Whats this noise?
 

Hi All - 2004 RX8, 6-speed manual.
Ok, maybe a long shot but perhaps someone has had this same problem and knows what it is.
I have this irritating rattle-like noise, noticable when taking off or slowing down. It may be related to depressing the clutch?? I think that's when i notice it the most.
It's been there for a couple years now, but lately seems to happen more, or maybe i'm just fed up with it and it's bothering me more now.

Here's a recording of it I took today, just as i was coming to a stop. It starts about halfway through.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8484410/Memo.m4a

Thanks!

Is it only when you are pressing the clutch? Can you say a little more? like recent maintenance? Have you had the recall for the clutch pedal assembly done yet? And its not a long shot. I guarantee 30 people on this forum have had the same issue as you.

I'll have to test that out on my way home today; I'll see if it's only when the clutch is being depressed.
Regarding the clutch pedal assembly, I'd have to check my paperwork tonight. I've had several recalls taken care of but not sure about that one.
thanks

Hopefully it is just the assembly. I did a quick search and a couple of people that seemed like they had the same issue as you needed new engines. So hopefully thats not the case or hopefully youre still in warranty. Sorry I can't be more helpful. I'm in class so I can watch the video just can't have sound

where is it coming from? muffler/exhaust area?
cause thats what i have..

Ok, so i tried some different things on the way home today and I'm thinking now that it's not clutch related. When I blip the throttle is when it's most pronounced.
And yes, it does sound like it's coming from the muffler/exhaust area.

Camilo, I watched your youtube clip and yours sounds different than mine. i'd say mine is more like BB's rattling around in the exhaust :)

Well marbles in a can noise is def bad. Coming from the exhaust is weird though. MIAC usually means its new engine time. How many miles are on your 04 and when in 04 was it purchased? Are you still covered under warranty?

There is a few things you want to do before you try for a new engine though. First try to see if anything is rattling against something else in your exhaust. Second see if you have any exhaust leaks. Third when is the last time you changed your spark plugs and coils? I'm thinking (this is a long shot) but it could be possible you are not getting a good spark so you have unburnt fuel and it is popping in your exhaust? I have a hard time believing that would be the only symptom of that though. But try all those and if I was you I would also get a compression test before you are out of warranty. Just in case.

Do you know what the cause of yours is? I'm guessing you don't..

Yeah that was one thought I had a year or so ago. The dealership replaced my cat around that time (not due to the noise but because it went bad) and the problem persisted.

^yes listen to Charles. He is a genius where as I'm mostly guessing.

I'll check. Are you talking about above the exhaust?

Hey everybody - i started a thread yesterday and after finding this thread, I have literally the exact same sound - this weekend I'll pop the heat shield off to see if any pebbles are caught in there.

LFP - can you check on my thread and let me know if your symptoms are the same... https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/after-lots-searching-i-dont-see-any-threads-my-exact-symptoms-217934/

Thanks!

Yup, your description sounds like what i have. Especially the part about the card in the bike spokes...I imagine it more like metal wires, instead of a card, in the spokes.
It was rainy yesterday afternoon so i didn't get very far in investigating the heat shield, but might see if i can get to it this weekend too.

in an attempt to not re-post everything, i'm only going to post updates to my thread - i did post a new finding there this morning - i'll still keep an eye on this thread too but i'll try to keep my personal updates on my thread - good luck!