Hello all, new here. I UTFSE but did not find what I was looking for. I have a 2004 G35 sedan 6MT. I got this last year with 46K miles on it. Now (58K miles) I'm having a clutch issue. It started a few weeks back when going from 5Th to 6Th it seemed to not release like normal. Its now gone on to 4th-5th and 3rd-4th is doing the same thing. The pedal releases just fine, its like the clutch plate is sticking a bit. Also, its very hot now (Atlanta ~95 degrees), so I don't know if this may be part of the issue or not.

I took it to a local tranny shop with a good reputation. They talked to the dealership who said that when the clutch is replaced the dual-mass flywheel must be replaced at the same time. This is pushing the ~$800 clutch replacement to over ~$1800. Is this correct? With only 58k miles on this I am very surprised that the clutch is going in the first place (if this is the clutch truly going). I do drive moderately-aggressive, but not enough that I would expect this.

So 3 questions for you guys who really know this car:
1. So do I really need a clutch or is this a fluid issue like I was seeing some posts about?
2. If I do need a clutch, do I have to replace the flywheel also?
3. If I replace the clutch and don't a flywheel what the consequences?

Thanks in advance for the knowledge you all are sharing!

 

Anyone out there help me with this? Just need some info!

 

I definitely say try the fluid change. Make sure to use a synthetic brake fluid (I used Prestone Dot4). Mine use to get stuck driving in the heat and overworking due to traffic. I haven't had the problem since. There is a website somewhere from a guy that drives corvettes I believe. search up google for it. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the comment about the fluid. I will give this a shot this weekend.
Can anyone else answer the flywheel question?

 

There are so many variables when it comes to an MT.
It largely depends on how the person before you drove the car.

First off, if there is no slippage under power, chances are that the clutch is OK.
re the flywheel, the dealers always want to replace it.
It really needs to be inspected.
However a bad clutch can often take out the flywheel as well.

It's hard to tell from your description, if you have slip,
OR if it doesn't actually engage.

Sometimes the throwout bearing can bind & prevent the clutch plate from engaging.


...all speculation, of course.
Your thought to find a good independent shop in your area is the best idea.

If it's toast, there are aftermarket choices that are good OE replacements,
see the vendor section.