Critical Scheduled Maintenance
Lets face it, the factory scheduled maintenance listed for most cars is loaded with items that don't actually have much bearing on day to day life, or are inspection items that the dealer will probably try to upcharge you on for more work, that you may or may not actually need. In this respect, the RX-8 isn't much different. HOWEVER, there is indeed a set of maintenance items that are critical, and not all of them are listed in the factory's schedule, or if they are, aren't frequent enough.
Every item on the following list is very important. Either because it fails regularly, or a failure will result in significant cascading damage, costly repairs, or danger to life and limb. This list is RX-8 specific, though many sports cars will share much of this list.
Every item on the following list is very important. Either because it fails regularly, or a failure will result in significant cascading damage, costly repairs, or danger to life and limb. This list is RX-8 specific, though many sports cars will share much of this list.
- Every 30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils (unless a long term solution has been implemented)
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (Eccentric Shaft Sensor
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
- ... this list is about $300 in parts if you shop smartly.
- Every 60,000 miles:
- All 30,000 mile items plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Pressure test the fuel pump
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
- ... this list is about $130 in parts if you shop smartly.
- Every 90,000 miles:
- All 30,000 mile items plus...
- Any 60,000 mile items not yet completed plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
- ... this list is about $900 in parts if you shop smartly.