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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Always pushing against footrest with left foot. Any cure?

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Old Nov 28, 2010 | 10:23 PM
  #1  
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Default Always pushing against footrest with left foot. Any cure?

Whenever I drive the Z, I keep finding myself pushing against the footrest with my left foot. It's a little annoying to have to consciously relax my left leg every few minutes.

I'm six feet tall, weigh about 180, and I'm in good shape, so I'm definitely not cramped up in the car. I've tried lots of seat adjustments, and also put some pads on top of the footrest to no avail. The car is otherwise very comfortable, and I really enjoy driving the it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

My daily driver is a Silverado pickup, and I sometimes drive the wife's Accord. No problem with either of those or with any other vehicle I've owned.

Last edited by winchman; Nov 28, 2010 at 10:31 PM.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 02:12 AM
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I have a suggestion. why dont you just stop pushing on the footrest.

this thread is one of the most ridiculous i've seen



.

Last edited by SageZ; Nov 29, 2010 at 02:21 AM.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 02:46 AM
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If i remember you can remove the footrest.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 02:48 AM
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That footrest is properly called a dead pedal and is mandatory in a sporty car to brace yourself during spirited driving maneuvers. I’m surprised you’re having discomfort, as I’ve always felt that the Z’s dead pedal was positioned so as to give the taller drivers more legroom. When I become ‘ruler of the world’, one of my first decrees will be to mandate all sports cars’ dead pedals be positioned much closer in height to the clutch pedal. Just like a properly race prepared car. A high dead pedal means that your foot can shift back and forth to the clutch pedal much faster.

Since your car is an automatic, and since your tagline states that you never go over 3000 RPM. Maybe you can complete the recreation of the spongy feel of your father’s old Oldsmobile by just removing the dead pedal altogether. Try driving for a while with your left foot nuzzled into the luxurious deep pile of the Z’s carpet to see if it suits you better.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 03:02 AM
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problem solved
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 03:02 AM
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Adjust your seat.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 03:33 AM
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Are you also holding the steering wheel with 2 hands? I see people doing that.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 03:56 AM
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that is what it is there for...to push against.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 05:31 AM
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Originally Posted by calin


problem solved
You want the OP to cut off his RIGHT leg?
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 07:14 AM
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im 6'2 and removed the dead pedal to give me more leg room... try it out i like it
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 07:15 AM
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You sound anxious... get a Xanax.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 08:09 AM
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LOL @ the responses...
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 10:23 AM
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Have the footrest push against your foot instead. That way you still get the same result, but you aren't the one pushing.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 10:31 AM
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Sounds like you need to get yourself some slap therapy. Its a habit you have developed. Everytime you feel like you want to touch the dead pedal just go ahead and slap yourself. Say.... Self, you need to stop. Wham, right across the face.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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Trade it in for a 6 speed. You will use your left leg more that way.......
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by gvulakh
Trade it in for a 6 speed. You will use your left leg more that way.......
BINGO!!! that's the answer right there
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by TRYNALIVEPRO
BINGO!!! that's the answer right there
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 12:48 PM
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Try relaxing?

Seriously, the dead pedal is there for that reason. The seating position and dynamic forces involved in driving a sports car may require a bit of bracing. Moving the seat forward may actually help...but nobody on an internet board is going to be able to answer why your driving habits are causing left leg muscular tension.

Also--it isn't good for your engine to NEVER break 3k rpm. Sounds like you may not like driving a sports car...?
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 01:29 PM
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Default Shock Therapy

Run a hotwire from the ignition and wrap the pedal. Everytime you put your foot against it, you'll get a shock. Problem solved
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 01:38 PM
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On a more serious note: I recall 2004 having terrible left leg cramps. Dangerous enough to stop the car, get out, and walk around in pain. A little experimenting and I found that the problem was boots. Boots that will not allow the ankle to flex properly.

NOTE: My bad. Automatic transmission for you. I don't get it.

Last edited by davidv; Nov 30, 2010 at 03:29 AM.
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