My clutch pedal became useless for a little while...
 

So I'm leaving work tonight around 630 pm and notice my clutch pedal has a bunch of play all the way down to the floor except for say about 2". Basically no feathering of the clutch at all. I pulled over and turned the car off and back on and still there.

I keep driving to my destination and notice engagement is difficult because it's happening at the very end of the pedal's normal distance (near the floor). I finally reach my destination and as I get off the freeway I notice the clutch is back to normal and that play that existed before is gone. Now I could feel something is happening as soon as I press the clutch and it doesn't flop around.

What are some possible causes for this? I was told there might be air in the fluid some reservoir but I have no idea how that works. I can't seem to reproduce it to show the dealership...anyone ever have this happen to them? My car is stock. No spring mod or anything.

thanks

perhaps a bad clutch line? sounds pretty rare; first I've heard of this on a non-track vehicle.

The clutch master cylinder is prone to going out on our cars. sounds like something to get checked by the dealer before your warrenty goes out.

Are you sure? The CSC is prone to fail, but I haven't heard of the master failing.


OP, did you check the fluid level? If you're low, it's going to feel pretty soft.

I've checked the fluid level and it seems to be full. This happened once and it was intermittent. Any other advice? How should I approach them with this issue?

look up CSC failure man. im 99% sure thats your problem. best of luck on it.

Just wondering, OP, what is your mileage?

Thanks man. I found the CSC threads shortly after making this thread. So if it's intermittent, it is the CSC issue? I did ride it hard during lunch and then it sat there for about 5 hours.


28,600

Both of them are prone to fail. I had the CSC replaced first, then the master.

Considering my Z only has 12000 miles and has been around for the better part of three years, I guess my mods list is right having a new clutch and flywheel.

What does that have to do with the pedal, CSC, and master cylinder?

When I went with a supercharger I replaced the CSC/clutch and flywheel but when they began to dyno the it would not go into 5th. the installer was able to take it to nissan and have them replace it under warranty and was told by nissan that they have seen some master cylinders go, it just became more prevelant with the additional power. So if it is not the CSC I would almost bet it is the master but good point check the CSC first.

So guess what guys? I went to the dealership today to talk in person about what repairs will be done on my car and I got some really good news. They are replacing the CSC, Master cylinder, flex line (?), and ECM because the previous one is loud. I think I did well. :D

:tup:

great!!!:tup:

Thanks guys. I feel so much better knowing they are taking care of these issues.

Hey hey.

I just had this happen to me yesterday AS I rolled into the parking lot after a 4+ hour drive to the beach. I'm taking it to the closest dealer, which is about 30 miles away. Anyone have any feedback on how far they've driven after this has happened? I do NOT want to have it towed.

(Identical issue...my clutch is 90% flacid. The engage point is about an in or so from the floor.)

Appreciate the help.

Have the dealer check for master or slave cylinder failure. Barring that, you've just experienced the dreaded hot weather mushly clutch phenomenon.

If the cylinders are fine, upgrading to a stainless steel clutch line and changing the fluid to some Motul RBF600 will do the trick.

The 350 has the same problem- it gets worse in the summer due to the ambient air temperature. The stock fluid ends up getting hot and eventually comes to a boil, both causing the clutch to lose pressure and ruining the fluid.

Good times.