Ok, so I have an '04 G35 6MT with 74k and I'm positive I need a new clutch, but hopefully it's not a trans issue. Quick rundown...the clutch engages pretty much as soon it releases from the floor, no play...it's a little clunky when shifting, like it's not disengaging the trans completely, and when sitting at a red light and the clutch is disengaged, it makes a nasty sound, like bearings are rattling around. I'm thinking that's the throwout bearing, but don't they make noise when the clutch is "engaged" ? When I press the clutch in, the noise stops. I've been told that that noise could be from the main shaft bearing in the trans, which I'm hoping it's not, cuz that would suck ! Can anyone verify whether or not the trans might have an issue or if it's just the clutch ? The clutch isn't really slipping, so I'm wondering if I could save the flywheel w/o replacing it and just machine it, when changing the clutch.

Also, and I think this is the "cement mixer" issue I've heard of, when accelerating in any gear, the car makes an almost diesel-like sound until I hit around 1700rpm's and then it dissapears. Is this normal ??

I really appreciate any feedback I can get on this issue. Thanks in advance !

 

I too drive an '04, and believe me I've looked into it at the dealer. All 03 and 04s are that way, or at least that's the impression I was given. I have your symptoms exactly. I requested to speak with the head mechanic and I was assured it shouldn't be an issue. I'm at 92k.

 

i have the same issue sounds just like a throw out bearing to me.. im at 45k

 

Sounds very much like the throw out bearing, that's exactly how they sound with high mileage on them. When they get bad enough they'll just freeze up and you may not get in any gear. I'd begin by replacing trans fluid with Red Line synthetic and see if that helps while replacing the throw out bearing....
Gary

 

I've got 80k or so on mine and it's made the same noises since I purchased it (at around 54k). The only problems I've had with the clutch or trans are related to the peddle sticking (new fluid ftw). Everything still functions fine, or did before I put it in storage to deploy. I wouldn't worry about the noises, it's probably just the result of the typical lightweight flywheel chatter. If it starts to feel wrong, that's another issue, but you're probably OK.

Got any friends nearby with a 6MT that you can test drive to check peddle feel just to verify? Will probably just reinforce that you're fine, but might give a little piece of mind.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I did a little more research and am coming to the conclusion that: noise when the clutch is disengaged(pushed in) = bad throwout bearing...noise when the clutch is engaged(out) = bad input shaft bearing. Apparently, similar noises are common in these cars, which I don't understand the engineering logic behind that...but the noise I'm hearing sounds a little too nasty to pass off as normal. I don't have any friends that havea 6MT so I can't compare, but I'm gonna get it checked out and report back what the ultimate outcome was.

 

KNC97, it has very little to do with engineering it's more about wear. Consider how many times that clutch is engaged in 40 to 100K miles, parts wear out even on high end vehicles like the space shuttles where only the very best parts are used. Have an independent shop install the new throwout bearing and fill the trans with synthetic fluid, you'll be glad you did!
Gary

 

GARY C...no, I wasn't questioning the engineering of clutch parts wearing out, I realize that's going to happen no matter what. I was referring to the fact that alot of owners basically say that the chatter at stop lights and the noises it makes in low RPM's are just things you have to live with, which may not be anything to worry about, but you'd think they could engineer that out. I'm going to try the synthetic fluid in the trans though to see if that quiets it up a little...thx

 

throw out bearing....i just had to replace mine at 55k and while the trans was open already replaced the clucth and stuff....$1500 for parts and labor....knife to the chest lol....

 

99% of places will not machine the dual mass oem flywheel. If you dont replace the flywheel you will be in danger of prematurely wearing out your new clutch. Better to do everything together, clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing and maybe pivot ball and ss clutch line.