Sticky: (Official) 370Z Clutch Pressure (CSC) Failures

Clawesome · 03-09-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsolo

^^My bet is still on a failing CSC. It hasn't failed entirely in that it's able to build up some pressure, but after a while that bleeds down and you have to pump it up again.

I think your dealer's diagnosis is correct, albeit you can get it done at a better price. I'd go with the aftermarket zspeed csc which is metal, not plastic, and should last the remainder of the car's life.

To replace the CSC, the trans has to be dropped. The design on these cars is not like the older ones where the slave was externally mounted. If you're in there to do a CSC, then it makes sense to replace the rest of the clutch parts. Everything is open and right there.

Unless you've messed with the lines and have failure elsewhere, my guess is on the air entering through the failed csc seal.

In part, this was one of those things that prompted me to get the extended warranty. Nissan's powertrain coverage is a joke in context of MT's. The CSC is not a wear item, it's a part like a syncro or a gear that requires no maintenance, and should be covered. Yet it's not.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out. Also, who ever does the work, make sure they save your old parts. It should be evident if the csc has indeed failed or not by the pics.

Well since you asked for an update, here it is. I replaced the CSC with the heavy duty one from ZSpeed, and also installed a new South Bend clutch kit and flywheel with it. Took myself and a buddy about 10 hours total (without a lift. That was fun!). It has only been a day since I did this, but considering that I have now replaced every part of the clutch system except the fluid reservoir and parts of the master -> CSC line, I can't imagine any problems will still exist. Thanks for the help guys!

Jsolo · 03-12-2013, 04:22 PM

^^Check your clutch fluid reservoir level. I got 6700 miles on mine, been running the spring since day 7. Either you have a leak, or csc is failed/failing.

ZForce · 03-14-2013, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZForce

Same happened to mine, read my posts a few pages back. Have the clutch pedal assembly replaced..It probably failed first causing the master clutch assembly to fail. Check for the quacking sound when you press in the clutch pedal when you get the car back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIGItonium

The sound of the plunger at the master?

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZForce

The compressor shock that the helper spring is housed around, just behind the pedal. There is the normal sound, sorta of a whoosh, then the failed -blown seal sound like a quack sound.

OK an update and fyi for those that only have the master fail. Car # 2 had the master replaced three times due to a popping sound when releasing the clutch pedal sorta like your knee popping (very annoying). After the third master was replaced, they took my advise based on Car #1 and found indeed the clutch pedal assembly failed (the shock absorber behind the pedal).

There you have it, if the master fails, then most likely the pedal assembly also failed, have both replaced.

SkipinJupiter · 03-22-2013, 07:15 AM

Sitting at Nissan with a clutch problem.... Yesterday the pedal dropped to half way vs top, about freaked me out. I was about 20 miles from home. During the trip home, it alternated between full, top position and almost to the floor. Got home ok, no fluid loss at all... Wasn't a hot day or long trip (boil over), so kind of odd.
Made an appointment on-line for 7:15 this morning (mechanics get here at 8, jokes on me). Watching tv, everybody nice. Will update with results. 2010, 370z, 20,500 miles.

PaulZ370 · 03-22-2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipinJupiter

Sitting at Nissan with a clutch problem.... Yesterday the pedal dropped to half way vs top, about freaked me out. I was about 20 miles from home. During the trip home, it alternated between full, top position and almost to the floor. Got home ok, no fluid loss at all... Wasn't a hot day or long trip (boil over), so kind of odd.
Made an appointment on-line for 7:15 this morning (mechanics get here at 8, jokes on me). Watching tv, everybody nice. Will update with results. 2010, 370z, 20,500 miles.

Clutch Slave Cylinder - Typical Problem. Good Luck.

SkipinJupiter · 03-22-2013, 08:07 AM

Update: Ok, service writer came over with this.... Checked out the system, no leaks and fluid quality look ok. They checked the service bulletins and found one on the problem... "We read the bulletin and this is how Nissan wants us to handle issues like yours when someone brings in a vehicle and reports your issues... We are going to flush/upgrade your fluid to GTR and hopefully this will fix the problem.
I'm almost ok with that to be fair because its acting normal today (naturally)... I might be back again but I can't expect them to start replacing stuff without evidence. No mention of any charge for the work/fluid/bleed.

PaulZ370 · 03-22-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipinJupiter

Update: Ok, service writer came over with this.... Checked out the system, no leaks and fluid quality look ok. They checked the service bulletins and found one on the problem... "We read the bulletin and this is how Nissan wants us to handle issues like yours when someone brings in a vehicle and reports your issues... We are going to flush/upgrade your fluid to GTR and hopefully this will fix the problem.
I'm almost ok with that to be fair because its acting normal today (naturally)... I might be back again but I can't expect them to start replacing stuff without evidence. No mention of any charge for the work/fluid/bleed.

Wow - Good to know. Thanks for the update. Hopefully that would cure your problem, but somehow a little voice inside my head says "don't know about this..." . Just my untrusting self in what the service tech said - I guess... Keep us posted.

Jsolo · 03-22-2013, 12:07 PM

SkipinJupiter, sounds like a load of bull. How did they check the system for leaks without dropping the trans. When the csc fails, it leaks inside the bell housing, not outside.

What was their explanation for loss of pedal pressure [if there are no leaks]?

Joelito · 03-22-2013, 03:56 PM

Looks like its my turn to play. On my way to the shop after running a few errands locally I lost all pressure on my clutch. I had it happen a few times before but it would magically get the pressure back the next day but today it fully gave out. On my way! To the dealer right now on the tow lets see how this goes. 2012 with 6800 miles and got it 4-19-12. I saw a few people talk about the 1 year 12k warranty can someone educate me on it because I am still under 1 yr and never heard of it

Joelito · 03-26-2013, 02:06 PM

Update: got a call today stating they found the problem and they are saying it is the hydraulic oil that is bad. So they are changing it tomorrow

StrokeThis347 · 03-27-2013, 11:02 PM

Just to confirm Nissan did recently release a TSB stating to use GTR brake fluid to cure/avoid this problem.

Source: Nissan/Infinity Master Tech

Joelito · 03-28-2013, 07:19 AM

Got my car back yesterday and as strokethis347 stated, there is a new bulletin regarding this issue. The same thing they told Jupiter pretty much was what they told me. They replaced the fluid with the gtr, they couldn't find any leaks and this seems to have fixed the issue at least for now. I'm still worried about this issue reoccurring and me getting stuck again. On the plus side they did cover my tow expense (i don't have road side assistance), and gave me a loaner for the 5 days they had my car.

Fountainhead · 03-28-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joelito

Got my car back yesterday and as strokethis347 stated, there is a new bulletin regarding this issue. The same thing they told Jupiter pretty much was what they told me. They replaced the fluid with the gtr, they couldn't find any leaks and this seems to have fixed the issue at least for now. I'm still worried about this issue reoccurring and me getting stuck again. On the plus side they did cover my tow expense (i don't have road side assistance), and gave me a loaner for the 5 days they had my car.

Wow, took them 5 days to change the clutch fluid and bleed it?
That's got to be a record! /sarcasm

Seriously, what is the difference between the GTR fluid and the fluid in the Stock Z?

StrokeThis347 · 03-28-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fountainhead

Wow, took them 5 days to change the clutch fluid and bleed it?
That's got to be a record! /sarcasm

Seriously, what is the difference between the GTR fluid and the fluid in the Stock Z?

Stock is Nissan DOT 3. The GTR is DOT 4 and more than likely is synthetic and has different additives in it.

martin82 · 03-28-2013, 01:23 PM

My 5th gear downshift from 6 is grinding now and then with a fast downshift... regardless or synchrorev or rev matching damn it. I need to take car back to dealer AGAIN

03-12-2013, 04:22 PM	#197 (permalink)
Jsolo Track Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: chicago Posts: 783 Drives: '12 G37 6MT Rep Power: 14	^^Check your clutch fluid reservoir level. I got 6700 miles on mine, been running the spring since day 7. Either you have a leak, or csc is failed/failing. __________________ G37S Sedan 6MT, Eibach swaybars, Invidia Exhaust, Weaker Clutch Pedal Spring For sale links

03-22-2013, 12:07 PM	#203 (permalink)
Jsolo Track Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: chicago Posts: 783 Drives: '12 G37 6MT Rep Power: 14	SkipinJupiter, sounds like a load of bull. How did they check the system for leaks without dropping the trans. When the csc fails, it leaks inside the bell housing, not outside. What was their explanation for loss of pedal pressure [if there are no leaks]? __________________ G37S Sedan 6MT, Eibach swaybars, Invidia Exhaust, Weaker Clutch Pedal Spring For sale links

03-27-2013, 11:02 PM	#206 (permalink)
StrokeThis347 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 65 Drives: na Rep Power: 12	Just to confirm Nissan did recently release a TSB stating to use GTR brake fluid to cure/avoid this problem. Source: Nissan/Infinity Master Tech luigi90210 likes this.

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03-22-2013, 07:15 AM	#199 (permalink)
SkipinJupiter Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jupiter, Fl Posts: 27 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z RD M6 Rep Power: 12	Sitting at Nissan with a clutch problem.... Yesterday the pedal dropped to half way vs top, about freaked me out. I was about 20 miles from home. During the trip home, it alternated between full, top position and almost to the floor. Got home ok, no fluid loss at all... Wasn't a hot day or long trip (boil over), so kind of odd. Made an appointment on-line for 7:15 this morning (mechanics get here at 8, jokes on me). Watching tv, everybody nice. Will update with results. 2010, 370z, 20,500 miles.

03-22-2013, 08:07 AM	#201 (permalink)
SkipinJupiter Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jupiter, Fl Posts: 27 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z RD M6 Rep Power: 12	Update: Ok, service writer came over with this.... Checked out the system, no leaks and fluid quality look ok. They checked the service bulletins and found one on the problem... "We read the bulletin and this is how Nissan wants us to handle issues like yours when someone brings in a vehicle and reports your issues... We are going to flush/upgrade your fluid to GTR and hopefully this will fix the problem. I'm almost ok with that to be fair because its acting normal today (naturally)... I might be back again but I can't expect them to start replacing stuff without evidence. No mention of any charge for the work/fluid/bleed.

03-22-2013, 03:56 PM	#204 (permalink)
Joelito Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queens Posts: 120 Drives: 12 370z 6sp Rep Power: 13	Looks like its my turn to play. On my way to the shop after running a few errands locally I lost all pressure on my clutch. I had it happen a few times before but it would magically get the pressure back the next day but today it fully gave out. On my way! To the dealer right now on the tow lets see how this goes. 2012 with 6800 miles and got it 4-19-12. I saw a few people talk about the 1 year 12k warranty can someone educate me on it because I am still under 1 yr and never heard of it

03-26-2013, 02:06 PM	#205 (permalink)
Joelito Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queens Posts: 120 Drives: 12 370z 6sp Rep Power: 13	Update: got a call today stating they found the problem and they are saying it is the hydraulic oil that is bad. So they are changing it tomorrow

03-28-2013, 07:19 AM	#207 (permalink)
Joelito Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queens Posts: 120 Drives: 12 370z 6sp Rep Power: 13	Got my car back yesterday and as strokethis347 stated, there is a new bulletin regarding this issue. The same thing they told Jupiter pretty much was what they told me. They replaced the fluid with the gtr, they couldn't find any leaks and this seems to have fixed the issue at least for now. I'm still worried about this issue reoccurring and me getting stuck again. On the plus side they did cover my tow expense (i don't have road side assistance), and gave me a loaner for the 5 days they had my car.

03-28-2013, 01:23 PM	#210 (permalink)
martin82 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 2,636 Drives: 12 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 20	My 5th gear downshift from 6 is grinding now and then with a fast downshift... regardless or synchrorev or rev matching damn it. I need to take car back to dealer AGAIN