Stiff paddles

CyFi6 · 11-17-2020, 06:32 PM

Always felt like the 7AT paddle shifters were just too....stiff/firm. It made them feel cheap and sound very "clacky" every time I would use them.

So I tore them apart and found that they have a small spring in each switch that controls the firmness.

I went onto McMaster and found some similarly sized springs that have less tension and replaced them. The PN is 9657K673 https://www.mcmaster.com/9657K673/

They come in a pack of 12. It makes the paddles much quieter and takes a lot less force to actuate them. I think it makes them feel way better. If you want it a little stiffer you could mesh two of the springs together before you put them in and it would stiffen it a little more. With one spring the feel is very light which I found perfect.

To replace the spring you first need to remove the trim around the steering column and then unbolt the paddles. Remove the screw on the switch body and pry on the small clips holding the connector housing in. Make sure you remove this first.

There is a pin that you will then drive out with a screwdriver/punch which will allow you to get the spring out. Replace the spring then reassemble in the reverse order. If you don't remove the electrical connector part first you will damage the switch when you put back together.

I also decided to use a larger pin and drilled out the paddle and housing for a tighter fit since the stock ones have quite a bit of wiggle/play. Thats optional though.

Just an FYI for anyone else that found the stock paddles annoying.

God-Speed · 11-18-2020, 05:50 AM

Very nice and creative mod.

DarkJak · 11-20-2020, 09:45 AM

Nice idea! My Z was the first car I had with paddles, so now I feel like every other car's paddles are too soft as a result. They are definitely the stiffest I've used, and that includes basically trying out almost every brand's paddles at auto shows.

Tractionless · 11-25-2020, 03:29 PM

Strong hands works just as well!

Rusty · 11-25-2020, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Strong hands works just as well!

jchammond · 11-25-2020, 08:29 PM

I seldom use them, old school driving with left & bump-shifting with right

11-17-2020, 06:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
CyFi6 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 27 Drives: 2017 370Z Rep Power: 19143	Stiff paddles Always felt like the 7AT paddle shifters were just too....stiff/firm. It made them feel cheap and sound very "clacky" every time I would use them. So I tore them apart and found that they have a small spring in each switch that controls the firmness. I went onto McMaster and found some similarly sized springs that have less tension and replaced them. The PN is 9657K673 https://www.mcmaster.com/9657K673/ They come in a pack of 12. It makes the paddles much quieter and takes a lot less force to actuate them. I think it makes them feel way better. If you want it a little stiffer you could mesh two of the springs together before you put them in and it would stiffen it a little more. With one spring the feel is very light which I found perfect. To replace the spring you first need to remove the trim around the steering column and then unbolt the paddles. Remove the screw on the switch body and pry on the small clips holding the connector housing in. Make sure you remove this first. There is a pin that you will then drive out with a screwdriver/punch which will allow you to get the spring out. Replace the spring then reassemble in the reverse order. If you don't remove the electrical connector part first you will damage the switch when you put back together. I also decided to use a larger pin and drilled out the paddle and housing for a tighter fit since the stock ones have quite a bit of wiggle/play. Thats optional though. Just an FYI for anyone else that found the stock paddles annoying. God-Speed, SouthArk370Z, JARblue and 7 others like this.

11-18-2020, 05:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
God-Speed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Austin, Tx. Posts: 4,352 Drives: Prototype Rep Power: 2684376	Very nice and creative mod. sx moneypit and old guy like this.

11-20-2020, 09:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,390 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 13448	Nice idea! My Z was the first car I had with paddles, so now I feel like every other car's paddles are too soft as a result. They are definitely the stiffest I've used, and that includes basically trying out almost every brand's paddles at auto shows. __________________ @stupidtoycars \| My track vids 09 7AT\|MCS 2WNR\|Topgunz Rotrex\|Ecutek (Eugene)\|Maxxis RC1\|Titan-7 TS-5\|OSG LSD\|Rear Mount Derale Oil Cooler (WIP)+25 Trans Cooler\|Fismo\|G-LOC R12/R10\|Zeta III L\|NLR Wing and Splitter\|CJM Pan and Fuel Hat\|Radium Surge Tank\|AP Racing CP9668

11-25-2020, 03:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tractionless A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Atlantic SE Posts: 1,237 Drives: '10 K23 ST 7AT Rep Power: 30525	Strong hands works just as well! Rusty likes this. __________________ Toys Not Tots

11-25-2020, 08:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 57 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684394	I seldom use them, old school driving with left & bump-shifting with right __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Delay in Downshifting with Paddles	ta-kid	Engine & Drivetrain	8	05-07-2015 04:08 PM
sticky shift paddles	captain1	Exterior & Interior	6	07-30-2013 01:54 PM
AT owners...who wants custom paddles?	Nitrouz	Exterior & Interior	4	08-27-2011 07:07 PM
Stiff transmission	mikes4397	Engine & Drivetrain	6	07-01-2010 06:47 PM
7At and shift paddles. Who uses them?	WooZ	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	33	10-24-2009 05:54 PM