Hey guys, just looking for some help with my clutch. The pedal loses pressure and stays stuck on the floor (I've read about this in other posts) but it always comes back on its own eventually. I went to Infinit and they said that I needed a new clutch. The problem is that the clutch isn't slipping. I've done the "5th" gear test and it holds all the way up to redline. Does anyone have any idea? And I have searched, I just cant find anyone with this specific problem, apologies if there is indeed another post about this already.

 

Sounds like you need a new clutch master and slave. This is an issue we run into frequently.
We recommend replacing them with the OEM parts directly from your local Nissan or Infinity dealership. Don't use "OEM replacement" items from parts store as they are typically rebuilt units and/or cheaper reproductions.

 

You know, I used to feel wholeheartedly the same way about OEM parts, but with Nissan/Infiniti having so many failures and problems due to ****-poor factory parts (i.e., door locks, window motors, coilpacks, cam position sensors, PISTON RINGS, O2 sensors, fuel sending units...), I really now question if OEM is really the way to go. Don't get me wrong - I love my Nissans, but if there's a source for a better quality part that I need, then I'm going to go to that source.

 

...But to answer the original question, it sounds like you don't actually need a new clutch. It's just a problem in the hydraulic system. It's either a slave cylinder, a clutch master cylinder, or a bad flex line. For the flex line, I'd highly recommend getting a braided stainless replacement rather than the crappy OEM rubber replacement. The OEM part will cost twice as much, and it's simply not as good as the braided line anyway.

 

Do Nissan parts brake? Sure. So do Honda, Toyota, and every other manufacturers parts. My point is, no one makes a better "replacement" part than the manufacturer of the vehicle. Everthing else is just a rebuild or copy of that particlular part. If there is an aftermarket part that improves the performance of the original, then by all means, use it. Until they make a better aftermarket master and slave, you don't really have a choice. Besides, of all of the ones we have replaced, there has never been a repeat issue with the ones bought directly from Nissan. We have an RPS Extreme pressure plate with a six puck disk in our shop car, and after replacing the master and slave, have not had any problems.
I would recommend using a better fluid when you change the parts (Motul or Brembo).
I don't see the need for an upgraded line unless you have an aftermarket clutch.

 

ok thanks guys. Ill start with replacing the master and slave, and then see what happens.

 

Agreed on the fluid upgrade. As far as the flex line, if it needs replacement anyway, then just get one of the $15 braided ones off ebay. The seller (or at least one of them) is a seller/sponsor on the maxima.org forums, and his product is every bit as good as the $80 one from the high-dollar speed shops. I had one on my Maxima for 2 years with no issues whatsoever. I'd bet that you can't get the OEM Nissan rubber flex line for less than $25 or $30, so why not just upgrade to a better part for half the money?

Also, for what it's worth, any time you get "Beck-Arnley" brand parts from a store like Advance or Oreilley, you are actually getting re-boxed OEM parts, so you don't necessarily have to pay stealership prices for OEM stuff.