First of all, yes I tried a search on the forums - I found some info on this subject but it was not sufficient to answer what I want to ask.

Since my Z is pretty new, I want to ask about a couple of questions about the clutch. These couple of issues that make wonder if everything is ok.

1) The clutch sometimes makes a "clunk" noise (the sound might be considered a very short-lived "rattle"...) when I push in the pedal -- this typically occurs at low RPMs in 1st or 2nd gear, during decelerating / engine braking. It typically does not make the clunk sound when I am still accelerating or if the engine is at a very slow idle.

Is this possibly due to the throwout bearing? If the throwout bearing is shot, what would happen exactly?

2) The clutch definitely transmits some vibration when it is engaging/slipping. It is very much audible -- it sounds like a low-pitch rumble that is obviously proportional to engine revs. It gets louder at higher revs as well. You can feel this through the pedal slightly as well, but mostly it's just indicated by the sound.

Is this normal? I have a feeling it's just the normal sound from the frictional clutch material rubbing on the flywheel. Or perhaps the material is uneven? I feel that the clutch is very strong at engaging, so there's no problems with functionality.

Any 6MT owners who have been around for a while I would very much appreciate your input and comments on this, whether the answer is "that stuff is normal" or "you should take it in to the dealer immediately"...

Thanks!

 

It's normal...

Many folks on this board would attest to that.

It kinda freaked me out at first, but you get use to it in no time.

It will build character.

 

check out my response, https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance-and-repair/126425-noise-when-i-press-the-clutch-down-or-let-it-up-plz-help.html

 

I was also concerned about this when I purchased my Z 3 months ago. I believe its normal, so far no problems. It just takes some getting used to, you'll forget about it in a few months. Notice its a little louder in the the colder mornings

 

It doesn't seem like your sound was the same as what I'm hearing. I should really just go drive around with 2-3 other people in Zs and see if theirs' sounds the same as mine.

So if the throwout bearing is dead, it will sound a LOT worse right, not just a little "clank" sound when putting in the clutch.

You said it sounded something like nuts in a glass jar? Jesus...

 

I got my Z a week ago, and I had same kind of questions as you do.
But according to people and friends I talked to, it seems to be normal.

 

That's what I expected as well -- I just don't wanna assume it's nothing and have an experienced member tell me "ZOMG why didn't you get your clutch replaced?~?!~!"