okay so i just recently purchased an 03 6mt with 44k miles on it at cerritos nissan. After a month or two i started to notice some minor problems (clutch wouldnt go into 1,3). Its been about 4-5 months (same problems clutch catches a lil higher) and i just hit 50k and brought it into service and they said my clutch needs to be replaced. I've driven couple stick shift cars and never had to replace my clutch at 50k?? Isn't that a bit low? I've read some posts about some giving out early but did they replace it for you under warranty? Is there anything i can do or am i looking to shell out like 1500 for an aftermarket clutch and flywheel Any input is greatly aprreciated thanks!

 

The previous owner might have been hard on it.

 

Sorry man; the damage was probably done in the first 44K... I have 48K on mine, bought it new and clutch is rock solid... I've always driven manuals (since 1978) and they always get more than 80K before the clutch begins the slippage and I am hard on my vehicles.

 

i know thats the thing! when i purchased the vehicle everything was fine! than just couple months and it just got worse and worse now its catching really high...so theres nothing i can do than huh...

 

are you saying that the dealership is not going to cover it under warranty?

I have replied to a similiar post in the past, stating that when I bought my G she had 21600 on her and the clutch was shot. Took it in to the dealership and had the clutch, flywheel, and throw out bearing all replaced under warranty. Has your specific dealership explicity stated that the service will NOT be covered or are you worried that it will not be cover?

Also, keep in mind that the alternative (buying an aftermarket) although costly, might end up being for the better if you plan on getting one installed down the road. Your G has about 44k on her; if you spend the $ to get a new stock clutch put in (assuming it will not be covered) then you will end up paying again to have the aftermarket put in 10,15, or even 30k down the road.

hope that helped you out a little.
good luck

 

yeah i went to the dealership and they said it is not covered under warranty. But still 50K for a clutch to go out is rediculous to replace everytime..especially when it costs 2100 for everything. Looks like i will be looking into an after market set up than =/

 

first time with manual car.. just so i know what it feels like when it happens:
HOw do you know if the clutch is slipping?

 

Couple things here.... if you search around the forums... it looks like if the car was driven hard, your clutch will go quick. Mine went on me at ~40k miles.

You'll notice slippage:
-When you are on the highway/freeway and you shift up a gear and floor it and the RPM's raise real quick and nothing happens.

-Usually anytime you shift and floor it and the RPM's just raise real quick... somethimes you don't even have to floor it...

And if you think the warranty is going to cover it... nope
the dealer associates the clutch with tires... so normal wear and tear is not covered...

Hope this helps...

I paid ~$2600 at the dealer for a new flywheel and clutch.... it hurts

 

yeah it definately hurts. I just thought their might be like some sort of warranty or ANYTHING i could do since i did purchase from the dealership and only drove 6k miles. Or should i just purchase the jwt setupp...

 

Do the 03-04 G35 6MT have such a vague engagement (i.e. friction point) as the 05-06s do? I think this is one of the biggest issues all the newer G owners have and complain about. They are always talking about not being able to shift smooth or it is hard to do 1st and 2nd gear shifts. If the 03-04s have the same friction point feel then nm...

 

the clutch actually felt fine before..but now its starting to catch really high and not grab the gears at that well..

 

I wouldn't rush with the new clutch. What you are explaining, seems like common with us 03s and 04s. My clutch cathes real high too and I'm not sure what you mean by grabing not so well, but once it goes it will not grab at all as far as I understand it. Definitely research more and make sure. Try to test drive other used 03 maybe. And fight with the dealer be persistent on having them replace it under warranty. Only after you tried everything, and spoke to everyone and their mother, including top management and Infiniti costumer care, should you decide on spending money on something this expensive.

 

The clutch is a wear-and-tear item and is not covered under the warranty unless there is a defect with it. Sounds to me like the last owner was hard on it and you should just get ready to get a new one. Make sure to do a full 500 mile break-in on the new one. Also consider a lightened flywheel while you are in there!

 

yah i know ive been trying to do SOMETHING! since it is a pretty big amount and i had my car for so little...It's very hard to explain sometimes it wont go into 1,3 as if something is stopping it (even with me pushing the clutch all the way down). Ive read many posts that some 03 04 owners have the same problem but their clutch goes out at 30k..Just wish there was something i could do..BTW where would be the cheapest place to purchase the jwt clutch and lightened fly wheel set up! thanks guys for all ur help

 

Sometimes you cannot go into 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear cause you are going too fast for that gear. Next time you have a difficulty, slow down, and see if it goes in. If it goes in no problem, than your clutch is ok. For 1st gear you have to be dead stop, or really barely moving.