What would cause my clutch oil to be low?

ZSerg

I currently have 25k miles on my 2015 370z Sports Tech. A couple of days ago I noticed that my clutch pedal felt very light when initially pressing on it, and then maybe 10% down I would feel pressure like it's supposed to.

I checked my clutch oil (brake fluid) and it was right below minimum. I check the area and I don't see any leaks.

What would cause my oil to go down that low?

Photos:

https://imgur.com/a/pktsVpF

Spooler

Your Clutch Slave Cylinder (Aka CSC) is leaking. It's not oil by the way, It is brake fluid. Have it changed out to Motul RBF600 dot 4 brake fluid for longevity sakes. When it get's dark, do a fluid exchange on it.

ZSerg

Thanks. Good to know lol. How can I fix the leak? I 'am getting the fluid changed tomorrow.

Spooler

Have it changed tomorrow and monitor the level regularly. It's a common issue. If it continues to go down you will need to replace it. The CMC (Clutch Master Cylinder) can leak also. It will leak inside the car above the clutch pedal. It's not common but it does happen.

Spartan 1771

If you have the cash, install the Z1 CSC elimination kit or the Z-speed cmak. These will solve the problem permanently. I have the Z1 kit, but I've heard great thing about the cmak.

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~Rob

-DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

ZSerg

Can I just keep topping the brake fluid off if I use the same fluid?

Also is the CSC covered by warranty?

Spooler

3yr/36k miles, Yes it is under warranty. Above that and it is on you. If you have a leak, the CSC will fail and will require a tow truck. It is only a matter of time.

ZSerg

It seems like such a common issue, I am surprised that Nissan hasn't issued a recall.

Are there any tell signs that its almost done? How much does it usually cost to repair?

Quicksilvers

If you replace it with another genuine Nissan oem CSC it will just fail later down the line. I know people here how have had their genuine Nissan oem CSC fail three and four times on them. Replace it with a Z Speed Performance CMAK kit as soon as you can before it is too late. Also the CMC can fail as well. The RJM Performance heavy duty CMC is very durable and I would say bullet proof.

Chuck33079

Black chunks in the fluid is one sign. The cost to repair is going to be 5-8 hours of labor. Also, when the CSC goes, the fluid can leak all over the clutch and ruin the friction material, so it's possible that you'll have to replace the clutch as well.

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Spooler

I have had 2 different Nismo 370's, I am at 72k on my current one and had over 60k on the one that was totaled. They are both still on the stock CSC. So, it's not that bad.

JLarson

I suspect a lot of the people who deal with premature CSC failure are in stop-and-go traffic, and push their clutch pedal all the way to the floor.

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2014 370z Touring Sport Magma Red MT // BP Single Turbo 6467 // 63mm TB's // Z1 Ported Upper Mani // RJM Pedal // Zspeed Stage 3 Clutch // 526 WHP, 451 WTQ
2006 350z (Sold) // 1990 300zx (Sold) // 1985 300zx 2+2 (Sold)

Spooler

I hear ya. I am not sure what is the deal.

Fountainhead

Mine is at 70K and so far no problems. If it went tomorrow I'd consider my self blessed to have had it problem free for so many years. I mean, mine is a 2009!
Of course I keep the revs down and have never even gotten close to rev limit.
Sad, I know, but that's just me. I got all that out of my system many years ago.

cv129

Yep, from what I've gathered so far, the stock CSC requires a little sensitivity from our left foot. Avoid slamming on the pedal fast/hard and avoid pressing it all the way down seem to go a long way. Mine is 09 at 35k, no problem yet, knock on wood.

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