Evan

The clutch engagement on my 1998 SE is very non-linear (or jerky) feeling when the car is cold. I consider myself to be a very good manual transmission driver and my car has only 32,000 kms (20,000 miles) on it, yet I find it nearly impossible to launch this car smoothly when it is cold. After about 10-15 minutes, the car warms up and then engages much more progressively. I do not abuse the clutch and I assume that the car's previous owner did not either. Other than this annoying trait, the clutch feels fine; no slippage and little chatter. Can anyone tell me if this is a common Maxima trait and if there is anything I can do eliminate it. Thanks

Evan

justmax

I have a 99SE-L, ~23000 miles, and I also experience "grabbyness" in first and second in sub-50 degree weather for about the first 10 minutes. It's perfectly smooth in 3rd, 4th, and 5th, but man it's jerky and shakes the whole car in first, and somewhat in second too. I've read earlier posts about this and apparently it's pretty common, as is "clutch moan"... after the clutch is engaged in first and second for the first few minutes, there's a slight moan at low RPM's. I seem to remember someone took their car to the dealer recently and they said it's quite common. I wonder if an aftermarket clutch (ACT, Centerforce) might change this condition?

Justin

VQ Quick

My 97 Se 5 speed jerks through first and second then its smoother through 3rd,4th, and 5th. But mine does this even when the engine is warmed up. However I do have over 100K on an original clutch. Evidently people here like the ACT clutch over the centerforce. What is pricing on that with labor and everything? Anybody have some estimates.