NewSV

Hi,

I am willing to change the spark plug myself on my automatic 2009 RX8, and looking at this thread, https://www.rx8club.com/do-yourself-...-change-31872/ , I though I could do it myself.

First I am trying to change those from the bottom, so I put my car on a rack, and I am facing a big metal cover.

After following the cables under the hood I located the spark plugs, and figured there is NO WAY I can do it my self, at least from the bottom of the car, even by removing the metal cover from the bottom.
I don't know what kind of RX8 is the one in the thread, but mine doesn't look like that. There is big cylinder under the spark plugs, so I can't reach them from the bottom.
I can probably reach the 2 others by removing the left front wheel, but I will be running with 2 new spark plugs and 2 old.

I started to call some garages, but they told me it will cost almost 200$ to change them.

So,
- Is there someone in the bay area, California, who could help me to do it, and who has tools ? You could get money and a good friend
- Otherwise I think I will go in a garage

Thank you.

blu3dragon

iTrader: (1)

I did it on a manual s2 by putting the car on a jack stand and removing the wheel. Not sure if the auto is different. I didn't have to remove any cover, just had to find the right socket extension to get clearance. Can you post a pic?

laurichj

Don't do it from the bottom, but from the driver side wheel well. Jack up the left side, remove the wheel and turn the weel hard right if you need/want a little more space. There'll be a small rubber dust cover behind the wheel, remove that and you'll see the plugs. You will need a pretty long socket extender, and a wobble socket helps as well.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

make your life 100% easier by not only going through the driver side wheel well, but also getting a universal joint. Trust me, it will cut the time down significantly.

NewSV

Oh really ?

So after that I removed the left front wheel, and the little plastic cover. I can the 4 spark plugs, but none of them are straight in front of me.
There are 2 on the left I still wonder how I can put any tool in there, and 2 on the right.
I can barely put 1 hand inside the hole.

I had a small extender of about 3 inches, do you mean I need a long extender that goes outside the hole ? Maybe you are right, with a universal joint I can make it more easily.
I gotta try that.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

exactly, you will see the front rotor plugs, but the rear ones will be a bit further back. Extension + universal joint, done in a jiffy.

xexok

I used around a 12" extension(maybe a few inches bigger) and it was really easy to get to them. You don't have to remove the wheel, just turning to the right works I believe. It does make it easier if you remove it though.

NewSV

You guys are so right !

I did it in 20min in the dark with a flashlight, that was very easy!
I found a 10" extension and a socket with a universal joint integrated, and it made it possible.

Thanks a lot you saved me probably at least $100 !

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

a universal joint is an absolute must have in any garage . good work.