i have a 97 5spd with 151k... lately my cars performance has not been up to par. I under the impression that due to the lack of performance that it could be my clutch? The reason for this is the following:

1 - when accelarating off of first and revin up to about 4g rpms, I engage the clutch reach for the shifter and it just almost feels like it slips right out of gear

2 - I am driving and in 5th gear, when slowing down to a stop to about I would say 25-30 mph and still in 5th gear and then accelerating while still in 5th the car has no power whatsoever...

3 - on the highway no performance.

4 - how do I check if my clutch is going... i heard this thing about taking off on 3rd and if the car stutters than my clutch is good....

could it be the clutch? Could it be a Knock sensor? Does the KS throw a code or not? I read in the stickies that it "DOES NOT" throw a code.

also when gear is in forth, I have noticed that when I let go of the gas the shifter moves forward and when I give it gas the shifter moves back while in 4th. Is this normal for a manual car?

I would really appreciate anyones advise/expertise on this subject...

cause I don't want to buy a clutch if infact don't need one...

 

As far as your number two, what RPM are you at in 5th at 25MPH? I would think pretty damn low, which would explain it not 'having any power'.

Number 3 - 'no performance' on the highway? Meaning what?

And I believe the shifter movement you have is a symptom of bad motor/tranny mounts, allowing excess movement.

 

5 gear at that speed you should have no accell.

Dumping your clutch at 4 k rpms probably would lead to diminished clutch feel/ transmission wear.

Clutch would move around when on/off gas in almost any gear.

What do you mean no performance on the highway? What gear? What speed?

To check if the clutch is going get on it in 4th and 5th at like 40mph if there is slippage then the clutch is going.

 

The Knock sensor doesnt trigger the CEL but does give a code check your ecu for the code.

And about the shifter moving it caused by the mounts which is normal

 

4g? slips out of gear? if it's slipping out of gear then you need a tranny rebuild.

Yes that's normal. That's why you downshift. You want to be in the optimal rpm range for each gear (usually over 2500rpm when accerating).

Are you downshifting to the lowest gear when you accelerate? Dead knock sensor? Dead coil packs? What octane are you using?

If you floor it in first gear and your rpms just fly up really fast then your clutch is dead.

Yes. This is normal.
I don't think you need one unless "if you floor it in first gear and your rpms just fly up really fast then your clutch is dead."

 

1) if it slips right out of gear (your shifter comes out of 1st gear into neutral) then your tranny is going.

2) driving 5th gear and try to accelerate from 25-30, of course you have no power whatsoever. it's totally normal. you won't have power till about 40.

3) you need to further define performance on highway.

4) taking off on third, if you car stutters to catch it onto the gear to roll, or even if your car stalls off, then your clutch is fine. If you can slowly pick up and finally get it moving without any stuttering and vibrations, then your clutch is slipping.

when your clutch is bad, you'll know it. you'll be accelerating the engine rpms, but car just won't pick up to catch to speed.

 

Do you have any fellow maxima 5-speed friend who can take the keys and either confirm or reject your inquiry

 

well on 1st gear on a slow roll then I slam on the gas the car moves, wheels spin no problem...

as for the 4th and 5th gear at 40mph I will test this in a few mins... I need to know what is going on... so ok wait till I am doing 40mph and then floor the gas, if slippage, bad clutch?

I did buy the car used and know the car has 151k miles.. and I am not certain when the clutch was replaced if at all... well I am sure that it was but cannot pinpoint at what mileage...

sometimes when i am parked and engage the clutch to put it in gear, the shifter wont fall into gear. I would have to release the clutch, press in again and then it will catch 1st or reverse?

 

not at all... all of them have autos...

 

If you drive like that on a daily basis, you're going to need a new clutch in the not too distant future!

 

could it be that I have little gear oil? the reason I ask is that I have noticed a small leak from the drivers side axel which I purchase a gasket for. However I have done some research and it seems that this leaks occurs when there are some bad bearings in the tranny. Is this correct? For that amount of money to drop it and parts might as well purchase a 01 VLSD tranny.

 

Your clutch is fine man. If you get wheel spin (peeling out), then your clutch is plenty strong.

 

i am a happy man now... so then what could it be... could it be like the fuel... maybe it has some water in it? could it be the knock sensor...
i used to be able to chirp when I popped it into 2nd but no longer... what could it be... i mean at times I am a bit paranoid/buggin even.. but i feel the difference... you know...

 

It's hard to diagnos, go through the stickies and see what things you can and see if any of them help. It may be fuel filter, plugs, knock sensor, o2 sensor, clogged cat, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

 

Clutches don't last forever. It's probably showing its age, that's all.

 

So I should possibly change it then to get it out of the way?

 

Why spend 600 on fixing something that isn't broken.

 

Ok...first you need to modify your driving habits. Flooring the accelerator at any given speed is just not good for the transmission and drivetrain. If you floor the accel while rolling at 1st gear, it puts a lot of strain on them. At 151k miles your transmission's life will diminish fast. If you are on 5th gear and you reduce speed to 25-30mph, then you floor it, it is also bad. Like some said, you are at the wrong gear for that speed to begin with. Flooring the accel will bog the engine down. You need to downshift to probably 2nd or 3rd. Check with your vehicles operators manual. In it, you will find the recommended speed for each gear.

 

I think this guy needs a lesson on driving a 5 speed.
There's nothing wrong with his car.

 

there is a test you can run. start in 1st the short shift into 2 (so that second is around 2k or 2.5) then shift into 5th rev. The next step is to dump the clutch at the same time you mash the gas. if the flots at high rpm and does not pull your clutch is slipiping. if the car bogs right has you let the clutch is out you clutch is grabing and working fine

 

what's up jae...

if you want, i can come by and check out your car for you, let me know.

-Freddy

 

Whatever you're smoking, I want some. That is not a test of any kind, that is just a stupid thing to do. Starting in 1st then shortshifting into 2nd only to shift into 5th and mash the gas and dump the clutch? Can you say tranny failure. You keep testing you're clutch this way, but please no one else take this poor advice.

 

Seriously. If you dont know that you wont have any accelerating power in 5th gear at 30mph. . . sell the car and buy an auto.

 

This here is a Maxima that will not live for much longer. You should seriously consider asking your friends how to drive stick, because your questions are mindboggling. Why are you dumping your clutch at 4krpm btw, no way in hell are you getting the slightest traction with that. If you are chirping into second it is because you either dont know how to shift or are trying to impress the old ladies walking down the street. You are giving it too much gas and dumping the clutch and hence your tires chirp. You can dump the clutch up to the grabbing point but once you get there make sure to slow your foot work down considerably and ease it in. Looks, like everyone else added their 2cents so ill just go back to bed...lol