Hey guys, its my first post here so I hope I get this right! I drive an '03 350z touring model, and after about 56k miles, most likely due to my learning manual, the transmission is dying fast. It started with grinding into 3rd, and now its getting harder to start and stalling randomly, along with a high pitch whine going into first from ~20 mph. Its still functional and I'm at 60.5k miles now but I'm going to need to replace it come spring or its just going to blow out on the track I think.

I'm looking to possibly just upgrade to a better clutch versus OEM, if the price difference won't kill me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Also, I recently noticed when I am braking from high speeds(80+) I am getting some pretty bad shaking. Now I would love to just upgrade to brembos, but with the tranny issue, that's not happening. The rotors and pads were replaced about a year ago along with a lot of other maintenance so I am a bit surprised, as I don't drive the car that much, only 5 or 6 thousand miles a year. Not sure if its the actual rotors or maybe the wheel bearings? Again, any ideas are highly appreciated, thanks!

 

Some 2003 350z’s had transmission problems that resemble what you are describing. Nissan replaced these transmissions under the manufacturer’s drive train warranty. A 2003 is no longer covered (it was 5 years and 60k miles).

The shake when braking could be caused by several things. Your brake pads shouldn’t be worn out after only 5k miles. The rotors might be warped. You should also check your front suspension.

--Spike

 

Yeah I know, the transmission issue is horribly common from what I have heard, surprising it took so long. Thanks for the tips, I'll take a look later once the polar vortex is gone.

 

Get a cd009, your synchros are on their way out, soon it will start grinding into 5th also, and then the others. replace pads an rotors and check your ebrake cable and shoes and have a drink