Do I need a new clutch?
 

Hi,

A few weeks ago I accidentally revved my engine while slipping the clutch (I was trying to get out of some snow). My guess is that I got up to 3000-4000 rpm for about five to ten seconds.

Since then I occasionally smell "burning clutch" after heavy clutch use. I'm pretty sure this wasn't happening before.

Also, I don't know if this is related, but sometimes I hear a thump when disengaging the clutch, particularly at higher RPMs. Is this normal?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Peter

the smell should go away eventually, as far as a thumping sound?? hmmm can you describe a little more??

I've seen a clutch with some miles on it already go under similar circumstances (son learning to drive, trying to start from a stop, up a hill, in 3rd. Wife's car, fortunately!). But the failure was immediately apparent.

I agree with GZ3 about the smell. It takes awhile to go away. There isn't a good way for odors to leave a bell housing quickly.

I think the smell is just you grinding the clutch more than necessary. I do that every now and then, especially when going uphill in reverse. Always smells afterwards.
That thunk you're talking about happens to me as well, especially in first gear at like 3-4k rpm if you just pop the clutch. Try easing the clutch a little and it won't thunk. Either way, you're not reporting issues with your clutch engaging so I think you're fine.

You have to like slip high rpm for a few min to kill a street clutch. I think you're fine.

You should still be good, but it's always hard to tell. If it doesn't feel like it is slipping, it's probably OK. Your clutch will give you enough warning before it goes.

Quick way to test is go 25mph in either 3rd or 4th and punch the gas. If it slips you need a new clutch.
Chances are you are okay.

I'm new to the manual scene, how would the clutch "slip"??

If you disengage the clutch and give it some gas, and the revs increase while the response and speedometer have a significant delay, your clutch is not grabbing properly. Not to be confused with throttle lag. If your throttle lags, then when you put your foot down, there will be some lag before the engine revs. That's normal in a drive-by-wire car.

I've replaced a slipping clutch. The symptoms are quite noticeable. They go "release clutch, give gas, hear a vroom, wait a few seconds, car starts going". :tup:

Agreed youll feel it most when merging onto a highway, or anytime you release the clutch and try to punch the gas. Happened to me in my old car and as somebody with little mechanical experience it wasnt hard to "feel" what was going on.

You will be fine.. I have been driving manual for a while now and have had a few cars that were ragged to hell and back and the clutch lasted a really long time.

Thanks everyone, it sounds like my clutch is probably fine (I haven't noticed any slipping with the clutch fully engaged).

For the poster who asked me to describe the sound: I guess I'll say it sounds like a muffled clunk, and it seems definitely connected to the pedal.

There is an audible thunk sound when you depress the clutch pedal on these cars.

very clear, thanks a lot :tup:

so its kinda like driving a civic with a fart can? sounds like its moving but it aint going on where...

No it sounds like a cvt

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...

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.

Oh, don't forget the "normal" vibrating pedal, or the whir of the throw out bearing! :ugh2:

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.

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

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

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

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?

Yes. Lots of "normal" noises to get used to in the Z :icon17: Just wait until you drive over a sandy road. You'll think you've sheared off a wheel bearing!:ugh2:

:bowrofl:

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.

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).

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.