Hard to get in gear

cjwsrt6 · 01-11-2018, 10:20 AM

Good morning, I recently got my Z to 65,000 Miles 2013, clutch flywheel done about 20,000 miles ago. Latley it’s been really hard to get into gear, especially reverse. I thought it was the cold we had, gave it a week then went ahead and did the csc again along with fluids. Still having an issue. It drives fine, doesn’t seem to be slipping but tough to get in gear sometimes. I don’t know much about hydraulic clutches, what could be the issue? Do we have any clutch adjustment, or clutch pedal adjustment?
Any ideas or fixes would be greatly appreciated

Edit
Wanted to bring the thread back up. Haven’t driven it much since I’ve gotten a beater but it shifts smoother, much easier in gear except when running it past say 5grand. It becomes very hard to get in gear and may grind slightly. Also when the clutch is coming back up I notice the pressure isn’t as strong. I was thinking about dropping it off and getting it re bled, hoping it’s that easy. If anyone’s had this issue please post up

scope22 · 01-11-2018, 10:38 AM

Syncros getting worn out probably which is causing the gate to open late/slowly, i have this issue in 5th, no griding just hard to get in the gear. Im just guessing...

SouthArk370Z · 01-11-2018, 10:45 AM

Your trans fluid may be too thick for the recent cold snap. If it's still happening when things warm up, scope22 may be right about synchros.

Jayhovah · 01-11-2018, 11:04 AM

When you "did the csc again" did you replace with OEM or upgraded? It's possible your clutch hydraulics are failing and you aren't getting enough travel to fully disengage. There is some adjustment in the pedal.

cjwsrt6 · 01-11-2018, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhovah

When you "did the csc again" did you replace with OEM or upgraded? It's possible your clutch hydraulics are failing and you aren't getting enough travel to fully disengage. There is some adjustment in the pedal.

I replaced with a z1 HD, not the elimination kit. It is possible the clutch hydraulics are failing I’m sure, but without taking it to Nissan what would a fix be if that’s it?

Jayhovah · 01-11-2018, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjwsrt6

I replaced with a z1 HD, not the elimination kit. It is possible the clutch hydraulics are failing I’m sure, but without taking it to Nissan what would a fix be if that’s it?

Z1 HD CSC? (I didn't think they made one)

I would bet money that your CMC (Master) is failing. They are almost as fragile as the OEM CSC. It's inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. Joe@ZSpeed (the resident clutch expert vendor) always recommends changing the CMC and CSC together because of it.

I had similar symptoms you are describing and it was my CMC...

cjwsrt6 · 01-11-2018, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhovah

Z1 HD CSC? (I didn't think they made one)

I would bet money that your CMC (Master) is failing. They are almost as fragile as the OEM CSC. It's inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. Joe@ZSpeed (the resident clutch expert vendor) always recommends changing the CMC and CSC together because of it.

I had similar symptoms you are describing and it was my CMC...

I apologize. Not the Z1, it was a different brand. I think they did the CMC, I’ll have to check the paperwork and see, but I think so. That’s why I’m afraid if it’s something other than those.

Jayhovah · 01-11-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjwsrt6

I apologize. Not the Z1, it was a different brand. I think they did the CMC, I’ll have to check the paperwork and see, but I think so. That’s why I’m afraid if it’s something other than those.

I wouldn't be surprised if they replaced the CMC and it has still failed on you. They are almost as bad as the CSC, but doesn't get as much discussion.

I think RJM (the clutch pedal company, not the fake SC company) makes an HD Master.

LENTZ · 01-11-2018, 07:45 PM

Subscribed as almost identical problem.

I am at 65K Miles, had the clutch replaced 15K miles ago with a SB Stage 2 clutch, SB Flywheel, ZSpeed CMAK, RJM Petal, new CMC/CSC, and Redline trans fluid. Getting into reverse the last 2 weeks about every other time has been hard for me. I noticed if I put it in first and move 1 inch forward and then retry it works perfect.

cjwsrt6 · 01-11-2018, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhovah

I wouldn't be surprised if they replaced the CMC and it has still failed on you. They are almost as bad as the CSC, but doesn't get as much discussion.

I think RJM (the clutch pedal company, not the fake SC company) makes an HD Master.

I did the cmc with the csc. I’m going to drop it back off when I leave on vacation. I’m hoping it’s just air in the lines, as the pedal does get mushy rarely. Still I don’t think that explains gear issue, I think that’s more the clutch not engaging fully

2011 Nismo#91 · 01-12-2018, 08:27 AM

Well twice I had it happen that when doing them CSC in my car, many times, that something wasn't aligned just right with the shifter itself and was causing trouble getting into 5,6 and/or reverse.

Joe@ZSpeed · 01-16-2018, 11:01 AM

What clutch and flywheel do you have, Sounds more like a clutch issue to me, It could just be its cold fluid esp if it is a thicker fluid in the trans.
Going to first gear first in cold weather is always a good idea to line up the gears.
If your pedal feels ok and is not dropping on you or changing feel normally the hydraulics are ok.

cjwsrt6 · 01-17-2018, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe@ZSpeed

What clutch and flywheel do you have, Sounds more like a clutch issue to me, It could just be its cold fluid esp if it is a thicker fluid in the trans.
Going to first gear first in cold weather is always a good idea to line up the gears.
If your pedal feels ok and is not dropping on you or changing feel normally the hydraulics are ok.

This was my next thought, I’ll have to go back and find out what combo, it was a kit from z1. But I’m losing clutch pressure back up at higher rpm, which makes me think it’s the hydraulics somewhere. I plan to drop it back off tomorrow and hope they can figure it out.
Clutch kit only has 20,000 if that on it

Joe@ZSpeed · 01-17-2018, 11:05 AM

If pedal is getting light at very high rpms normally that is in the clutch design or you are throwing the clutch too far past it's designed release, On some pressure plates with high RPM, the centrifugal force can try and hold that angle making the pedal feel "light", the stock clutch is very bad about doing this.

OldFart · 01-17-2018, 12:01 PM

I have a similar issue getting into 5th, but that was after the dealer had just installed a new CSC. I haven't gotten underneath the car, but isn't there an adjustable "stop" for the shifter? If I am careful, goes in smoothly, but if I just push it into 5th, seems like I go past the engagement point. Prior to that I wasn't having any issues except for the 1st to 2nd shift when cold...

01-11-2018, 10:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
cjwsrt6 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Alabama Posts: 452 Drives: 2005 crossfire Srt6 Rep Power: 11	Hard to get in gear Good morning, I recently got my Z to 65,000 Miles 2013, clutch flywheel done about 20,000 miles ago. Latley it’s been really hard to get into gear, especially reverse. I thought it was the cold we had, gave it a week then went ahead and did the csc again along with fluids. Still having an issue. It drives fine, doesn’t seem to be slipping but tough to get in gear sometimes. I don’t know much about hydraulic clutches, what could be the issue? Do we have any clutch adjustment, or clutch pedal adjustment? Any ideas or fixes would be greatly appreciated Edit Wanted to bring the thread back up. Haven’t driven it much since I’ve gotten a beater but it shifts smoother, much easier in gear except when running it past say 5grand. It becomes very hard to get in gear and may grind slightly. Also when the clutch is coming back up I notice the pressure isn’t as strong. I was thinking about dropping it off and getting it re bled, hoping it’s that easy. If anyone’s had this issue please post up Last edited by cjwsrt6; 02-20-2018 at 12:14 AM.

01-11-2018, 10:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324198	Your trans fluid may be too thick for the recent cold snap. If it's still happening when things warm up, scope22 may be right about synchros. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

01-11-2018, 07:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
LENTZ Base Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maple Valley, WA Posts: 92 Drives: 2012 370Z Sport Rep Power: 10	Subscribed as almost identical problem. I am at 65K Miles, had the clutch replaced 15K miles ago with a SB Stage 2 clutch, SB Flywheel, ZSpeed CMAK, RJM Petal, new CMC/CSC, and Redline trans fluid. Getting into reverse the last 2 weeks about every other time has been hard for me. I noticed if I put it in first and move 1 inch forward and then retry it works perfect. cjwsrt6 likes this. Last edited by LENTZ; 01-11-2018 at 07:48 PM.

01-12-2018, 08:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
2011 Nismo#91 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 2,400 Drives: slowly Rep Power: 40569	Well twice I had it happen that when doing them CSC in my car, many times, that something wasn't aligned just right with the shifter itself and was causing trouble getting into 5,6 and/or reverse. __________________ GTR TT 493Whp/431lbft, Ecutek, Southbend 6puck,Quaife, RPM RollBar 4Point, R888R, JRZ RSPro F(10R/10C) R(10R/6C) 1000f500r inlbs+150inlbs Tender, SPL everywhere.Full Specs

01-16-2018, 11:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Joe@ZSpeed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,304 Drives: Nissan Rep Power: 342999	What clutch and flywheel do you have, Sounds more like a clutch issue to me, It could just be its cold fluid esp if it is a thicker fluid in the trans. Going to first gear first in cold weather is always a good idea to line up the gears. If your pedal feels ok and is not dropping on you or changing feel normally the hydraulics are ok. __________________ http://photos.zspeedperformance.com/...ardsize=468x60 Phone *937-506-7224* E-Mail Sales@Zspeed.com www.ZSPEED.com

01-11-2018, 10:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
scope22 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 1,179 Drives: wife crazy Rep Power: 55	Syncros getting worn out probably which is causing the gate to open late/slowly, i have this issue in 5th, no griding just hard to get in the gear. Im just guessing...

01-17-2018, 11:05 AM	#14 (permalink)
Joe@ZSpeed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,304 Drives: Nissan Rep Power: 342999	If pedal is getting light at very high rpms normally that is in the clutch design or you are throwing the clutch too far past it's designed release, On some pressure plates with high RPM, the centrifugal force can try and hold that angle making the pedal feel "light", the stock clutch is very bad about doing this. __________________ http://photos.zspeedperformance.com/...ardsize=468x60 Phone *937-506-7224* E-Mail Sales@Zspeed.com www.ZSPEED.com

01-17-2018, 12:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
OldFart Track Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Carlisle, PA Age: 61 Posts: 682 Drives: 2011 Wannabe Nismo Rep Power: 960	I have a similar issue getting into 5th, but that was after the dealer had just installed a new CSC. I haven't gotten underneath the car, but isn't there an adjustable "stop" for the shifter? If I am careful, goes in smoothly, but if I just push it into 5th, seems like I go past the engagement point. Prior to that I wasn't having any issues except for the 1st to 2nd shift when cold... __________________ 2011 Mag Black Sport with Nismo conversion - both interior and exterior. SPL suspension, Fortune Coilovers, ARK grip catback, Berks HFC, Takeda intake, some interior mods.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ticking noises on 3rd gear and 1st gear jerk	Ni9TFiVE	Engine & Drivetrain	5	12-07-2015 06:04 PM
1st to 2nd gear hard to shift..	jamesj1996	Engine & Drivetrain	18	12-24-2014 11:31 AM
Hard Left Hard Right Turning Air Bubble?	JrumMusic	Wheels & Tires	9	12-03-2014 11:25 AM
okay don't rip on me too hard but...	edub370	Intake/Exhaust	11	07-23-2011 12:32 PM
hard to shift into 1st gear?	Pharmacist	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	12	08-11-2009 01:23 AM