Hey guys,

I just noticed this 3 days ago and more so yesterday when I was out on the highway.

When I am in 5th and 6th gear (and by 'in' I mean completely engaged the car is moving along the highway i.e. 65 mph in 6th gear, not touching the clutch at all).

If I put the gas to the floor the revs will jump up ~300-500 rpms then drop to where I started before it really accelerates. You can hear the engine rev, but not really engaging since I don't accelerate until it drops down to where I started before I floored it.

I noticed again today that this can happen in 3rd and 4th too, but it most prominent in 5th and 6th.

I bought the car with 55k on it from a guy who lived in a city so I'm not sure how the clutch was when I bought it, but I've never had problems engaging it or anything (at 61k now) and driving around town I don't have any problems accelerating in the low gears even if I floor it.

I'm assuming I need to check the fluid, I'm not sure if it's ever been changed or not but could old fluid really be this problem?

I also have an issue of the VDC OFF and SLIP lights coming on when it's cold out, yes only when its cold out or rainy. I'm assuming this means fluid of some sort is messing with my ECU or some fuse box, any ideas on how to fix this (a restart always turns them off but sometimes they come back) without taking it to the dealer and getting charged absurdly.

Thanks for the help, my biggest concern is the tranny right now since I need the car and the lights don't really bother me. I know these lights are issues on other cars with the vehicle speed sensor and I threw that code last winter, but haven't had any problems since except in cold and/or rainy/snowy weather.

 

Slipping in high gear is a sure sign the clutch going out. The only remedy is a new clutch. They usually don't last long after they start slipping and the problem will get worse. I had a clutch that got so bad, I could get the car over 35mph in any gear. Fortunately I was on my way to the shop at that point.

 

Well that sucks, oh well, so I need a new clutch.

Doing a quick search it appears the Exedy OEM clutch kit is probably the cheapest (best bang for my buck).

I found the clutch kit on eBay ($230 or offer)
-http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXEDY-OE-CLU...ht_3005wt_1208

I also found it (I think this is the same, though the model number is a different format) for $190
-http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exedy-OEM-re...#ht_3172wt_952

Is one of these the best option, and what about a flywheel, do I need to replace that too? I've read some aftermarket flywheels have pretty bad chatter, which I'd like to avoid since I don't really need the benefits of a lightweight flywheel and don't want more noise.

I saw some deals on eBay from the same shop in the top link with ACT and F1 flywheels, any thoughts on those?

I just got off the phone with the closest Infiniti dealer and got a quote:
-$380 labor to install clutch (doesn't seem terrible??)
-$520 for clutch kit including bearing and everything
-$1200 more to install a new flywheel ($600 for the flywheel plus $600 more in labor I think, but maybe just $1200 for the flywheel)

If I just want to replicate OEM clutch/flywheel performance, what is my best option?


Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.

 

I highly recommend the JWT clutch and flywheel kit. I wouldnt pay the ridiculous price for the oem fkywheel.

 

Any idea on how much that kit costs?

I really don't need any extra performance out of the kit, I simply want to replace what is there since I don't plan on turboing or anything major to the engine ever.

If I get the Exedy OE clutch (which I hear is the same as the Infiniti part), which flywheel would I want that is lowest chatter and relatively inexpensive, but still a quality name?

Thanks again

 

I paid $775 for clutch, flywheel, nismo bearing, stainless steel line.

If youre looking for something that doesnt chatter, the JWT flywheel isnt for you. I would recommend a heavier flywheel, like a Nismo flywheel.

I got my clutch kit from Import Parts Pro. Both IPP and CZP have good clutch kits at great prices. Id look them up.

 

Agree! JWT flywheel has a removable insert for the fiction area so you don't have to buy a new one each time.

Look at www.importpartspro.com and send an email to Kyle, he will fix you up.

He has a clutch "package" that includes, the MUCH lighter Flywheel, Pressure plate (good for 450-500hp!), clutch pack, throw out bearing, SS clutch hose. new chromemoly pivot, and sleeve.

This will be the last clutch you will need. I love mine, but it's a bit higher effort to work and there is a slight rattle at idle, two things I'm willing to put up with for the performance.

 

Thanks for the help, but I really don't need any extra performance. I think the OE Exedy clutch is the one I will go with given it can be had for such a low price and provides all the performance I need.

As far as the flywheel, is this necessary to change out or not? If it is, does anyone know where to get the Nismo one relatively inexpensively?

Thanks

 

If it's NISMO, just double the price....

Yes, you will need a flywheel, if you put the old one back in, your new clutch will wear prematurely. You must have a smooth surface for the new friction element. With American V-8's you could just take it down to the local Auto Parts or Machine shop and have them resurface it. That removes all the crazing and cracking and heat worked metal, but you just can't do that with the factoy clutch. That's why I recomend JWT, because their friction surface is replacable.

The clutch you are talking about is a good one also. I have heard no complaints about it.

 

Do you know of any flywheels that are cheaper/closer to stock weight that won't be expensive yet won't have a lot of chatter? I have heard the Nismo part is actually the Exedy NF04 flywheel (which can be had for about $440 on Amazon).

Does anyone know anything about the F1 Chromoly Lightweight Flywheel that is packaged with the OE Exedy clutch on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXEDY-CLUTCH...ht_3244wt_1378)

 

I had the same problem that started in 5th and 6th, then 3rd and 4th... and just yesterday after putting new suspension on i launched the car and... revs went through the roof, car didnt move, and the sad sad stench of burnt clutch now lingers in my nostrils... I can say it took about a month from first conception of the problem til splat. I'm thinking of going nismo all the way, from what i hear there's very little chatter, an upgrade, better engagement point (no more gorilla left leg pedal pushing) and its not very expensive (surprisingly), cheaper than OEM, not sure if the exedy is the oem part or just a direct replacement of oem?" The research i've seen fromw hat i understand shows the "nissan" clutch setup costing like 3grand!

 

I'm having the same problem in my 2006 with 71k miles. The only difference is it only happens in 3rd and 4th. I tried to duplicate it in 5th and 6th and it wont slip. Same RPM also... shoots up about 400-500 rpm and then drops and the car pulls.

I was looking at the Southbend flywheel. I've read here that the weight is right around OEM and chatter is at a minimum.

I really don't want the chatter. The OEM chatter already drives me nuts. I'm debating the southbend or Nismo flywheel and the Exedy or JWT or Southbend clutch.

Any other suggestions? I'd like to keep it close to OEM, I like the performance, but I definitely don't want the chatter!

I was also hoping the installed clutch now will last me until spring so I can change it out myself, but from what I read I may only have a few weeks left...

 

Alright so now I'm at the point where it's slipping in 5th and 6th too... Gonna have to bite the bullet... I've decided on going with southbend for both the clutch and flywheel. I'd love to do the job myself but it's too cold and all I've got is a driveway with no garage...

Anyone know any shops in north jersey or NYC area???