Help with dealer repair dispute on Clutch shudder

fisherg · 07-20-2010, 09:04 AM

I have been having a running dispute with my dealer on the clutch action on my 370Z roadster. I complained a few months ago and the dealer insisted it was normal. I am getting drivetrain shudder when I start off in 1st. I have to slip the clutch above 1500 rpm to hide it and sometimes that does not even help. Now the dealer is insisting that they cannot feel anything and don't want to do anythiing to the car. Over the weekend I test drove 3 other 370z's with 8-10k miles on them and they were all very smooth with no shudder and felt very different. I know all the Z manual transmissions make chattering noises but you should not feel any shaking in the drivetrain. The car is in the dealer now and I getting pretty frustrated with all of this. What does everyone else think?

Zsteve · 07-20-2010, 09:13 AM

Call Nissan HQ and complain.

fisherg · 07-20-2010, 09:19 AM

I currently have a case number with them (since early June) on this but I cannot get back in touch with them as none of the regional reps answer their phone they always let it go into voice mail. They also take several days to return calls so we have been playing telephone tag for nearly 2 weeks. The last response on this from Nissan was that they "Cannot Do anything if the dealer says there is not a problem" so I have been going around in circles. I don't know who to escalate it to at this point.

Zsteve · 07-20-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisherg

I currently have a case number with them (since early June) on this but I cannot get back in touch with them as none of the regional reps answer their phone they always let it go into voice mail. They also take several days to return calls so we have been playing telephone tag for nearly 2 weeks. The last response on this from Nissan was that they "Cannot Do anything if the dealer says there is not a problem" so I have been going around in circles. I don't know who to escalate it to at this point.

try another dealer and see what they say. And dont mention that you have been to another dealer before.

fisherg · 07-20-2010, 09:30 AM

Generally most people on the forum have told me that physical drivetrain shudder (chatter noise yes, shaking no) is not normal and that also is what I have experienced in driving the other used 370's last weekend. None had noticeable shudder.

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisherg

Generally most people on the forum have told me that physical drivetrain shudder (chatter noise yes, shaking no) is not normal and that also is what I have experienced in driving the other used 370's last weekend. None had noticeable shudder.

I can make the clutch shudder AND shake pretty hard if I decide to slip it incorrectly.

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 09:14 AM

The clutch shudder is VERY normal! There is really nothing you can do other than learn to live with it / work around it. It happens from time to time if you don't slip the clutch just right.

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 09:21 AM

Honestly I feel like you're fighting a losing battle. This happens on all of the MT cars if you don't get the clutch action right. It's been brought up many times before on the boards and it's widely accepted as normal. I'm sure the dealership feels the same way so it's going to be tough to get any sort of warranty service for something that the service dept (and most likely NISSAN) does not think is a problem.

Z-Guy · 07-21-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Honestly I feel like you're fighting a losing battle. This happens on all of the MT cars if you don't get the clutch action right. It's been brought up many times before on the boards and it's widely accepted as normal. I'm sure the dealership feels the same way so it's going to be tough to get any sort of warranty service for something that the service dept (and most likely NISSAN) does not think is a problem.

I have to concur with you, mine has the same shutter or chatter feeling in
1st gear also. My 2010 GT500 Shelby had a 10 inch double disc clutch and was like whip cream to engage. I really wanted an AT but couldn't find one optioned with Nav so I purchased the MT. Just going to deal with it, the clutch has a very mechanical feel to it, kinda of old school.

Methodical4u · 11-18-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Honestly I feel like you're fighting a losing battle. This happens on all of the MT cars if you don't get the clutch action right. It's been brought up many times before on the boards and it's widely accepted as normal. I'm sure the dealership feels the same way so it's going to be tough to get any sort of warranty service for something that the service dept (and most likely NISSAN) does not think is a problem.

It probably is a losing battle... but it's the point that Nissan should at least listen to their customers... offer them something... tell them you will try a better clutch fluid, tranny fluid... something that they MIGHT feel make the issue a little better for a car owner so that they come in their doors again when the time comes to get another car.

I have called Nissan myself about the oil temp thing, as well as the airbag light coming on even when my Fiancee is in the car with it. Neither should really be an issue.

With so many companies out there with bad reps with their warranties (Mitsubishi being one I can attest about) Nissan has a chance to outdo their competitors.

FuszNissan · 07-20-2010, 09:25 AM

I would try another dealer first. But if it's a normal chatter, there isn't anything Nissan can do with out having a diagnosed problem documented by the dealer. Another dealer may be able to hear it or feel it, and document it, then nissan will step in to help.

elmz · 07-20-2010, 11:05 AM

If you test drove other 370'z and did not experience this, then there is something wrong. Maybe the clutch pedal needs some adjustments. Good luck, keep us posted.

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmz

If you test drove other 370'z and did not experience this, then there is something wrong. Maybe the clutch pedal needs some adjustments. Good luck, keep us posted.

Does Nissan use an adjustable clutch quadrant/cable? I thought it was hydraulic? No other clutch is adjustable, not the mustang, 'vette, camaro, or any other factory car I am familiar with.

Daishi · 07-20-2010, 11:43 AM

its normal

FuszNissan · 07-20-2010, 11:45 AM

Take it to Feldmann

07-20-2010, 09:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
fisherg Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 90 Drives: 10 370Z SR M6 Rep Power: 19	Help with dealer repair dispute on Clutch shudder I have been having a running dispute with my dealer on the clutch action on my 370Z roadster. I complained a few months ago and the dealer insisted it was normal. I am getting drivetrain shudder when I start off in 1st. I have to slip the clutch above 1500 rpm to hide it and sometimes that does not even help. Now the dealer is insisting that they cannot feel anything and don't want to do anythiing to the car. Over the weekend I test drove 3 other 370z's with 8-10k miles on them and they were all very smooth with no shudder and felt very different. I know all the Z manual transmissions make chattering noises but you should not feel any shaking in the drivetrain. The car is in the dealer now and I getting pretty frustrated with all of this. What does everyone else think? __________________ THE OPEN ROAD IS WAITING.....Solid Red Touring 370ZR w/Navi

07-20-2010, 09:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 21	Call Nissan HQ and complain. __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

07-20-2010, 09:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
fisherg Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 90 Drives: 10 370Z SR M6 Rep Power: 19	I currently have a case number with them (since early June) on this but I cannot get back in touch with them as none of the regional reps answer their phone they always let it go into voice mail. They also take several days to return calls so we have been playing telephone tag for nearly 2 weeks. The last response on this from Nissan was that they "Cannot Do anything if the dealer says there is not a problem" so I have been going around in circles. I don't know who to escalate it to at this point. __________________ THE OPEN ROAD IS WAITING.....Solid Red Touring 370ZR w/Navi

07-20-2010, 09:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
fisherg Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 90 Drives: 10 370Z SR M6 Rep Power: 19	Generally most people on the forum have told me that physical drivetrain shudder (chatter noise yes, shaking no) is not normal and that also is what I have experienced in driving the other used 370's last weekend. None had noticeable shudder. __________________ THE OPEN ROAD IS WAITING.....Solid Red Touring 370ZR w/Navi Last edited by fisherg; 07-20-2010 at 09:32 AM.

07-20-2010, 09:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	The clutch shudder is VERY normal! There is really nothing you can do other than learn to live with it / work around it. It happens from time to time if you don't slip the clutch just right. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

07-20-2010, 09:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	Honestly I feel like you're fighting a losing battle. This happens on all of the MT cars if you don't get the clutch action right. It's been brought up many times before on the boards and it's widely accepted as normal. I'm sure the dealership feels the same way so it's going to be tough to get any sort of warranty service for something that the service dept (and most likely NISSAN) does not think is a problem. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

07-20-2010, 09:25 AM	#11 (permalink)
FuszNissan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 14,275 Drives: Pure Sex Rep Power: 542	I would try another dealer first. But if it's a normal chatter, there isn't anything Nissan can do with out having a diagnosed problem documented by the dealer. Another dealer may be able to hear it or feel it, and document it, then nissan will step in to help. __________________ Mods: Too Many to list! LouFuszNissan ZDAYZ 2012

07-20-2010, 11:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
elmz Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 674 Drives: 2014 Porsche Boxster Rep Power: 17	If you test drove other 370'z and did not experience this, then there is something wrong. Maybe the clutch pedal needs some adjustments. Good luck, keep us posted.

07-20-2010, 11:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
Daishi Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 683 Drives: 09 370z 6Speed Rep Power: 16	its normal __________________ Cobb Tuned \| Injen Intakes \| Fast Intentions Long Tube Headers \| Fast Intentions TDX Catback 18" Resonators CF Mufflers \| Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob \| 19x9.5/19x10.5 Five Axis Design S5:F w/ 245/40/19 - 285/35/19 Hankook Ventus V12's

07-20-2010, 11:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
FuszNissan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 14,275 Drives: Pure Sex Rep Power: 542	Take it to Feldmann __________________ Mods: Too Many to list! LouFuszNissan ZDAYZ 2012

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