Do I need a new clutch?

kenchan

No it sounds like a cvt

370Z Purist

The thump is a characteristic sound of the Z clutch pedal. Unless we have seen or heard said thunk sound, that's all we can assume...

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-Phil

"Since one of my brake light bulbs just went out, the forum told me that my piston rings are about to blow."

Super Tanooki

I just bought a used Z from a nissan dealership with only 5000k miles on it. I was worried about my clutch - the biting point is really high for a relatively little-used car, and I sometimes get a clunk noise when I shift up to 2nd (I was worried about synchros on that too) but from what you guys say here, all that seems normal... :-S

I feel like having a mechanic take a look but I don't trust them not to lie just to get some cash out of me.

ProfessorDave

Oh, don't forget the "normal" vibrating pedal, or the whir of the throw out bearing!

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

pfs

When you write "whir" do you mean the high pitched sound when the car is in neutral and you let the clutch pedal up? I was wondering if that was normal too.

Red__Zed

That's your input shaft spinning with ^no load on it.

ProfessorDave

Yes, but...
...that sounds like a good answer, too!

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

Milenko2121

why do our Z's have so many weird noises?

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Super Tanooki

Are you referring to the clutch pedal when depressed? I noticed this - when I have my foot pressed on the clutch (say, at a red light), I can feel an intermittent knocking on the peddle. Like a vibration I guess, but also with a slightly stronger thud every second or so. Again, being my paranoid self, I thought it could be something wrong with my car.

Sooo, that's normal too?

ProfessorDave

Yes. Lots of "normal" noises to get used to in the Z Just wait until you drive over a sandy road. You'll think you've sheared off a wheel bearing!

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

sonic370

SPOHN

Because it's not a luxury car. These things are the sacirfices for a great affordable sports car. I could see how it effects some. But for me, I love it. Everytime I sit in this car I feel like I'm in a racecar. That's what brings me happiness. Side note, I am weird.

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Super Tanooki

I you have a point, although I never really thought of it like that. This is by far the most expensive car I've bought, and was expecting it to be MUCH more refined and seamless in every way than anything I've owned previously. But what you say is right, it's expensive next to regular cars but it's actually a cheap high-performance sports car.

Don't get me wrong though. I'm on a high every time I drive it. Even after the recent discovery of its many characteristic whirs, knocks and thuds, I still adore my Z.

(Quick off-topic question; do you guys prefer Techron or V-power? Right now I use the latter).

JJ-NISMO

Spohn is dead on! I test drove the g37S and the 370Z and imeediately bought the Z. More refined sports cars are quick, but boring. Where is the noise!? Where is the rough ride!? I think of the Z as a much more visceral and carnal driving experience. You can make love to a woman in missionary style, and it can be great, but nothing beats the aggressive, up against the wall encounter. That is the Z. Sexy, loud, aggressive, and punishing.

In regards to gas, DEFINITELY use the V-Power. Do not use Chevron gas. While you may get better gas mileage, the gas contains more additives and is not good for high revving engines. You should always go with Shell or 76. They use less additives and there is less chance of damage/detonation etc. However, if you don't drive your car hard, and don't mod it, it does not matter as much.