[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chazmo
[B]Here's an interesting fact for you guys...

 

Last week on my way to an appointment I was in the middle lane of I5 going to Stockton. I was in pack of cars and suddenly a gravel truck about 5 car lengths ahead was throwing pea gravel all over the place. Cars are swerving and gravel flying. I now have 14 chips in my windshield and 10 or so dents and chips on my hood and fenders.
I did manage to get the truck driver to stop and give me all the goods. Insurance and company information and gave them a call..

 

FWIW actually, there are no clutches in the Torsen. What it does do is engage the gear locking mechanism and cause difficulty driving trying to lock with the different size tires on the back.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sideways
[B]

FWIW actually, there are no clutches in the Torsen.

 

There is some information on Haldex diffs that can be found here.

As far as compact doughnuts go, the Mazda RX-8 spare is optional, but if you get one it is a compact doughnut as well.

The RX8's owner's manual states (aren't downloadable manual PDFs great?):It also states:

 

Bill, EXCELLENT.. The Haldex site states "a mechanical/hydraulic unit with integrated electronic - control unit. " I wonder how well it works?? Haldex appears to be completely independent of Torsen (the companies, that is). Pretty interesting stuff.

Thanks.

Gotta' admit, I've learned a lot from this thread.

The Mazda's owner's manual says it right, I think. Again, the doughnut on the rear is a handling / safety issue, not a wear and tear issue.

Thanks, everyone.

 

I had one & only flat (nail puncture) in June/2001 on rear/driver's tire, and luckily it went flat inside my garage. I have used the OEM jack in my garage numerous times and found it very suitable for the task.
You have my empathy for anyone having to change rear tire on the road. However, I think that the mechanically inclined should be able to handle this task if need be.
I recommend that anyone develop at "client relationship" in advance with their local "roll-back" auto transporter service professional. You would have option to transport your car to destination of your choice, including but not limited to your home driveway! I have a proposal/promise from my local towing service (I know the owner) for 24 hour, 75 mile radius, on demand service! I would not feel comfortable with "just any old" towing service transporting my S, and would gladly pay $75 to $150 for peace of mind, no jeopardy to my S2k, by having someone at my immediate disposal that I can trust, at my beck and call! I keep my towing service phone# in my car and on my cell phone memory, just in case.
I have purchased a "Low Profile" [3.5 inch a minimum] 2.5 ton floor jack from "Northern Hydraulics" mail order, for about $200, and I use it for all purpose. Positioning jack at front jack point I can jack up the entire side of car in 30 seconds! You can use a folded rag or I use a folded piece of inner-tube between jack and jack point to protect paint on frame (should you think that it is even necessary).
in advance

 

if space wasnt a factor... i wish the car came with a full size rim w/ an S-02 pre mounted

I know higher end bimmers and benz do that

 

full size spare would kill the already limited trunkspace.

as a reference point, i know the VW Jetta and Passat come with full size spares, but they obviously have bigger trunks.


out of curiousity, if you have AAA, don't they also give you tow service? I would've had the car towed to the tire place

 

A tow truck did respond, but not the flat-bed type. No way I was going to let him drag my baby.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mgiang7
[B]
out of curiousity, if you have AAA, don't they also give you tow service?