Nissan 370Z Forum  

Clutch pedal feel

I recently traded in my 2013 7AT base for a 2014 6MT nismo and have been struggling with getting smooth first gear starts due to how the clutch pedal feels

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Exterior & Interior


Like Tree30Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-28-2017, 07:37 PM   #1 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Washington
Posts: 285
Drives: 2014 Nismo
Rep Power: 27364
DrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond reputeDrBacon has a reputation beyond repute
Default Clutch pedal feel

I recently traded in my 2013 7AT base for a 2014 6MT nismo and have been struggling with getting smooth first gear starts due to how the clutch pedal feels when slowly engaging the clutch. When the clutch is fully pressed down and I start releasing it's smooth for about the first half of the travel then suddenly when it hits approximately the "bite" point there's suddenly quite a bit of force from the pedal trying to spring up and it pushes my foot causing me to release the clutch much faster than I should (I've probably stalled the car half a dozen times so far in the very little driving I've done since I've owned it). When I bought the car from the dealer I was informed that an aftermarket clutch was put on (supposedly) and was curious if my clutch pedal engagement is normal for 370z or not?

Also, I glanced at the helper spring and it's yellow, not sure if this is oem or not.

tl;dr: non-linear clutch pedal movement, is this normal?

Last edited by DrBacon; 12-24-2019 at 10:40 PM.
DrBacon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2017, 07:51 PM   #2 (permalink)
Elite Member
 
cooltoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 13,934
Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT
Rep Power: 240204
cooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond reputecooltoy has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Clutch Helper Spring ... Any problems?

Clutch Helper Spring

Clutch Helper Spring Purchase... Where?
__________________

Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.

Last edited by cooltoy; 08-28-2017 at 07:57 PM.
cooltoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2017, 07:57 PM   #3 (permalink)
Base Member
 
PaulNYz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 124
Drives: 12 sport 6MT
Rep Power: 8
PaulNYz is on a distinguished road
Default

I wouldn't know about aftermarket clutches since I don't have one, but when I had the OEM helper spring in, there was some force against my foot around the engagement point. Try holding the clutch at the bite for a few seconds while giving 1200-1500 rpm to get moving smoothly.

I'd suggest removing the helper spring to see if it feels the same. Yellow is stock. If you like the way it feels without it, order the $20 one found on ebay these days.

Don't feel bad about the stalling either lol, this was my first manual car as well and the ride home was a mess. After 7 months I still have my rough starts, but it's fluid 95% of the time.
PaulNYz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2017, 08:15 PM   #4 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
crazy4oldcars's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SE Texas
Posts: 448
Drives: '16 Nismo Tech
Rep Power: 28412
crazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond reputecrazy4oldcars has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I've been driving for most of 40 years, after learning on a VW Beetle. Stock clutch on my Nismo, and I've managed to stall mine a few times, and had even more instances of jerky starts. At first I thought it was just me, but I'm not that clumsy, lol. It gets better with practice. Don't give up.

Kirk B.
NecioVato likes this.
crazy4oldcars is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2017, 08:20 PM   #5 (permalink)
Track Member
 
littlejuanito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Posts: 812
Drives: 2014 Touring Sport
Rep Power: 418
littlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond reputelittlejuanito has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Yeah the stock clutch is horrible. Buy yourself the RJM adjustable clutch pedal now before you start pulling your hair.
__________________
Fast Intentions Non-Resonated Carbon Fiber CBE | Berk Non-Resonated HFC | Powertrix Coilovers | RJM Clutch Pedal | LatheWerks Shift Knob | Stillen Sway Bars, |SPL Parts | Enkei RS05RR | Fujimura Diffuser | Ecutek Tuned by Seb | 308whp
littlejuanito is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2017, 08:20 PM   #6 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: California
Posts: 162
Drives: 2010 40th 370z
Rep Power: 44
s2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond reputes2krazyyy has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Do yourself a favor and get the RJM clutch pedal assembly. Ive had other manual cars and the 370z clutch pedal feel is unacceptable for a sports car, I too stalled randomly because of the vague feeling you get from the stock one. The RJM clutch pedal transforms the way the car feels with its shorter throw and adjustability for engagement. I now feel connected to the car like it should have from the factory, nothing but easy and buttery smooth shifts with the RJM pedal.
MplsPete, Nixin and fantaZ like this.
s2krazyyy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 04:38 AM   #7 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Cyber370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Montreal, QC Canada
Posts: 679
Drives: 2016 370Z Nismo 6MT
Rep Power: 19371
Cyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond reputeCyber370 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I find my clutch engagement in my '16 Nismo smooth and progressive with no issues. I don't know if it was improved in my car but it sounds like to me that your problem may be related to the aftermarket clutch that was supposedly put in. But regardless, practice makes perfect. I know that some aftermarket performance clutches will have harder engagement than stock so that may be what you're experiencing.
__________________
"That’s when you know you’ve found somebody special. When you can just shut the f*ck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.”-Mia (Pulp Fiction)
Cyber370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 08:57 AM   #8 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Zthirty4NISMO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 214
Drives: DRKNITE
Rep Power: 10
Zthirty4NISMO is on a distinguished road
Default

As suggested, get the RJM pedal..it just works. The spring he puts in the pedal assembly is a godsend..so smooth, linear, and predictable.
MplsPete, s2krazyyy and fantaZ like this.
__________________
Always Dry || AROSPEED || Covercraft || CoverKing || EVO-R || Fast Intentions || FilterMag || NISMO || ONEighty || Prismatic Powders || RJM Performance || The370Z.com || Trackspec || ZSPEC Design || ZSPEED Performance || Z1 Motorsports || Panaflex Carbon Ceramic Tint
Zthirty4NISMO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 09:25 AM   #9 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: FL
Posts: 273
Drives: 2013 370z nismo
Rep Power: 9
fantaZ is on a distinguished road
Default

I have a RJM V2 for sale cheap pm me if you want it.
fantaZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 09:47 AM   #10 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: FL
Posts: 273
Drives: 2013 370z nismo
Rep Power: 9
fantaZ is on a distinguished road
Default

RJM Clutch Pedal System for 370Z - Fully Customizable Clutch Feel & Stroke
fantaZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 10:27 AM   #11 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Posts: 144
Drives: 2010 370Z Blue 6MT
Rep Power: 14
srbrubak is on a distinguished road
Default

I don't have any issues with the clutch on my 2010. Everything feels ok and good for me. I learn to drive stick on a 1961 Ford F-100 that had 3 on the tree.
srbrubak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 11:20 AM   #12 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SoCal
Age: 31
Posts: 383
Drives: Infiniti FX35
Rep Power: 35
MaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond reputeMaysEffect has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I find it strange the Z has such a progressive clutch engagement, but not the G37. Do both of these cars use the same spring? I haven't actually checked, but i have noticed between the two cars, the G's bite point is bit more linear and easier in that regard.

I think for me, its not actually the pedal itself, but the angle of my leg on the two cars. With the G, i had a bit more of a bend at the knee at full compression. With the Z my leg was straight (primarily because i can't put the seat and steering wheel where i like) when fully compressed and it made my leg tense up aggressively when it got to the bite point. It made it mentally weird trying to modulate gas and clutch pressure. After a while i just trusted that the bite point was at X point and i gave gas. This wasn't always smooth though.

Is anyone else experiencing this sensation? This was in a 2011 nismo and a 2014 nismo compared to a 2013 G37s.
NISMO IX likes this.
MaysEffect is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 02:25 PM   #13 (permalink)
Base Member
 
HIZZY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Boston
Posts: 151
Drives: 2017 NISMO 370
Rep Power: 3363
HIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond reputeHIZZY has a reputation beyond repute
Default

it's all about the driver IMO.

my 17 nismo feels great.... only thing still getting used to is the 1st gear into 2nd gear can be a bit tricky to get through smoothly.


cheers
HIZZY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 04:37 PM   #14 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 397
Drives: 2010 Nissan 370Z
Rep Power: 13
ayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud ofayrton88 has much to be proud of
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HIZZY View Post
it's all about the driver IMO.

my 17 nismo feels great.... only thing still getting used to is the 1st gear into 2nd gear can be a bit tricky to get through smoothly.


cheers
Yes, that's the only issue I had when I first got the car. Of course, I'm 65 years old and have driven some of the most god-awful sticks ever.
ayrton88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-29-2017, 05:50 PM   #15 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Benibiker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Honolulu Hawaii
Posts: 235
Drives: Red 17 370Z Touring
Rep Power: 15
Benibiker will become famous soon enough
Default

I hadn't driven a stick in about 10 years but have been lucky to not stall it out yet (knock on wood). I've discovered the OEM clutch engages best at a very low RPM around 700-800 but of course you run the risk of stalling it with any wrong move.
__________________

2017 Pure Red 6MT 370Z Touring
Benibiker is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RJM Clutch Pedal System for 370Z - Fully Customizable Clutch Feel & Stroke Ryan @ RJM Drivetrain/Engine 612 03-17-2023 10:38 PM
[FOR SALE] RJM Clutch Pedal System for 370Z - Fully Customizable Clutch Feel & Stroke RJM Clutch law2004 Parts for sale (Private Classifieds) 8 11-15-2015 07:45 PM
Interesting Pedal Feel After Clutch Install ShiftZ Engine & Drivetrain 10 02-24-2015 07:43 PM
Clutch pedal feel Zboy Engine & Drivetrain 2 08-27-2012 08:43 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2