k_rok

I have a 96 Nissan 200sx. I'd like to know what the signs are that my clutch may burn out. I'd also like to know if there is any special maintenance that I should do. Thanks!
Kristina

 

Kindfiend

Well, I know for a fact that my clutch is going out, it's original at 130k. My clutch will chatter when going into first or second, meaning it doesn't feel like it grabs consistently in the lower gears. I've also had problems with my clutch pedal being stiff, and the cable has been replaced, so I know it's not that. If you rev the engine and let the clutch out quicker than usual, does it feel like the engine revs and the car doesn't really go? If so, your clutch may be worn. I would check the fluid level in the transmission and spray some wd40 through the clutch cable. If these easier and cheaper checks don't help, then I would start to suspect a bad clutch assembly. BTW, the more information you provide will give you better answers from smarter people

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Kindfiend

01 Sentra GXE
92 SE-R

Coheed

Clutch chatter may be caused by oil contamination on the clutch disc. This can happen over time. Also the reason why your pedal is stiff is because deposits have accumulated on the quill. The quill is the shaft that the Release Bearing slides on. This gets covered in burnt clutch deposits and makes it hard for the bearing to slide on it. When you push the clutch pedal, the TB is basically forced to travel down the shaft and creates the nasty hard squishy pedal feeling. When you replace the clutch, make sure you have everything cleaned thoroughly and lubed up (not too much).

Anyway, to the point; you know when you clutch is gone when it starts to slip when you engage it or if you have it fully engaged and you floor the gas and the engine revs up but the car doesn't speed up. You can feel when the clutch is starting to go because it has very inconsitent engagement as well.

Hope this helps.

Kindfiend

Didn't want to get that into it... Either way, if you are getting oil on the clutch, causing said symptoms, you gonna have to remove the clutch to get at the rear seal. So, the way I look at it, you're getting a new clutch either way since you gotta drop the tranny. But a very well thought out explaination none the less.

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Kindfiend

01 Sentra GXE
92 SE-R

k_rok

Thanks for the detailed response-problem being that I don't know the first thing about my car. I guess my best bet would be to get a manual or something. The clutch isn't really giving me trouble it just feels a bit different from how it typically drives. I don't want to take it to the mechanic unless he wants to teach me to do it myself so I guess I'm caught in a bit of a funk. Know any mechanics who want to apprentice a 20 yr old girl in Tampa? Thanks for your help - at least now I have more info then I started with.- Kristina

 

sentra97gxe

Stick around the forums, read up, and ask questions and you will learn a lot. I didn't know much about my car before I joined nissanforums but since joining I've learned a lot and have even succussfully done some technically repairs on my car. If there isn't someone on here that can't help then either a mechanic can't or it will be an expensive repair. Oh, by the way, welcome the Nissanforums.

Mitch

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Sethticlees

You might want to try loosening the clutch cable. Let all the slack out and then tighten by hand till its firm.
Might save you a clutch job.