Hello fellow maxima owners,
Been a long time forum follower and I need help today.

I have a Maxima 2002 SE with 152xxx miles now, I have for the last 32k miles(2010) when it had 120k miles, immediately after I bought it I replaced the clutch pressure plate, disc and throw out bearing(and slave cylinder) with all OEM Nissan parts. That was 5 years ago.

Now the clutch is kinda rough, poping sounds when depressing it (on and off), sometimes it ok when driving in the morning but after few miles the clutch is awful to engage. I don't feel it is slipping but car feels "heavier" to accelerate. No CEL and no other problems.

Now what are my good options for a clutch kit:
1. For the 3 parts from Nissan they are $158, $111 and $65
2. Any good aftermarket clutch kit that is reliable and durable compared to Nissan?

Not looking to race or drag or anything, I just need my car reliable, performing good and comfortable.

Your input is appreciated.
Thanks

 

If you used a non-OEM throwout bearing...
I doubt there's anything wrong with the clutch, but it sounds like the TOB is toast.

I would buy an OEM TOB, pull the trans and inspect. That sucker might be in pieces (yet not grind, I've seen it). If there is something wrong with the clutch, then order http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-EXEDY-Cl...5gZIIA&vxp=mtr and throw away the TOB that comes in the kit.

I've used the exedy twice and it's perfect. I've used it with stock and Fidanza flywheel. It's super smooth.

 

I'm not sure if I understand what you said about the mileage. Are you saying the clutch has around 30,000 miles on it? If that's the case you shouldn't be having any problems with it unless it's been abused.

Worn clutches don't usually make noises unless they're really cooked. Where are the noises coming from? Have you listened from under the hood while someone else presses the pedal?

Also, how much free play is at the top of the pedal and does that stay consistent as you drive?

 

Thanks,
1. Should that kit you linked on ebay, work on a stock fly wheel and everything else stock?
2. What is your recommendation regarding fly wheel? I wasn't thinking about changing the fly wheel. It is the stock Nissan one I did not touch on the first clutch job 5 years ago.
3. Does it worth dropping everything a only changing the TOB? I feel it's a waste of time and labor in doing so without changing the disk and pressure plate. I might be wrong though.

Edit: My current TOB is the Nissan part. You say it is better or the excedy one?

 

Yes. My first clutch lasted 32K miles. I might be abusing my clutch? I don't know. But I do 90% stop and go traffic. Very small percent on that 32K miles in highway. I admit I had before that bad habit of waiting for signal light and foot on fully depressed clutch. But I never "abuse" the clutch in like racing or redlining my car.
I should do what you say, thanks. thing is that the clutch peddle pop and grind is not 100% of time, when car is cold and sitting for like a day it is smooth mostly, but after 1 or 2 hour drive in traffic it starts to act bad and noises when engaging the clutch.

 

I

know from.the back its lower.. What springs do i need.. How many inches do.i need to.drop it from.the back and.front.. Thanks

 

Most places won't resurface the flywheel b/c it's dual mass crap. If it's not messed up you can just sand it. If you want to drop hundreds on a lightweight aluminum, I won't stop you
The kit works perfect with any flywheel (some will say to get a sprung clutch for aftermarket flywheel though).

If the clutch isn't worn much, then it's worth it as it'll still last a long time, but your driving habits do make it sound like it's fairly worn (that's a lot of city), so maybe you should replace it. This is at your discretion due to time and what the actual condition is.

Yes, apparently your regular ol Chinese TOBs fail much sooner (surprise). If you rode the clutch on this one and do that much city, then it may have just failed from use.

If you just want to fix and not worry, then just sand the flywheel, replace the clutch and use another OEM TOB. Make sure to really lube up the shaft for the TOB.