So, I posted a thread last night titled "Help! 1st and 2nd gear manual problems" or something along those lines. Well, today I found a massive leak under the car which my dad claims to be a combination of oil and some sort of hydraulic fluid (not sure if it's clutch or brake). I had to get to school, so I took the Maxima, with the known problem, and when I get back, my dad explodes and tells me that all maintenance from here on out I have to pay for, and that I have to make all the decisions about it (what to have done, who to take it to, etc.). I'm only 16, and I'm embarassingly incompetent when it comes to car problems, so I have to ask a number of questions, given this situation:

- The clutch fluid and oil levels are at "MAX", but the level of the clutch fluid was right at "MIN" when I filled it (it went from "MAX" to "MIN" over a period of 2 months...I hadn't checked it since two months ago, so I'm not sure how quickly it occured or when it started)
- The engine makes a clicking noise while running (linear relation to RPMs)
- Yesterday the transmission would go off and on with NOT letting me shift into 1st or 2nd gear
- Everything was running as smooth as a whistle just a week and a half ago.

So, first off, what do you think the problem(s) could be, aside from the fact that the car is leaking oil and some hydraulic fluid (not dripping from multiple points, just from one area, but the two liquids are together when they drip from the one spot)?
Who should I go to to have the leak checked out, and whom should I have fix the problem? The best thing to do, I'm aware of, is just take it straight to the Nissan dealer, but I know the labor AND part prices at the dealer itself are ridiculously overpriced.

I appreciate the time of everyone who bothered to read this, and I appreciate any advice/opinions you guys can give. Thanks

 

The clutch fluid doesn't come in contact with all motor oil. They're two entirely different systems and aren't remoted close to being related. If you're seeing fluid and the clutch/tranny isn't operating righ, chances are it has something to do with the clutch hydraulic system which really isn't a overly expensive fix because you don't have to remove the tranny.

If you really want our help on what exactly is the problem, you're going to have to tell us exactly where the leak is coming from. That means jacking up and supporting the car and getting underneath to take a look. The clicking you describe can be a multiple of things from the fuel injectors normal operating sounds to a bad CV axle. You really need to be more specific.

I suggest just taking the car to the dealership and see what they say. You don't have to agree to any work. Unfortunately, cars are expensive to buy and fix. That's just the way it goes. If you continue to drive the car the way it is, you could be causing even more serious damage.


Dave

 

Sorry, this is kind of vague, but I know it's not just oil that's leaking, I know it's oil combined with a hydraulic fluid.

Sorry again for the lack of specifics...the leak is coming (this is looking at it in the perspective of facing the grille) a tad to the right of where the exhaust pipe comes into the engine (excuse the lack of proper terminology/part names) on this section of the underbody that appears somewhat ribbed. That's the best I can describe it. Thanks

 

Do you have a Haynes and/or Chiltons manual? If not you might want to consider buying one so that you can better describe your problem. Just to let you know if you do take it to the dealer and get them to diagnose the problem you will pay a fee. I think its $70-$90. With that said it still might be the best way for you to start since you do not seem to know where the leak(s) are coming from.

 

Uhm...it almost sounds as if you have a transmission leak...coming from the bellhousing (based on your general location). Get under there and actually check where this leak is coming from. How do you 'know' it's motor oil and brake fluid? Are you sure it isn't gear oil blackened with the dust from your clutch disk?

You say there is clicking when the car is running, and the frequency changes with RPM? Try this: Start the car, step on the clutch in and hold it. Wait a few seconds then rev a few times (all with the clutch pedal down). Does the clicking happen here as well? Release the clutch pedal...does it start clicking?

Unfortunately, this sounds exactly like my experience with my transmission. I'd start the car and hear clicking...step on the clutch and the clicking would slow and stop...lift off the clutch the clicking started again. Well, that's a sign of input-shaft bearing failure. If I were you, I'd definitely not drive this thing until you figure out what it is.

 

Sorry for the double post:

Any other symptoms? Clutch chatter?

Oh...and I can't stress enough: Don't drive it!!!! (see sig)