Has anyone replaced their 350Z's clutch w/o replacing their Flywheel??

[redsx13]

Just like the post says, I was wondering if anyone has simply replaced their clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing/pilot bushing without replacing their flywheel. I don't know why, but word on the street is if you replace your 350 Z's clutch you must replace your Flywheel as well; making a clutch job on a Z33 a very costly procedure.

This is just a guess, but I assume it has something to do with the fact that by the time the clutch on a Z wears out, the flywheel has already worn to minimum thickness. but thats just a guess.

[LAKE ERIE Z32]

when i had my new transmission put in i bought a new ACT clutch and the nissan dealer used my fly wheel

[R350Zz33]

im sure people have but maybe since ur replacing the clutch you should change it or at-lest get it resurfaced

[aris_unlimited]

Word on the street is wrong lol. You can just pop in another clutch with your original flywheel. A resurfacing may be required but you shouldn't have to replace it. I only put in the clutch/flywheel package on mine because nissan was replacing my transmission for free and I figured while they were at it....

[HPz350z]

thats what i was going to do...until i the mechanic said my clutch was soo far gone, the rivets had started to dig into the fly wheel...i waited until my clutch barely caught in first gear.....*sigh* lesson learned....if you really want pictures i'll post em...but other then that too lazy....

never ever ever...EVER...buy a clutch off ebay...it's cheap and all....but they suck...good luck w/ your clutch shopping!

[redsx13]

thats what i was going to do...until i the mechanic said my clutch was soo far gone, the rivets had started to dig into the fly wheel...i waited until my clutch barely caught in first gear.....*sigh* lesson learned....if you really want pictures i'll post em...but other then that too lazy....

never ever ever...EVER...buy a clutch off ebay...it's cheap and all....but they suck...good luck w/ your clutch shopping!

Very helpful info, If you have pics i would really like to see them.

Hmm, if i want to save my flywheel, how long do you think i should wait before i replace the clutch??Its not slipping or anything yet, so i know its good so far, should i wait until it just starts to slip before i change it, or, will that be too late?

[raremotive]

I wouldn't worry about it... too much... beside word on the street is something on the order of "stop" "school xing" or "rail xing".. :P

You can know it starts to slip by testing it. Drive to a flat parking lot. Stop. Put in third gear. Pull out clutch slowly.. if the car starts to move your clutch is fine.

[redsx13]

I wouldn't worry about it... too much... beside word on the street is something on the order of "stop" "school xing" or "rail xing".. :P

You can know it starts to slip by testing it. Drive to a flat parking lot. Stop. Put in third gear. Pull out clutch slowly.. if the car starts to move your clutch is fine.

word on the street... lol. It was actually the dealership that told me about the flywheel thing, but "word on the street" sounded much cooler,

anyway, where did you hear about that test?

[raremotive]

where?

it's common knowledge really...at least for clutches

even my own mother knows..

But not to get a argument of who's mom is better.

[aris_unlimited]

My mom is definately better, no other woman tried to permanently destroy my mind and life with years of mental and emotional abuse! Ahh the good old days.

[redsx13]

My mom is definately better, no other woman tried to permanently destroy my mind and life with years of mental and emotional abuse! Ahh the good old days.

yaaa....ok then....

Honestly, never heard that, but it makes sense. Its basically common knowledge, but nowhere does it say that by the time it actually gets to that point, your flywheel isn't already f***ed, and that's my main concern. I will know when its time to replace the clutch, but i wont be able to see the rivets grinding into my flywheel.

[raremotive]

All based on the clutch that was installed.

[redsx13]

All based on the clutch that was installed.

lets try oem, the cutch was never replaced

[raremotive]

All based on clutch supplier...

Hey.. it happens it happens... no one can predict the properties of materials and area of failures...

consider it a upgrade if it does! lighter if you city a lot, or stay the same if your cruise a lot.. I wrote something about flywheels in the somewhere in engineering thread...

Besides... rwd cars are of the easier setups to replace a clutch...

I refuse to replace a FWD clutch... absolutely refuse!!

With a impact wrench... I would have your transmission out in a heart beat..

[redsx13]

All based on clutch supplier...

Hey.. it happens it happens... no one can predict the properties of materials and area of failures...

consider it a upgrade if it does! lighter if you city a lot, or stay the same if your cruise a lot.. I wrote something about flywheels in the somewhere in engineering thread...

Besides... rwd cars are of the easier setups to replace a clutch...

I refuse to replace a FWD clutch... absolutely refuse!!

no, i rather not spend money if dont have to.

[CPS]

According to the techs at my dealership, the 350z flywheel is "stepped" or "tapered". If you have it machined, they machine it flat, and it causes a rattle at idle in neutral. Also, machine shops have to clamp the flywheel down to turn it, and if they clamp down on the ring that triggers the crank sensor, it will cause a crank sensor code. I have seen this first hand, as the clamps notched the ring and the sensor picked up the gap and threw the code.

[redsx13]

According to the techs at my dealership, the 350z flywheel is "stepped" or "tapered". If you have it machined, they machine it flat, and it causes a rattle at idle in neutral. Also, machine shops have to clamp the flywheel down to turn it, and if they clamp down on the ring that triggers the crank sensor, it will cause a crank sensor code. I have seen this first hand, as the clamps notched the ring and the sensor picked up the gap and threw the code.

Thank You, that was the kind of answer i was looking for...

hmmm, kinda strange though, my car already has a rattle at idle in neutral. It only happens when the car is out of gear and you foot is off the clutch. The noise is coming from somewhere in the transmission,i wonder if its my flywheel.

[Chad@CompetitionClutch]

you CAN use the stock dual mass flywheel but i wouldnt. the factory VQ35DE flywheel is a heavy SOB. like you have no clue. i have personally seen many people pick up 15whp on a light weight flywheel.

[Chad@CompetitionClutch]

check your email redsx13!