New clutch?

[Mike_L60]

I've noticed that I am having to be slow and careful when changing gear esp' when the engine is cold. ie Push pedal right to bulkhead and wait for revs to drop.
I'm assuming this is a sign that I need to dig into my wallet and fork out for a new clutch in the near future. Its just had its major service and the gearbox oil has been replaced.

I don't believe there is any way of adjusting the clutch. Is this true?

Has anyone had experience of a clutch change by dealers, other outfits etc? ie any recommendations, cost etc.

Is it a relatively straight forward operations for any skilled mechanic to do?

Thanks.

------------------
Mike_L60
Red S14

[Jon]

I have exactly the same thing. The end of the biting point seems to be slightly beyond carpet level. I have to avoid 2nd gear altogether for first half mile or so.

One garage condemned the clutch and said it would fail within days but I've done 3000 miles since then. There is no adjustment but mine improved with renewing the clutch fluid.

Various forumists have mentioned paddle clutches but I don't know what this means.
Anyone else help ?

------------------
Jon in Dewsbury
'95 blue/green S14

[Brucemc]

Hi guys, i think you are both saying that the clutch is grinding when you change gears?
I also had this problem last weekend, and was topped off by my feet getting covered in hydraulic fluid, yep the master cylinder had shat itself. Simple job, take it off, and send it away for recon. Cost was $85 AU (whats that in pounds 25-30?)
If your not having any problems with slip, then your clutch plate should be fine.
There is some adjustment in the pedal, that may also help, if you have a bit of free play, but you may find that bleeding the hydraulics may also help.

Bruce
93 180sx


[This message has been edited by Brucemc (edited 05-06-2001).]

[Mike_L60]

Thanks Bruce.

Yep my clutch is not slipping but it is definately the gear box that makes the graunching noise (only when cold).

How do you bleed the clutch hydraulics - sounds like I am going to have to dig out my long abandoned overalls - Can this be done with a a few spanners, little skill and a big hammer?

I'm tempted to try this as the car has only done just over 50K and I was expecting a bit more life from the clutch. I'll have a look at the pedal and see if I can find any adjustment.

Thanks for the assistance, it is much appreciated.

[geoff_s14]

Mike,

It IS possible to adjust the clutch pedal, but Nissan didn't intend this to be used to compensate for possible wear in the clutch linkage. The hydraulic system itself should be self adjusting in order to compensate for wear in the clutch lining. It is possible that your pedal is not adjusted properly though. To check, there should be between 188 and 198mm distance between the underneath of the pedal and carpet (ie this translates into the range of free pedal travel). You can raise the pedal height by:
A) winding out the pedal stopper, which is located on the cockpit side of the pedal 'arm', just below the bracket where the pedal is mounted.
B) now you can undo the locking nut to the master cylinder pushrod (should be just behind the pedal, in the same general region as the pedal stop) and wind the pushrod out to take account of the extra distance between pedal and master cylinder. Leave just a bit of 'slack' in the pedal before the pushrod starts to move to ensure the piston always returns properly when you let your foot off. Don't forget to retighten the locknut.

Just in case, I suggest you make a note of how many times you turn the pedalstop and pushrod just so you can put everything back if it all goes tits-up:-)

------------------
Geoff
S14, logbook says emerald, actually dirt coloured.

[Paul_S13]

I wouldn't worry about taking your car to a Nissan dealer, you can take it to any clutch specialist, they are remarkbly easy to change on a S13/14 as there RWD cars, I took my s13 to a Mr Clutch garage, and they did a grand job. When I removed my gearbox to be reconditioned, I found it easier to do than my old Sierra !

[Brucemc]

Blatantly ripped from the service manual
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1714542&a=13175822&p=49884975


this is from the s13 manual so it may be slightly different
Good luck folks

Bruce
'93 180SX




[This message has been edited by Brucemc (edited 06-06-2001).]