Well,I took the Z to the track yesterday for the third time this season and was having a great day. I was in the second session of four and going into the first turn on a fifth to third downshift (done it plenty of times before) the clutch pedal went straight to the floor and stayed there. I've been hearing that dry bearing sound when you engage the clutch at idle so I think maybe it's the throw out bearing. This is the first warranty issue on this 4800 mile car so we'll see how it goes. Anyone out there had this problem?

 

that sucks dude, let us know what happens

 

Well, I finally got the call from the dealer today to tell me what was wrong with my clutch. In very technical terms they said "it exploded". I can't believe that by tracking the car, not ragging the car, that this could happen. Oh well it's covered under warranty and I should have it back by Monday. I'll let you know how it works later.

 

The same thing happened to me at the drag strip, but yeah, the clutch on the Z is weak and prone to "exploding" when it gets extremely hot. Make sure you put in an aftermarket clutch and flywheel (which I'm pretty sure you're going to do) because the stock flywheel is dual masked and not resurfaceable and costs $1200 from Nissan.

 

Actually. I'm letting them put the stock clutch back in. I think then I'm trading it for the roadster and see if I can break that one. It got plenty hot that day and I'm fairly certain it just didn't like that fifth to third downshift. If I had an even 7000 rpm I wouldn't have to shift!

 

Well this was worse than I thought. My dealer started to install the new clutch today after the explosion, only to find that the clutch had also damaged the flywheel. They weren't happy! Nissan said the only way this could have happened was abuse. Did all of you know that the clutch is only covered for one year? Be careful out there!

 

i have that rolling bearing sound also. its only when the clutch is released and i'm idling. When i push the clutch in... the sound goes away... and when i release it.. the sound comes back. Is that what your talking about? should I see the dealer about it? I have 1 month till my one year is up

 

I have the same issue. I hear something in the tranny when I am ilding but when I press the clutch, it goes away.

 

That's it buddy! You hear that raw bearing sound with the clutch out and when you engage the clutch it goes away. It's the "throw out" bearing or as they call it now, the "thrust" bearing. If I had it to do over again I would have taken it in. Good luck! I hope to have mine back by Monday.

 

Well I can't believe I have to keep responding to my own thread but anyway for anyone interested. I finally got the Z back after two weeks at my dealer. They replaced clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and flywheel and all is well again. The dealer could not have been more helpful. The new equipment is covered for another year. I have to say it shifts flawlessly and I'm very pleased. FYI though, I still hear the throw out bearing noise somewhat but I think I'll just push the clutch in and go. I love the Z!

 

Haven't stopped by this forum in a while, but had to do some "research" on this subject.

Heading home last night the clutch went to the floor and had to coast into a parking lot. Had to let it sit overnight and took it in today. Diagnosis? Clutch gone... from what I could gather it was in pieces (i.e. exploded). I'm currently at 18k miles so they're giving me the "The clutch is only covered for 12k" routine.

I'm already on my 3rd transmission, so I'm not planning on nor will I be happy having to pay for a new clutch. I'll be sure to ask about the flywheel.

Just got the call from the service manager as I'm typing this who says that I've got a one time shot at a new clutch under warranty. Thanks, I guess.

Now I only have to pissed about the a-hole that gave me a 3-4 inch scratch with a dent along the seam line in my passenger-side door with a door shot sometime between last night and today.

 

Man, it just gets better and better doesn't it. You should feel lucky your dealer is going to kick in the cost. I've been PMing another clutch case who's car is 9 months old ,same thing happened and they are refusing to cover the clutch. They 're saying his is abuse like they did to me. It's a sports car for God sake, how are you supossed to drive it. Good luck man!