutch:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/clutch-flywheel-replacement-experience-170426/

littleace09

Is a daily driver for the moment but was bought for project/tinkering. I had another car but it got flooded in hurricane irene so that made my 8 my daily driver. The insurance money will hopefully get used on both the 8 and to get a cheap daily driver/work car that way I don't kill my 8 with miles. Eventually I want to boost my 8 so I went with a stage 2 clutch