I just picked up my new 6MT and generally I'm quite happy with it. I've been driving 5-speed Maximas for almost a decade and thought it was time for a little upgrade. Overall, the handling of the car is far better than that of my 2001 Max and I think it looks great.

That said, I'm a little concerned something might be wrong with the clutch or transmission as there seems to be a lot of vibration in the shifter between 3k-4k RPMs. I've driven lots of cars with manual transmissions over the years and have never felt anything quite like this. In 3rd & 4th gears it is almost uncomfortable to keep your hand on the shifter while accelerating.

Is this normal for this car? Or, should I expect the vibration levels to be similar to the vibrations on the Maxima shifters?

 

I haven't driven a manual maxima. I have noticed that my shifter seems to float according to the contour of the road. My thought is only that the transmission and engine mounts really allow the transmission to float so that there is a smoother ride in the G. Any other thoughts?

 

So this is normal ...... I thought it was me who had this problem Well.., I guess we just have to get used to it then

 

Hi,

This is normal, forget about the vibration. I love my 6-speed sedan.

 

Normal, after a while you'll even start to like it.

I usually don't put my hands on the shifter on the freeway but after a while you can't take your hands off it. Makes you feel more in tune with the car.

2003.5 Brill. Silver/Willow 6MT sedan, Premium/Winter/Navigation

 

I have 14,000 miles now and since day one the shifter vibrates. I asked the dealer and several others at Stillen here in So Cal and they all asked me if I had ever driven a RWD car with a stick. They all say, and I can say from experience RWD will produce more vibration in the shift colum. This is part of the fun of the RWD 6 MT. ENJOY!!!!

 

There is a big difference between FWD and RWD manual cars. A RWD car is setup where the shifter is connected directly into the transmission -- so you feel all the vibrations of the trans. A FWD car usually has the trans mounted differently as it connects to the front drive axles. Due to the different mounting locations, there is usually shift linkage that connects the bottom of the shifter in a FWD car to the trans. With the setup, the vibration can dissipate over the lickage, and may even have rubber integrated into the linkage to absorb vibration. This will explain much of the difference in vibration.

However, I have noticed that other RWD cars, such as the 330i, have less vibration.

 

That vibration in the shft **** is fine with me....6th gear will really buzz yah when your rolling down off the freeway.. I like it, sort of connect me with the mechanical beast in all of us!

Growler (from the Coupe Forum)

 

That vibration in the shft **** is fine with me....6th gear will really buzz yah when your rolling down off the freeway.. I like it, sort of connects me with the mechanical beast in all of us! Back in 64, I had the first Pontiac GTO on the East Coast with the Hurst 3 speed manual.......you could hear the Tranny scream up though the console and shift ****...that was when I hit 70 mph in first, yes that's right 1st gear....those day are gone! Common Infiniti.

Growler (from the Coupe Forum)

 

Mark, Nice ride, and welcome to it. Mine settled down a little bit after about 2500 miles. I came out of a '93 FWD G-20 with a 5 speed, so part of it is getting used to the Rear Drive. I also spent a little time on the road, in the mountains and have adpated my driving style to not be in the gears that vibrate too much, which has improved the mileage considerably. (Do you really need to be in 4th gear at 5 grand?) So, yes it does vibrate, yes, this is normal and...enjoy the ride!

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!