OK, I have a 2006 350z manual transmission. 31,000 miles, about 2 1/2 years old. For the past few weeks, on hot days on the way home from work (lots of stop and go), I noticed my clutch not springing back fully. It also started engaging the engine when the pedal was lower down. I baby my car and do not ride the clutch.

I researched the issue on here and printed up the issue on the 2007s, because it was exactly what was happening to me, and I saw that there were some people who had the issue with a 2006. Same problem, same fix, right?

Wrong. The dealer just told me that the clutch is "worn" and they are trying to tell me that it is due to the way I drive, which is complete crap. I baby this car, do not ride the clutch, and have been driving a stick my whole life, about 18 years of driving. I asked them if they are sure it isn't the same issue as the 2007s, and they are adamant. Anyway, the damage: $2200. They said they "could do it for $1800." I told them I have the Gold Preferred extended warranty plan, which says point blank clutch, etc. Not covered, they say, because this is "normal wear and tear." Which is of course not what they just told me, that it was my fault. WTF?

I have been doing a lot of reading up on bad clutches. I saw this thread. Clutch Master Cylinder Question

My questions:

1. Is there any point in going to a different dealership?

2. Is this crap about the extended warranty not covering it for real, or is this something I can argue?

3. How likely is it that my clutch needs to be replaced at 31,000 miles?

4. Any other advice?!

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help. I am not a mechanic, obviously. I am a driver, but not a tech.

 

I had the almost the same thing happen to me the day before yesterday. I have a 05 with 35K miles on it and on the way across town my clutch seemed to drop about an inch or two. So I had 1 or 2 inches of nothing at the top of the clutch stroke. What the f*** was that? I parked to car for about an hour and a half and everything seemed ok after that. What the hell? I am currently spec'ing out a new clutch flywheel setup. I also noticed about a month ago on a hot day when I got it a little sideways the clutch was IMO a little slow on the up stroke. Could this be related?

 

Yeah, I keep reading about this. I think it is all related. My problem is the dealer is expecting an answer, and what I want to avoid is a clutch replacement that is not necessary. Not only is it expensive, but if the same issue comes back again, I will be furious.

 

i have an 06 with 28,000 miles on it. I was having the issue on hot days, the clutch pedal would not spring back up. Had the master/slave cylinder replaced and also had them install a steel braided clutch line and motul fluid. Havent had the problem since.

but i have read before of someone needing a new clutch around the 30,000 mile mark.

Dont know where you are located but try taking it to West Co Nissan. They replaced my master/slave cylinder under warranty.