Way to tell if CSC has been changed?

ShiftZ

Hey guys, I just picked up my Z a couple weeks ago and I have been lurking on these forums for a while. So, first of all, thanks to everyone for all of the helpful posts.

I bought a 2009 Sport Touring with 60k miles on it. From reading through the forums, I gathered that the most common problems and fixes are:

1. Steering lock (fuse removal prevents)
2. Thin paint (clear bra)
3. CSC failure (replace with HD unit)

I am a big fan of preventative maintence, so I would like to make sure I address these issues before they leave me stranded.

So, my question is, if I want to prevent want sounds like a ticking time bomb of a CSC failure on my car, is there any way to tell if my car has already had the CSC replaced? (Without pulling the transmission)

I apologize in advance if this question has already been addressed somewhere but I couldn't find it anywhere. Appreciate any help!

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

DEpointfive0

You can check the trans bokts to see if they have been fiddled with, that's about it.

But unless the previous owner was on the forum, the odds it has a HD one is slim to none. IMO, you should buy one from Joe @ ZSpeed and install it or hold it until yours breaks

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ShiftZ

Yeah I looked at the bolts when it was up on the lift, it was hard to tell if anything had been removed or not.







The previous owner put Swift springs and Koni Yellows on it, which seem to be a highly recommended setup on this forum... so I would think he at least read around the forums.

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

40 to 332

Two things. First, if the CSC was replaced with the stock OEM unit, you will still have a "ticking time bomb". As you've already gathered, the stock units are prone to failure. Second, if the CSC was replaced with the Z Speed HD CSC, it should be obvious from an inspection of the clutch lines running out of the transmission housing. Go to the Z Speed website, and look at the photo of the HD CSC and clutch lines. The lines are braided stainless-steel and distinct from the factory lines and set-up. Even the bleeder valve is different. Then take a look at the lines running from your housing, and you should know right away if you're running with the stock CSC or the HD CSC. Z1 has a CSC replacement unit that could have been installed (?), but it is an entirely different set-up than the stock CSC. It would be obvious through a quick inspection if the Z1 unit was installed. Again, if in doubt simply take a look at the photo posted in the Z1 website and compare. Trust this helps.

ShiftZ

Thanks.. thats really good feedback. My clutch lines are definitely stock, so even if it has been replaced, it sounds like it still won't be reliable.

I think I will go ahead and replace it with the HD unit.

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

ShiftZ

So, I called around to the dealerships that came up on the Carfax and was able to get the service history from them. It sounds like at 53k it was brought into AutoNation Nissan in Marietta, GA with complaints of "clutch not engaging" (it now has 60k), however they did not do any work to it.

So either the owner had an independent shop fix it, or the issue wasn't the csc and he fixed it by bleeding the clutch or something.

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

YzGyz

If your going ti drop the transmission, I would consider changing out the flywheel while you are already there. You may even consider new motor mounts or high flow cat or test pipes. It's just "convenient" but it all cost good amount of $$$

YzGyz

90 ST

It would have been covered under warranty, if they didn't do it, it most likely never got done, they probably changed the fluid and sent the guy on his way, at the very least I would order it and have the HD one waiting.

ShiftZ

That's a good point. Is this something that most dealers would cover under the powertrain warranty?

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

90 ST

Mine did, twice, once under extended, and a again under their own as they gave me a 20,KMS warranty on the new part. It lasted 5,000kms, LOL.

From what I've seen most will cover it.

ShiftZ

Dang, how many miles did you have when your original went?

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

90 ST

about 135,000 Miles. i'm currently over 200,000 miles.

ShiftZ

I guess that makes me feel a little better. If I have 60k it may still have a decent amount of life left.

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts

90 ST

Well the next one only lasted 5,000 kms, it's a very random deal, if yours had problems before you got the car I would have parts waiting.

ShiftZ

Yeah, I think I'll go ahead and get the full clutch kit from ZSpeed. I'd prefer not to get stranded for something I knew was going to break anyway.

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2009 Monterey Blue 370Z, Touring Sport package, Swift Spec-R springs, Koni Yellow struts