1) Clutch Pedal Free travel as referenced on page 8-21 of the Owner's Manual... does this mean ANY play in the clutch pedal, or actually pushing with your hand until you meet resistance? The manual prescribes .35-.63" is normal and within operating range. When I press my clutch pedal by hand UNTIL I meet resitance, it's moving a good 1 1/8". Am I missing something here in the check procedure, or do I have a problem?

2) After driving for a while, do you ever say, pull into your garage, or any flat, level surface, put it in neutral, let out the clutch and hear what sounds like the flywheel spinning? Mine sounds like it's a bit out of balance and is akin to the sound of muffled marbles rolling around in a can. When I engage the clutch, it disappears. Disengage the clutch and there it is again. Anyone else hearing the odd sound, or is this normal and I'm just a paranoid dork.

Thanks in advance!

 

Mine makes noise too, a slight whirring sound.

 

I think it's normal to hear different sounds with the clutch in and out, since you are spinning the transmission shaft when the clutch is engaged. I have noticed it a lot more on other manual transmission cars I have owned than on the 350Z.

 

You're a parnoid dork! No, I hear the same thing too, sounds normal.



I'm working on taking over your spot as the photography guru on this site.

 

Supra is right - it's the throw out bearing and a little noise is OK.

 

My 2000 Eclipse does the same thing. Especially after its warmed up. The dealer says it's normal.

 

Thanks to all! I just wasn't sure if it was normal as the only other MT car I own is an '02 Civic sedan, and well, since that's a transversly mounted weenie car, I can't really compare any sounds it makes to the Z.

 

This is very normal when you engage the clutch with the trans in neutral then the gears in the trans spin and will make some noise when you push the clutch in or disengage the gears stop spinning and noise goes away

 

Please do. If I become complacent, I'll become lazy in my shooting. Matt@importlife.tv has already turned up the heat. I got some SEXY shots yesterday, but I'm saving them for the contest. Good luck to us all! Should be interesting.