Lately I've noticed quite a bit of "shudder" when taking off in first gear, and if I push the clutch right to the floor there is a whish whish whish noise. All the other gears shift pretty good, and if I take off at a higher RPM in first the shudder is gone. I suspect the throwout bearing, am I on the right track?

If so, how much work to replace it, obviously removal of transmission, but does anyone have a time estimate on this. I've replaced a Honda clutch before, would I be able to tackle this job?

Finally, the old Max is getting a little on the rusty side, too many Canadian winters have taken their toll, so I'm just trying to ride the car out until Januaryish when I can buy a newer one, how long will a failing throwout bearing last? Between now and Jan I will probably drive a maximum of 4000 kms.

Thanks!

The shudder is a most likely oil contamination from a leaky rear main crankshaft seal, transmission input shaft seal. Oil on the clutch facings will cause them to slip and grab unevenly. The result is typically chattering and jerking when the clutch is first engaged.

If you have done a honda clutch job,then you can do a nissan clutch job,be sure to either replace or resurface the flywheel while your in there..

The whish noise is most likely the throw out bearing,so be sure to get a clutch kit(kits usually include a clutch plate/pressure plate/throw out bearing/clutch alignment tool).

Yikes, if thats the case this might be the end of the max, it's just not worth spending the money on a car that is almost expired. Thanks!

yea its definitly dead. I'll come take it off your hands :P

Really though if you can do your own wrenching its not hard. You just need a floor jack 2 jack stands and standard sockets 10-19mm. Some tranny fluid, transmission axle seals rear main seal. Its really not that bad.

~Alex

Well, it died today, clutch is softish and 2nd is the only gear it will go in, luckily it got me home!