Finally the dealer agrees something is wrong

[aris_unlimited]

Well I have had the car in twice now. Both times I told them that the transmission would occasionally grind when going into 5th gear. They couldn't find anything wrong with it so they recommended a transmission flush and fill along with a rear diff flush and fill. So I paid for that $200.

Came back 2 weeks later, same complaint. This time they had some master techs and even an engineer from nissan look at it. Turns out my transmission is toast. No surprise here, as I knew something was wrong with it. So I am getting a new transmission (free due powertrain warranty), but then they tell me that I should also replace the clutch assembly because there is a bad throwout bearing in there which is rattling upon idle (I have heard this myself). And now they tell me that this will cost $500 to replace. Does anyone else besides me think they should comp the price of the clutch assembly too?

[rmezz13]

Yeah that sux but if you can't get around paying for it, just buy a lighter stronger setup, like JWT. I mean if its in your budget, i personally can't even buy popcorn the way gas is now.

[aris_unlimited]

Do you think the JWT clutch assembly would be the best bang for the buck? Because I asked the guy if they would install any clutch assembly, if I were to bring them in one and he said that they would.

[coleycole]

You should at least get comped for the $200 that you spent on the trans flush and rear dif. flush. If you raise a big enough stink i'm sure they will comp you the additional $300 to keep you happy, it all depends on how important customer service is to them at that dealership. If you want to put in an aftermarket clutch go ahead, just understand that if there is any chance of them doing this for free it will be lost if you use a non nissan part. Good Luck and let us know the outcome.

[60]

I am amazed the dealer will put in the after market clutch. Good luck

[aris_unlimited]

I am amazed the dealer will put in the after market clutch. Good luck

Well me and this particular service tech get along really well.

On another note I have finally decided how I am going to try and get this to play out. I am trying to get them to comp me the $200 that I paid for the transmission and rear diff fill. And I think I will be able to accomplish that. Then I am going to order the JWT clutch and flywheel combo package and have that installed. The $200 returned should cover the labor cost on those installs considering it would only be $100 for the clutch because they will already have the transmission out. I am also going to have them replace the stock pilot bushing with the Nismo roller bearing. http://sgpracing-store.stores.....html.

Last update on the work though is that they are having a hard time getting the transmission shipped to them (no idea why) so I do still have some time to get all this figured out.

[amanda22]

Ha. Transmission and clutch problems with the 350Z. Do some more research on the internet - there are some insane transmission and clutch problems with the 350Z. Transmissions and clutches should not be repeatedly replaced on cars with 20k miles. Of course they should pay for it, because it seems to be a serious manufacturer issue. But according to the postings from 350Z owners, and from what my own dealer has told me, Nissan won't.

[aris_unlimited]

^^ I know that the Z's have transmission problems, that is why I bought a 2004.5 the transmission problems were supposedly solved then. Either way I am getting a new transmission which will probably solve the problem for a good long while.

Back to topic

The dealer agreed to comp me the $200 from the transmission and rear diff fill. So I am going to put that towards the labor required to replace the clutch and flywheel. I ordered a JWT clutch/flywheel package and will have that installed.