Sticky: (Official) 370Z Clutch Pressure (CSC) Failures

JARblue · 05-22-2020, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Thanks, I guess?

I just trying to emphasize that the outcomes you were hoping to avoid were exactly the ones that were likely to occur by leaving your car with the dealer. Your experience below is exactly why we were recommending to "recuse" your car from the dealer immediately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

FYI I was able to "rescue" my car a couple hours ago. I had my wife rush from work to come get me (she's the real MVP). It's a long story, which I will spare all of you from, but the dealer actually started to work on my Z w/o my consent. I even told them specifically not to until we hear back from NNA. All of a sudden they weren't charging me the $481 for the rubber hose either. I also caught them in another lie. Needless to say I won't be going back to dealerships for any work. Sick of this $h!t.

Smart move

Looks like you are now on the right path. Good luck with the work and hope you get back to

asap

babyzilla · 05-21-2020, 10:49 AM

Just got off the phone with Joe from Zspeed. Just as everyone said, he was very helpful. Rather than replacing the slave cylinder, I went with Joe's recommendation and I will be replacing the entire system. I ordered a new OEM master slave cylinder and the stage 1 clutch and flywheel assembly which comes with the CMAK.

https://zspeed.com/product/nissan-oe...-g37-g35s-q60/
https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-st...clutch-system/

Prices seems reasonable and the OEM clutch master cylinder is on sale. The reputation of Zspeed on this forum, their service, and quality of parts is definitely worth the price.

I'm ordering an axle back exhaust too, because why not. I don't plan on modding my car much as it is my DD, but I'm hoping these mods will make it better than it already it is. I already called a reputable shop near me and they will be ready. This is definitely adding up to be a lot, especially since I was not expecting any of this, but I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks to all of you who helped me.

raps101 · 05-21-2020, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Just got off the phone with Joe from Zspeed. Just as everyone said, he was very helpful. Rather than replacing the slave cylinder, I went with Joe's recommendation and I will be replacing the entire system. I ordered a new OEM master slave cylinder and the stage 1 clutch and flywheel assembly which comes with the CMAK.

https://zspeed.com/product/nissan-oe...-g37-g35s-q60/
https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-st...clutch-system/

Prices seems reasonable and the OEM clutch master cylinder is on sale. The reputation of Zspeed on this forum, their service, and quality of parts is definitely worth the price.

I'm ordering an axle back exhaust too, because why not. I don't plan on modding my car much as it is my DD, but I'm hoping these mods will make it better than it already it is. I already called a reputable shop near me and they will be ready. This is definitely adding up to be a lot, especially since I was not expecting any of this, but I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks to all of you who helped me.

Don't forget the rjm pedal! I know Joe may say it's not necessary. Joe's clutch movement alteration kit and upgraded clutch will definitely eliminate the pedal pressure and sticking to the floor issue. But the rjm pedal makes the pedal itself feel way better and eliminated the on off feeling of the stock pedal making shifts, especially 1 to 2, buttery smooth. It's a requirement in my opinion and completes the system.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Dentt42 · 05-22-2020, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Just got off the phone with Joe from Zspeed. Just as everyone said, he was very helpful. Rather than replacing the slave cylinder, I went with Joe's recommendation and I will be replacing the entire system. I ordered a new OEM master slave cylinder and the stage 1 clutch and flywheel assembly which comes with the CMAK.

https://zspeed.com/product/nissan-oe...-g37-g35s-q60/
https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-st...clutch-system/

Prices seems reasonable and the OEM clutch master cylinder is on sale. The reputation of Zspeed on this forum, their service, and quality of parts is definitely worth the price.

I'm ordering an axle back exhaust too, because why not. I don't plan on modding my car much as it is my DD, but I'm hoping these mods will make it better than it already it is. I already called a reputable shop near me and they will be ready. This is definitely adding up to be a lot, especially since I was not expecting any of this, but I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks to all of you who helped me.

I just went through almost the exact same ordeal when my CSC went out unexpectedly, and yeah, it's a monetary doozie if you haven't planned for it. Not including the CMAK I was lucky enough to already have waiting in my parts pile, an EXEDY Stage I clutch kit with a steel flywheel, gear oil, towing and installation labor from a reputable shop came to like $2200 I think. For what it's worth, the owner of the Z-Tech (specializes in Z/G cars, and has been here for like 20 years) said the CMAK was his solution of choice and was only going by his own experience. I was quite relieved to hear that.

I expect that you're going to be as happy with the change as I was, and feel like the investment was 100% worth it when you drive the car again. Like the kit in your link, my EXEDY kit also has a 20 lb. flywheel, and the car's response is vastly improved revving it up for a down shift or just taking off from a stop. There was no loss in street driveability (is that a word?), and it now feels like a sports car and not my dad's old Wrangler while running through the gears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by raps101

Don't forget the rjm pedal! I know Joe may say it's not necessary. Joe's clutch movement alteration kit and upgraded clutch will definitely eliminate the pedal pressure and sticking to the floor issue. But the rjm pedal makes the pedal itself feel way better and eliminated the on off feeling of the stock pedal making shifts, especially 1 to 2, buttery smooth. It's a requirement in my opinion and completes the system.

I gotta agree with Joe on this one after my personal experience. With the CMAK and a properly matched single-disc clutch and flywheel, I no longer have the RJM pedal on my radar. It was just that much of an improvement.

I can put it this way: after driving the new setup for about 3 weeks, other mods will get prioritized in the budgeting department. However, since the pedal isn't too pricey and appears to be an easy DIY, I'd still give it a shot to refine things just a little more.

raps101 · 05-22-2020, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dentt42

I just went through almost the exact same ordeal when my CSC went out unexpectedly, and yeah, it's a monetary doozie if you haven't planned for it. Not including the CMAK I was lucky enough to already have waiting in my parts pile, an EXEDY Stage I clutch kit with a steel flywheel, gear oil, towing and installation labor from a reputable shop came to like $2200 I think. For what it's worth, the owner of the Z-Tech (specializes in Z/G cars, and has been here for like 20 years) said the CMAK was his solution of choice and was only going by his own experience. I was quite relieved to hear that.

I expect that you're going to be as happy with the change as I was, and feel like the investment was 100% worth it when you drive the car again. Like the kit in your link, my EXEDY kit also has a 20 lb. flywheel, and the car's response is vastly improved revving it up for a down shift or just taking off from a stop. There was no loss in street driveability (is that a word?), and it now feels like a sports car and not my dad's old Wrangler while running through the gears.

I gotta agree with Joe on this one after my personal experience. With the CMAK and a properly matched single-disc clutch and flywheel, I no longer have the RJM pedal on my radar. It was just that much of an improvement.

I can put it this way: after driving the new setup for about 3 weeks, other mods will get prioritized in the budgeting department. However, since the pedal isn't too pricey and appears to be an easy DIY, I'd still give it a shot to refine things just a little more.

What and where is "z-tech"?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Dentt42 · 05-22-2020, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raps101

What and where is "z-tech"?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

They're a mechanic shop in Central FL that does a ton of RWD Nissan work.

I personally chose them because they were flexible with letting me choose and order the parts I wanted installed.

babyzilla · 05-22-2020, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dentt42

I just went through almost the exact same ordeal when my CSC went out unexpectedly, and yeah, it's a monetary doozie if you haven't planned for it. Not including the CMAK I was lucky enough to already have waiting in my parts pile, an EXEDY Stage I clutch kit with a steel flywheel, gear oil, towing and installation labor from a reputable shop came to like $2200 I think. For what it's worth, the owner of the Z-Tech (specializes in Z/G cars, and has been here for like 20 years) said the CMAK was his solution of choice and was only going by his own experience. I was quite relieved to hear that.

I expect that you're going to be as happy with the change as I was, and feel like the investment was 100% worth it when you drive the car again. Like the kit in your link, my EXEDY kit also has a 20 lb. flywheel, and the car's response is vastly improved revving it up for a down shift or just taking off from a stop. There was no loss in street driveability (is that a word?), and it now feels like a sports car and not my dad's old Wrangler while running through the gears.

I gotta agree with Joe on this one after my personal experience. With the CMAK and a properly matched single-disc clutch and flywheel, I no longer have the RJM pedal on my radar. It was just that much of an improvement.

I can put it this way: after driving the new setup for about 3 weeks, other mods will get prioritized in the budgeting department. However, since the pedal isn't too pricey and appears to be an easy DIY, I'd still give it a shot to refine things just a little more.

I'm glad to hear this! Thanks for the affirmation. I'm eager to drive my Z again ASAP, especially with the new exhaust. $2,200.00 is about what I'm looking at as well after parts and labor. I'll circle back around with my review and hopefully some pics. As for the RJM pedal, I'm sure it's very nice and I haven't put it past me, but I just don't feel like shelling out another $400 when I personally don't think I need it to fix the issue at hand.

Thanks!

babyzilla · 06-01-2020, 12:28 PM

Small update for you guys:

The car is in the shop right now. Pure Automotive Performance in MD. Fun fact the owner is whipping around a lime green C8 lol. Can't speak for their work just yet, but I have some co workers who take their cars there and vouch for their service. I can, however, vouch for their customer relationship. I asked the owner to call me when they dropped the tranny and he was happy to answer all my questions.
He said the underneath of my car looked brand new and that he's seen some Zs that look like they've been living under the sea lol. He also mentioned he isn't a fan of the Zs OEM clutch and flywheel assembly (due to being a multi-component part) and the one from zspeed, along with the CMAK, are great upgrades. He didn't notice any unusual wear of the CSC or clutch itself which I thought was interesting. He did, however, say my clutch fluid was dirty AF and somewhat watery, but was not leaking - again, interesting. He said once everything is installed he will bleed everything out, use DOT 4 fluid for the clutch/brake, and top off the rest of the fluids. Seems promising for far.

Man, can't believe it's June 1st already...

Smashley · 06-01-2020, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Small update for you guys:

The car is in the shop right now. Pure Automotive Performance in MD. Fun fact the owner is whipping around a lime green C8 lol. Can't speak for their work just yet, but I have some co workers who take their cars there and vouch for their service. I can, however, vouch for their customer relationship. I asked the owner to call me when they dropped the tranny and he was happy to answer all my questions.
He said the underneath of my car looked brand new and that he's seen some Zs that look like they've been living under the sea lol. He also mentioned he isn't a fan of the Zs OEM clutch and flywheel assembly (due to being a multi-component part) and the one from zspeed, along with the CMAK, are great upgrades. He didn't notice any unusual wear of the CSC or clutch itself which I thought was interesting. He did, however, say my clutch fluid was dirty AF and somewhat watery, but was not leaking - again, interesting. He said once everything is installed he will bleed everything out, use DOT 4 fluid for the clutch/brake, and top off the rest of the fluids. Seems promising for far.

Man, can't believe it's June 1st already...

Reasonable charge for service? PM me

babyzilla · 06-02-2020, 07:43 PM

Finally got my car back and it's a night and day difference...I would have never imagined. My face hurts from smiling. I even took off early from work just to drive around.
First, the shop was great to me. IDK what else I can say about that. They were just a pleasure to work with and only time will tell about their workmanship. The amount I paid for the service was close to the quoted amount, so I was cool with that.
Second, the car just drives a million times better. I had no clue what I was missing out on. The car no longer judders when taking off in first gear. The weird stock engagement point of the clutch is gone. The clutch pedal is much more stiff now, so that's subjective, but I personally like it. The engagement point is very short and close to the floor. It's just soooo smooth and makes driving it easier. BEYOND happy with this mod.
Lastly, the top speed axle back exhaust is a major go. I've come to understand people either love it or hate it on this forum and it is often referred to as the "eBay" exhaust because there are clones that go by J2, Manzo, and Beluga. Whether it's a clone or not, this exhaust has made my car sound EXACTLY how I wanted it to and I absolutely love it. Gives it the perfect rumble and it gives off the perfect VQ noise that you can hear 5 miles away when you're WOT. The shop ensured the tips were centered and I've had no issue with drone so far. My wife even liked it lol Definitely worth the $300 IMO and I'm sure you can find them for ~$200 depending on the brand or if it's used. I'd only suggest it if you're going the axle back route, otherwise you probably want to upgrade the entire exhaust system with something else.

Thank you all again for pointing me in the right direction. Super stoked. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me.

Nope · 10-26-2020, 03:11 PM

I think I have experienced CSC failure. I live in Boston but am currently doing a road trip to Florida. Yesterday was most exciting part of my trip, I spent the day in TN and did a few runs on The Tail of The Dragon. I don't have oil cooler so I had to stop a lot to let car cool down. In one of these stops, when I got back in the Z the clutch was soft and was halfway to the ground. I drove it normally and in about 10 minutes it went back to normal. I checked clutch fluid and levels are okay. I have driven the car another 25 miles after that and the issue has not returned. I still need to make it to Tampa FL and make it back to Boston after. Do you all think I will be able to make or should I go ahead and get CSCEK?

Rusty · 10-26-2020, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nope

I think I have experienced CSC failure. I live in Boston but am currently doing a road trip to Florida. Yesterday was most exciting part of my trip, I spent the day in TN and did a few runs on The Tail of The Dragon. I don't have oil cooler so I had to stop a lot to let car cool down. In one of these stops, when I got back in the Z the clutch was soft and was halfway to the ground. I drove it normally and in about 10 minutes it went back to normal. I checked clutch fluid and levels are okay. I have driven the car another 25 miles after that and the issue has not returned. I still need to make it to Tampa FL and make it back to Boston after. Do you all think I will be able to make or should I go ahead and get CSCEK?

You may have boiled the fluid in the system. Wrap the clutch line by the exhaust with insulation. Flush the system with Motul 600 brake liquid. If you are going to replace the CSC. Get ZSpeed CMAK.

https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-pe...-g37-g35s-q60/

Lvcky69 · 10-27-2020, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

You may have boiled the fluid in the system. Wrap the clutch line by the exhaust with insulation. Flush the system with Motul 600 brake liquid. If you are going to replace the CSC. Get ZSpeed CMAK.

https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-pe...-g37-g35s-q60/

How much do shops usually charge for a work like this

axmea? · 10-27-2020, 01:30 AM

Once it sinks, it just a matter of time. If you want to wait until the inevitable happens and don't mind the hassle of getting it towed or driven with a bungie chord on the pedal, that's fine. I wouldn't wait and would rather start on deciding on what to get from ZSpeed like Rusty said. I think I went through my OEM and 2 replacements before the CMAK.

TacoSport10 · 11-20-2020, 06:57 PM

Well I think this failure has bit me tonight. Was heading home after dinner and got on it and lost pressure with the clutch. Was able to coast into a parking lot, but the pressure got worse and worse until I couldn’t get it in gear anymore.

I guess I’ll get it towed to the stealership and see what they say.

06-02-2020, 07:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
babyzilla Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Maryland Posts: 487 Drives: 15 Nismo Tech 6MT Rep Power: 23633	Finally got my car back and it's a night and day difference...I would have never imagined. My face hurts from smiling. I even took off early from work just to drive around. First, the shop was great to me. IDK what else I can say about that. They were just a pleasure to work with and only time will tell about their workmanship. The amount I paid for the service was close to the quoted amount, so I was cool with that. Second, the car just drives a million times better. I had no clue what I was missing out on. The car no longer judders when taking off in first gear. The weird stock engagement point of the clutch is gone. The clutch pedal is much more stiff now, so that's subjective, but I personally like it. The engagement point is very short and close to the floor. It's just soooo smooth and makes driving it easier. BEYOND happy with this mod. Lastly, the top speed axle back exhaust is a major go. I've come to understand people either love it or hate it on this forum and it is often referred to as the "eBay" exhaust because there are clones that go by J2, Manzo, and Beluga. Whether it's a clone or not, this exhaust has made my car sound EXACTLY how I wanted it to and I absolutely love it. Gives it the perfect rumble and it gives off the perfect VQ noise that you can hear 5 miles away when you're WOT. The shop ensured the tips were centered and I've had no issue with drone so far. My wife even liked it lol Definitely worth the $300 IMO and I'm sure you can find them for ~$200 depending on the brand or if it's used. I'd only suggest it if you're going the axle back route, otherwise you probably want to upgrade the entire exhaust system with something else. Thank you all again for pointing me in the right direction. Super stoked. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. Last edited by babyzilla; 06-02-2020 at 07:50 PM.

10-27-2020, 01:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
axmea? A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,243 Drives: WELL ZED PW 6MT Rep Power: 53243	Once it sinks, it just a matter of time. If you want to wait until the inevitable happens and don't mind the hassle of getting it towed or driven with a bungie chord on the pedal, that's fine. I wouldn't wait and would rather start on deciding on what to get from ZSpeed like Rusty said. I think I went through my OEM and 2 replacements before the CMAK. __________________ >MyZ's Album< NISMO Convert/ECUTEK/Takeda CAI/F.I. HFC NR CB Carbon/F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler/4.08 Final Drive /Powertrix+Swifts/Hotchkis/SPL/Whiteline/TWM/Zoom Engineering/EVO-R/AeroJacket Vented CF Fenders + CF Spoiler/Avant Garde-WORK/NST/Morimoto Halo/STi Clear Lenses/Carbon Signal Automotive/RJM Performance/ZSpeed Clutch Flywheel CSC delete

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05-21-2020, 10:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
babyzilla Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Maryland Posts: 487 Drives: 15 Nismo Tech 6MT Rep Power: 23633	Just got off the phone with Joe from Zspeed. Just as everyone said, he was very helpful. Rather than replacing the slave cylinder, I went with Joe's recommendation and I will be replacing the entire system. I ordered a new OEM master slave cylinder and the stage 1 clutch and flywheel assembly which comes with the CMAK. https://zspeed.com/product/nissan-oe...-g37-g35s-q60/ https://zspeed.com/product/zspeed-st...clutch-system/ Prices seems reasonable and the OEM clutch master cylinder is on sale. The reputation of Zspeed on this forum, their service, and quality of parts is definitely worth the price. I'm ordering an axle back exhaust too, because why not. I don't plan on modding my car much as it is my DD, but I'm hoping these mods will make it better than it already it is. I already called a reputable shop near me and they will be ready. This is definitely adding up to be a lot, especially since I was not expecting any of this, but I'm looking forward to it! Thanks to all of you who helped me.

06-01-2020, 12:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
babyzilla Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Maryland Posts: 487 Drives: 15 Nismo Tech 6MT Rep Power: 23633	Small update for you guys: The car is in the shop right now. Pure Automotive Performance in MD. Fun fact the owner is whipping around a lime green C8 lol. Can't speak for their work just yet, but I have some co workers who take their cars there and vouch for their service. I can, however, vouch for their customer relationship. I asked the owner to call me when they dropped the tranny and he was happy to answer all my questions. He said the underneath of my car looked brand new and that he's seen some Zs that look like they've been living under the sea lol. He also mentioned he isn't a fan of the Zs OEM clutch and flywheel assembly (due to being a multi-component part) and the one from zspeed, along with the CMAK, are great upgrades. He didn't notice any unusual wear of the CSC or clutch itself which I thought was interesting. He did, however, say my clutch fluid was dirty AF and somewhat watery, but was not leaking - again, interesting. He said once everything is installed he will bleed everything out, use DOT 4 fluid for the clutch/brake, and top off the rest of the fluids. Seems promising for far. Man, can't believe it's June 1st already...

10-26-2020, 03:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
Nope Base Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 9 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 7	I think I have experienced CSC failure. I live in Boston but am currently doing a road trip to Florida. Yesterday was most exciting part of my trip, I spent the day in TN and did a few runs on The Tail of The Dragon. I don't have oil cooler so I had to stop a lot to let car cool down. In one of these stops, when I got back in the Z the clutch was soft and was halfway to the ground. I drove it normally and in about 10 minutes it went back to normal. I checked clutch fluid and levels are okay. I have driven the car another 25 miles after that and the issue has not returned. I still need to make it to Tampa FL and make it back to Boston after. Do you all think I will be able to make or should I go ahead and get CSCEK?

11-20-2020, 06:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
TacoSport10 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Virginia Posts: 184 Drives: 13 370Z Touring Sprt Rep Power: 199	Well I think this failure has bit me tonight. Was heading home after dinner and got on it and lost pressure with the clutch. Was able to coast into a parking lot, but the pressure got worse and worse until I couldn’t get it in gear anymore. I guess I’ll get it towed to the stealership and see what they say.