I finally got the clutch to howl for the dealer and had it replaced two days ago.

They told me the day after mine came in, they got a notice from Nissan that there are problems with the 2k2 clutch plates. The original plates are too hard, and don't engage well. As a result, they polish themselves to the point where they begin to slip and make a howling noise.

The new clutch is a softer material, and locks up better than it ever has before. The car pulls harder in 3-6 than it did when it was new, and it is like getting a new toy.

This is not the dying squirrel issue that other have had with the throw out bearing, but a new problem. The tech said send in your friends because they make good money on the changeout. They are paying 4.5 hours on it, and it took about 3.

 

Thanks, is the TSB based on any particular production date or do you have to show the problem first?

 

Was it the pressure plate or the clutch disc they meant?

 

I was having the same issue. I didn't even need to explain it to the dealer..He described it to me!! That was a first. Obviously, it's an issue.

The manager told me that it was the clutch disc and they have a modified disc to replace it. I asked him what was modified and he said they don't tell him that. I think that's bull. You know what the original disc looks like..take a look at the modified disc

It had to be ordered and it will take 2 days to install. He told me to have fun with the car meanwhile

 

I can tell you that after having the disc, pressure plate and flywheel replaced, the clutch feels awesome. In addition to the new disc material, I believe the new pressure plate has more "tension" on it's "fingers". The feel in the pedal is MUCH better, engagement is very precise and the pedal movement feels much more progressive. I think the pedal "feel" while it is being moved is largely the result of the new pressure plate while the change in engagement and "feel" at the engagement point is largely the result of the new disc. Try to get the new pressure plate if you can.