HiRev

iTrader: (1)

Just had my 08 tranny replaced. Had it for a year bought used in 2010. Always was iffy going into reverse and dull whine in nuetral.
Problem was grind at higher rpm upshifts above 5k in 4th and 5th gear. Synchros, sure. It started rather abruptly (500 miles [daily driver commute of 100miles/day]) after a tranny oil change at 32k miles. Used Royal Purple synthetic 75w-90.
Dealer attempted a rebuild on the tranny (2.5 weeks, mostly ordered parts to come in 3 cycles) and failed misserably. Got a new tranny ordered, shipped and installed in 3 days.
Lessons learned: 1. Any car is destructable. 2. Pay attention to how you shift. 3. Shifting at 6+krpm on a piston drive train is typically redline conditions and my car can do it way above that. 4. Driving any other car is booooorrrriiiing compared to my 8!

Blacknightz

down shifting problems could either be ur clutch or most probablyz ur synchromesh...

Cricket sound i assume should be ur coilovers or rear mounting... yes, we do have that as well...

Blacknightz

Grinding is most probably due to clutch or synchromesh that is worn out...


Cricket sound i assume would be wither ur coilovers or ur rear bush mounting...

BReal-10EC

Forum search found this.. sorry for the old post quote.

My transmission just started squeaking like a bad belt- and only does it when the clutch is in not depressed in neutral (tho I could swear I heard it once when driving in 1st gear slowly near a wall). It does not do it all the time, but does it daily now. I just noticed it last week or so (thought it was a belt issue at first).
My 04 6 speed RX8 has just 42k miles- and Mazda Knoxville replaced my engine (under warranty) just 600 miles ago.

What exactly causes this? I noticed if a barely tough the clutch pedal, the squeaking changes pitch. Is this a clutch issue, or a transmission bearing issue?


EDIT- found this thread shift fork grease detail to be very informative.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/common-sense-vs-mazda-squeaky-tranny-172605/

6speedrx

Hey everyone,



I picked up a 2004 rx8 last week and proceeded to change the transmission fluid (recommended at 60k), then shortly after it started grinding into 2nd at high rpms. I used OEM fluid, so I can only assume the previous owner knew about the problem and changed the fluid as a fix. I've done some research and it appears that most gear grinds are from the clutch, shift fork/synchros, or the clutch pedal about to go. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if it was a delaminated clutch wouldn't the grind be in more than one gear? The clutch pedal feels fine as far as I know, so that leaves the expensive part(s). From what I've read a 1st-2nd grind is common on these due to a faulty shift fork design; which Mazda supposedly revised. Does anybody have any experience/ further information on a fix for this. I've seen people chase gear grinds with fluid (which im not completely opposed to), but consensus seems to be that it only masks the problem. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

rxgirrl

I just had my trans pressure plate and throwout bearing and clutch replaced at 159K..It's as smooth as silk. Local shop only charged me 1045.00. Next I'm getting a remaned motor.

angelofragnarok

Ok, so I suppose it's time to add in my two cents. My 04 RX8 has just over 86k miles on it and my fourth gear is being difficult. Based on trial and error, I can downshift into fourth from fifth at anything under 5k RPM. Anything above that causes a grind and clunking sound. More recently though my second gear is to starting to act funny too. Downshifting into 2nd for things like sharp turns occasionally causes it to miss the gear. Sometimes it'll downshift into 2nd just fine, and other times I'll hear and feel it screaming at me as though I didn't depress the clutch enough to complete the shift.

As for the stats on it, my car is still original for pretty much everything. The clutch system is the original, the tranny is original, and the engine is also still original. I have no aftermarket parts set on it at all, yet. I'm just looking for some help on what could be causing this. I've read up on the synchros and how that may be the problem, however I'm not a mechanic. If it is something as serious as needing to rebuild the tranny then I guess I'll just go bend over the dealership.

zeke04

I drive a '04 rx8 6sp with about 140k miles on it. I recently replaced my entire clutch with an Exedy stage 1 clutch kit after mazda advised me my clutch plate and throwout bearing were going bad. After going through nearly 750 miles of break in period, i get a hard grinding into 2nd gear still. I'm not noticing it really in any other gear, just 2nd at any rpm over 6.5. Also i cant downshift into 2nd unless im around 30mph. I skimmed over this thread, but there is so much it was hard for me to get any answers regarding this problem.

Zeal

Need new transmission or rebuild it to a much better spec. I'm surprised that after a million posts on this thread, people just don't outright say the transmission, though smooth when working, is absolutely garbage in terms of taking abuse.

My transmission when I had an 07 GT was replaced at 27k miles when it started hard grinding when going into 2nd at the top of 1st, and also, as mentioned, would not go down into 2nd until very low speeds for that gear (30mph).

Rx8 Burner

Did that solve your problem? Because right now I'm at 40k on my 07 GT and I'm having the same problem.

Zeal

Yes, replacing your transmission will solve any transmission problem...
Though, a smarter investment would be to go to a transmission specialist shop and rebuild the transmission to much higher specs.

se3p_s

Yes u r right because i do the same thing... :-)

Rx8 Burner

Thanks guys. I'm trying to do whatever I can to avoid a tranny swap but damn. It's looking more and more like that's what I'm going to have to do. I don't seem to have the problem shifting into 2nd when the car is on a full tank of gas though...anyone know why that may be??

Zeal

no...that's just all in your head, no offense. fuel has nothing to do with mechanical part failure in a sealed transmission case.

Rx8 Burner

Thanks Zeal. Since I also seem to have the issue of not being able shif into 2nd gear at all at high rpm's im thinking i might just end up replacing the throwout bearing, and clutch since it kinda feels like its just not engaging completely(i did learn standard on that clutch so i probably screwed it up.lol) and hope that solves the issue. If not a tranny rebuild it is! >:|

kabukiyu

I got my car back in 2005 with 9k on it is a 04 and am also a mechanic, in my case the dot 3 in my master cyl ran low and since the clutch slave share the fluid with the brake system it created a air pocket on the line wish lead to a bad slave. So technicly I will step on the clutch but it wouldn't fully disengaged the clucth on the transmission I rebuilt the hydraulic components but the damage is alrdy done after I fix the hydraulic system it shifts better but once the fluid get hot and thynn second gear start acting up so my solution is synchromax for now .

Wankel1

I bought my RX8 new it's an 08 6 speed. since it was new I experienced some minor grinding on 2nd gear, took it to 2 different Mazda dealers here in the Tampa Bay Area and they both said. Sorry we cannot reproduce the problem. so I gave up, now of course I'm out of warranty and Mazda will pay for the parts, and I have to pay for labor. I am not happy at all. The car has 46k miles , but is over 5 yrs. The powertrain is 5 yrs or 60k.I see after reading a lot that I am not alone. What can I do? Mazda has a case number of my problem, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Blacknightz

get the fluid change and see how it goes.... if not... either have the 2nd gear replaced or just the synchromesh if ure tight... If not, then both please...

angelofragnarok

Well, looks like my RX-8 has hit the chopping block now. The clutch went to the floor yesterday and when I investigated it further I found that the clutch bracket has warped to the point of not even touching the brown switch located on the back of the clutch pedal. Oddly enough it still hasn't snapped though.

zoom44

get it to the dealer for a free replacement

inTEGrate89

Issue:

Hard to shift, it's a constant resistance for all gears, not so much it not wanting to go in gear but it's requires more stength

- Replaced tranny and diff fluid with MT like a year ago. This issue was most noticeable 6 months ago
- Going to test my clutch tonight; I don't believe its out, doesn't exhibit signs of slipping

I have a 3rd party warranty so i might have mazda check it out. I'm just sensing thoughts... I ran a query but no one had any firm fixes.
https://www.rx8club.com/search.php?searchid=8561531

RWilson

I dont drive my car, but going on to highway I do give it a little gas b/c if I give it to much I hear a metalic click from transmission, 05 rx8 70k... just to throw that in there

Speed_8

same issue here 06 gt with 56000km and driving hard in first, i cant put it in second, nor downshift from 3rd to 2nd. . I have 3rd party warranty however the cover syncros, only if broken not worn , and to determine that, i need to take it apart and hope its broken lol

NewKid

ok I have done a little searching and cant find it...I have a leak that appears to be coming from right before the shifter underneath, the 2 peices that are bolted together ....I am not sure if that is where the rear main seal is or what...I cannot find anything about it, but a friend that also has a 8 has said thats a common place for it to leak...any suggestions? btw I have a 2004 with almost 130K miles and a manual trans

NewKid

here is what im talking about...is that sealed with just gasket sealer or does it have an actual gasket seal?