Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

2003 pearl white 350z MT 92k miles. I have had shifting issues with third gear and down shifting from 6-5 or 4 grind. I have just been cautious and not done it pretty much. Now i have noticed that the clutch pedal feels like it is engaging further out then if was, about 1" from all the way out it starts grabbing.

third gear grinds if i shift fast from second or if I am about 3.5k rpm and shift fast without waiting a half second or so. Down shifting from 6-5 or 6-4 sounds like the gears are slowing down as it is a progressive tone decrease like a grinding wheel slowing down and only happens when i am above 65ish.

I am flat broke right now so I am trying to figure out what to do, i want to get this fixed before it kills my tranny, the gears don't grind unless I am getting on it, and I have been down shifting when i am in 50mph or lower.

So questions are, think it is time for a new clutch? I dont think the tranny fluid has been changed, i got the car at 80k mls. Clutch fluid is fine, looks clean and is full. It sounds like synchro grind in third gear and sometimes in forth too.

Cheap good quality clutches that will last and not fail on me? Would adjusting the clutch help?

I have not heard anything good or bad about ACT or Exedy clutch kits.

Car is bone stock for now and wont do anything but casual bolt ons for now.

I have scoured the forums and havnt found anything that really helps.

thanks.

350ZTheStandard

iTrader: (4)

350z MT 92k miles
Time for some maintenance, your gonna have to spend some $$$ for the fix

Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the info that i already know. But that really doesn't even remotely help me.

SpoilsofWar

iTrader: (39)

Well you can try changing the fluid out, if its like you say and the fluid has not been flushed then it would definitely be in need of it. Use a good quality synthetic fluid.

If that doesn't help, unfortunatly you are just going to have to live with it until you can afford to swap the trans out. 03 transmissions are notorious for synchro failure. Some grind, some dont - Nissan was replacing them under warranty but obviously you are past that point.

The solution to your problem is a CD009 version trans. I know that is not the answer you want to hear, but its probably the only thing that will get rid of the grind.

Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

how do i go about getting that?

350ZTheStandard

iTrader: (4)

Either take the car to niSSan or a reputable trans shop, if you are not trained to work on the trans.

Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

I hate the Nissan here, they are like every other name brand dealer in the area, hurting so bad for money they will rape you hardcore and there is NO customer service, not like up north when i bought my car... so i just have to find a tranny place here. Any problems with AAMCO? Is there any other way this could be something else? The clutch definatley feels lighter then it used to, not as tight. so... i dunno.

350ZTheStandard

iTrader: (4)

You are going to have to take the Z to garage someplace, wishful thinking is really not being very realistic. buMMer

BhamZMan

iTrader: (1)

Hate to tell you buddy, but your synchros are probably shot to hell. Nothing you can do but rebuild the tranny or buy another. I chose to have my 03 rebuilt and it shifts better than ever now (at about 1/3 the cost of putting in a new tranny).

Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

I am seeing alot of trannys on ebay that come with warranties and are around 1k which i could probably do. What model etc should i look for to alleviate these problems?

BhamZMan

iTrader: (1)

BTW do not go to some chain store like AAMCO. Take it to an experienced, reputable shop or to the dealership. The guy who fixed mine has done nothing but rebuild manual transmissions for the past 40 years

Paintballislife

iTrader: (2)

So should i try and get it rebuilt?

driftmc

iTrader: (5)

If you want to look at a brand new CD009 transmission at all, these guys at Forged are still selling one.
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ighlight=cd009

I'm debating whether to rebuild or buy new as well...