Hi everybody. I'm in a market for a 2002 6 sp Maxima. Found only one in our area.
Despite of overall good condition, one thing makes me anxious about this car:
the clutch pedal has an incredibly long travel comparing to my 96 SE.
My left leg even hits the wheel when it reaches the upper point.
(Couldn’t drive the car yet, but I will this Tuesday)
Is it normal for 5.5 gen. (the way it designed); or the pedal is out of
adjustment; or pointing to some more serious mechanical flaw?
Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Boris

 

The resting point is high and as a result the total travel is very long...but the engagement point is pretty high (somewhere during the first 1/4 of the travel distance). You just have the learn the engagement point...and once you have the muscle memory, you hit it every time and dont have to push all the way to the bottom. When you learn that, the shift is quicker and smoother. It does take some time to get used to. I'm owned plenty of MT cars before and when i first bought this car, i was convinced i didnt know how to drive a MT anymore. I realized it was all because i hadnt learned the engagement point.
As far the the resting point being high...thats normal. I'm 6'3" (mostly leg) and dont really have a problem with my leg hitting the wheel. I have my seat back pretty far so it isnt a problem. You just have to get a good seat position. I actually like the resting position because its a good height in comparison with the other pedals. Makes shifting and heal/toe easier just because your feet are in the same position.

 

yeah i thought the same thing when i started driving 6spd(really recently) but i got used to it really quick. so dont worry about it

 

Yeah, it's normal for the 5.5 gens. It can be adjusted some though.

 

I've only owned on AT car in my life. My first 5.5 was an auto till it was totalled and now I have the 6 speed. And man this is the most difficult MT car I've ever drive. Smooth take offs are not very easy. I've owned this car for almost 2 years and still don't drive it as smooth as I should, but I love the power this thing has.......

 

My max has the most unsporty (sp?) clutch feel. I drove my friends early '90's Jeep cherokee 5 speed a few weeks ago and liked the feel of the clutch way better. Just gotta live with it though.

 

I test drove a 6spd last week... The car I drove also had a high engagement point. Felt a little weird at first (compared to 4th gens) but I could probably get used to it.

 

Thanks guys, I feel much better now, nevertheless I'm still in doubt because of really (I mean it), really great difference between my 96SE and this car.
The 4th gen Haynes manual in “Clutch & driveaxles” specifications recommends 6.6-6.8 inches height for clutch pedal resting position (mine is a little higher, however). If some of you has this kind of spec for the 5.5th gen, could you please provide it to me? I searched everywhere, FAQs, stickies, etc. but couldn’t find it.
Thanks a lot.

 

Does anyone know if it is at all possible to swap out the ctluch pedal/master cylinder with a 4th gen or 3.0 5th gen setup?? IMO they feel better than the 5.5 gen pedal.

 

I had the same problem getting used to my '02 6 spd, but now I love it. Although after driving some other high performance MT cars, the throw is much longer on the Maxima. But I'll put my money into a Maxima any day over anything else!