Ok before you guys say: you are an idiot, you don't know how to drive stick shift why didnt you buy automatic? I'll tell you that I've been driving stick shift cars since 1989, and I've never burnt a clutch before, so I'm really a stick shift pro, ok?
I took my X to a little dune area to see how it will perform, and I almost got stuck in the sands, my tires got half way deep in the sand but I deflated them and with a little experience I managed to get out, smart right? :)
the bad news is I smelled clutch smell so I let it cool off a little then put it on to 2 wheel drive but the car wouldin't move!!!! I took it to the dealer and they said that I've burnt the clutch and guess waht??? the flywheel too, WOW good job, very nice.
believe me guys, I didn't abuse it but the clutch is very very weak, I mean how come the clutch burns after one visit to the dunes and for like only 10 minutes!!! not to mention that my car is 09 and it has 1500 miles only!!! I hope you guys tell me that it is a very well know fact that the Xterra's clutch is one of the weakest clutches in the market

Here are some pics:
http://up4.m5zn.com/9bjndthcm6y53q1w0kvpz47xgs82rf/2009/8/9/08/jp0d8omh9.jpg (http://games.m5zn.com)

and after the problem :(

http://up4.m5zn.com/9bjndthcm6y53q1w0kvpz47xgs82rf/2009/8/9/08/0ncs3ch0u.jpg (http://games.m5zn.com)

I'm not going to criticize your driving. I wasn't there so I don't know the conditions you were in. This is the first account that I'm aware of about anyone burning up a clutch in a 2nd gen or newer (that actually knew what they were doing). Maybe/hopefully it's just a freak incident.

oh man that sucks. ive been drivin stick for years and never blew a clutch. that sand can be rough though. good luck with the repair. whats it gonna cost ya?

This is the second clutch complaint I've heard of in the 2nd gen Xterras. Both happened within fewer than 3000 miles. Either the clutch is too weak for the drivetrain and vehicle weight, or it takes much longer to properly break in than an average clutch...either way, I think it may be something Nissan needs to address.

oh man that sucks. ive been drivin stick for years and never blew a clutch. that sand can be rough though. good luck with the repair. whats it gonna cost ya?


Well, I'm waiting for the dealer to tell me what the damage will be. They told me that clutches are not included in the warranty :( just like brake pads and similar stuff, but come on, after 1500 miles!!!!! so I'm preparing for a good nice loooooong fight with them :punch-big:

Bummer Dude. Clutches are considered a maintenance item (non-warrantable). There have been some "premature" clutch failures of 2nd Gens - thenewX has a few threads about it.

Yep a very common issue among the 2nd gen manual trans people. Most only last till 70,000 before needing replacement.

Ok here are some bad news, the flywheel itself coasts about $1200 (no labor), but they are trying to include it in the warrenty. the new clutch issue coasts about $700 labor included. To be honest, I regret buying a stick shift. :heul3-big:

Damn! That is expensive! Is it because you are in Kuwait or can we expect the same pricing in the US? I just picked up an MT OR.

maybe it's those v6 engines. i've put 50,000 miles on my hardbody myself and it's got almost 200,000 miles on the original clutch. never been to the dunes, though. however, it seems strange that a clutch would be the part to fail on loose ground. i'd more expect to burn a clutch rock climbing or towing or something.

I don't know how sand works, but with mud (similiar substance) some clutches get really messed up if the mud packs in there.

Some trucks get fixed by just letting it dry, others you have to dissemble the entire thing and dry it out yourself.

Maybe you packed the unit with sand and just grinded the bomdigity out of it.

Also, considering the gearbox is a variation of the 350z one, it should NOT be able to handle the weight/tire size of a 2nd gen Xterra.

This is why I drive a 1st gen that cost me like a 2nd gen :)

Stage III clutch FTW, Naow pls.

Damn! That is expensive! Is it because you are in Kuwait or can we expect the same pricing in the US? I just picked up an MT OR.

No, in the US it's much cheeper, I'm sure, it's just here in Kuwait where price are crazy!

I don't know how sand works, but with mud (similiar substance) some clutches get really messed up if the mud packs in there.

Some trucks get fixed by just letting it dry, others you have to dissemble the entire thing and dry it out yourself.

Maybe you packed the unit with sand and just grinded the bomdigity out of it.

Also, considering the gearbox is a variation of the 350z one, it should NOT be able to handle the weight/tire size of a 2nd gen Xterra.

This is why I drive a 1st gen that cost me like a 2nd gen :)

Stage III clutch FTW, Naow pls.

I guess your right, maybe the 2nd gen clutch is not appropriate for it, too bad. By the way, where can I buy a heavy duty clutch? is there a well known brand that I could count on?
Thanks

If the gearbox is the same as the 350z you should be able to get a Stage III clutch for the 350z and put it on.

Dont quote me on it though.

Cheers,

Ok here is something I have to say about our local Nissan dealer, they called me today and told me that I have to pay NOTHING :love-transform-big:

Now that's called satisfying customer service.

Congrats!

Wow i'm shocked. The clutch is usually a wear item. Congrats on your win. Be carful next time. Don't think they will replace it again. 4lo 1st gear is great in the sand.

I have a 2008 Xterra Off the Road with 6 spd. I purchased it in March of 2008. In August of 2008 with under 4,000 miles the clutch went completely. The dealer replaced the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel plus bearing. All was fine until last week. With less than 10,000 miles total (5,000 on recent clutch) it went again. I have been driving standard transmissions since the 1950's. I have had some very high performance cars and never a clutch problem. I am the only driver and drive the vehicle very easy. No dune driving. As others have said and I tend to agree I think the clutch is under designed. Clutches should last 100,000 miles +. I am worried that it will just go again in 4,000 miles. Does anyone know of a heavy duty replacement?

Its not that its under designed, Its that the engine is too much for it and the weight it has to carry around is beyond what it can handle.

Since the engine is a bored out 3.5 from the 350z, the gearbox is also from the 350z albeit different 1st and 2nd gear ratios (and possibly not even that was changed.)

You can't compare the static traction an xterra in 4Lo with the tires, weight of the vehicle and resistance the terrain s giving to a 350z with only rwd and driving on the street.

@phxjeff: you must have some soft of magical clutch, Ive never seen one last 100,000 miles.

The clutch on my 2002 X is up to 93000 miles. I think I can easily get another 10 grand out of it, hopefully 20.

Mines at almost 145,000; still stock clutch

Its not that its under designed, Its that the engine is too much for it and the weight it has to carry around is beyond what it can handle.
Uhh...that means the clutch the 2nd gen sports is under designed for the vehicle.

Anyway, my truck has 2600 miles on it and the clutch is now very weak. I almost want to go out and put the final nail in the coffin so I can just stick a Centerforce in or something. WTH is Nissan thinking? This truck is a daily driver on highways...don't understand how it lost most of its bite.

Uhh...that means the clutch the 2nd gen sports is under designed for the vehicle.

Anyway, my truck has 2600 miles on it and the clutch is now very weak. I almost want to go out and put the final nail in the coffin so I can just stick a Centerforce in or something. WTH is Nissan thinking? This truck is a daily driver on highways...don't understand how it lost most of its bite.

Considering that the 350z was introduced to the market before the 2nd gen xterra, the gearbox came first, then the xterra was released. So technnically unless Nissan kept the 2nd gen xterra a secret while letting out the 350z with the gearbox designed for the xterra and just dropped into the coupe, you'd be right.

The gearbox was not designed specifically for the Xterra, engineers just saw an easy way to put a 6 speed manual to compete with the upcoming (at the time) FJ cruiser which would use the 6 speed off of the Tacoma.

Get owned, thank you...

Problem is Nissan got the gearbox from the 350z and dropped it in and Toyota made it for the Tacoma because only the trucks carry the 4.0L Toyota engine. (its been said that the toyota 6 speed isn't all that great either)

And like I said before, the static traction of being babied on the highway is not the same as in 4lo in 1st gear against the sand.

So rather than being underengineered for the application, it was not engineered at all.

Even more compelling.

Get owned, thank you...what an assclown.

Well, I'm waiting for the dealer to tell me what the damage will be. They told me that clutches are not included in the warranty :( just like brake pads and similar stuff, but come on, after 1500 miles!!!!! so I'm preparing for a good nice loooooong fight with them :punch-big:

The dealer may try to hide behind the fact that you were 'off road' when this incident occurred. Even though the truck is built for...and can handle off road conditions they may claim you were performing malicious abuse to your truck.

I wish you luck in your struggles with the dealer!

i think it may be something with that particular truck or production line of clutches i drive like i stole my my truck and the clutch is still good at 60k front u joint went but clutch stil grabbs enough to bark second gear

i think it may be something with that particular truck or production line of clutches i drive like i stole my my truck and the clutch is still good at 60k front u joint went but clutch stil grabbs enough to bark second gear

Samesies. 47,000 mi, 15,000 of which were mine. I've chirped 3rd gear a few times. Obviously I don't always drive like that, but I'm certainly not being as nice as I could possibly be.

So rather than being underengineered for the application, it was not engineered at all.

Even more compelling.

Get owned, thank you...what an assclown.

says the guy taking an internet conversation seriously, calm down big guy.

chill the fuck out everyone, its a clutch.

Actually, there have been quite a lot of failures of the clutch, some are on their 3rd. I replaced at 30k km commuting on some of the straightest roads in the world (Alberta). I too have driven stick for 30 years (learned in Abu Dhabi in a Subaru age 12). I have not recorded any premature failures on the mark I Xterra ALWAYS the mark II. For you too smoke a clutch a 1500miles on a 10 miute day out, thats crazy. If Nissan don't reimburse me. I will never buy another Nissan. Log your complaints with me I want to hear from you xterraclutch@hotmail.com.

The clutch is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, just like all of the other wear and tear items.

Also, the prices you quoted are flat out rape. 1400 for a new flywheel? I got quoted 700 before i even tried to get them to knock it down, which they did. They told me 300 for the clutch. Certain nissan dealerships that are sponsors of offroad friendly offer 25% off parts. My total at the dealership, for labor and parts is 2060+ tax

Labor was only 960. and i can get parts a lot cheaper other places. Again, im at 21K, so not covered under wear and tear. And idk if i even have to pay that much. Still waiting on tear down and inspection to find out, thats just my quote.

I was looking high and low for a new 6-speed off-road X and was about to pull the trigger when I decided to do a little research first on the 6-speed trans on a 4x4 X. The horrific stories I came across from other owners like yourself made me change my mind very quickly and purchased an auto instead. It blows my mind that a clutch would fry with such little effort. If it's the Z trans in there, wouldn't any Z aftermarket clutch work? Or even the Nismo Z kit with 1000+ kg clamping power? I'd be looking for an aftermarket beefier clutch asap. There has to be someone out there that has developed one for the 2nd gen X. Good to hear the dealership got Nissan to good-will the repair and cover it under warranty.

chill the fuck out everyone, its a clutch.
play nice.......:boxing:

^^^^ thank you Tina!



So rather than being underengineered for the application, it was not engineered at all.

Even more compelling.

Get owned, thank you...what an assclown.

By the way, I thought the term was asshat.....lol.....but I'm slow on the up take on flaming since we don't do it here at CX so thanks for everyone chilling out! :)

And yea, 2nd gen clutches are weak. Too many have failed way early. And yes, to me that means under engineered.

BTW, the dealer did cover his clutch no charge. Congrats dude.

Now all you dudes got owned! :D.....lol.....

Look at Edmunds.com forums. There are hundreds of posts there with people saying they burned their clutch in 06-07-08 Xterras. Sh.t! I was admiring for long, and the day I was going to get one pre-owned, I googled "X-terra clutch" to see how much it will be, because the owner said a shop said his clutch needed to be replaced. Guess what... I found Edmunds forums with hundreds! posts about Xterra clutch.... I didn't buy the car. I want stick-shift and nothing else. People say ...smth..Wolf Technologies make clutches for Xterra... I was trying to see how long those last. I found only one post in the whole net, but it said they last not really much long than original clutch. If anyone knows how to get it solved or if Nissan will solve the problem, let me know. I like evrything the rest about tha car. But I want a stick shift.

yeah the 2nd gen clutch is weak...but the auto trannies are strong. sorry for your troubles...but another why i tell people to stay with the auto trans Xterras...especially if they are looking to wheel it....I've seen WAY WAY too many clutches burn up wheeling..even on the first gens.

you could always swap it out for a centerforce clutch...those are very strong. the people I know who have them LOVE them...and they aren't too too bad costwise.

Thnaks, Rook. This what eventually may happen - I'll get auto. I don't do anything special. I just like driving manual... Auto puts me asleep :) I feel like I am in a golf-cart. Either I'll get 2002-2004 Xterra w/ stick or will get 06+ with auto... :)

Buy the way what is centerforce clutch? Who makes it and where?

centerforce is the company. www.centerforce.com

http://www.pcoa.org.au/forum/download/file.php?id=1085&mode=view

This bulletin never came to north america, but if you have issues with getting the clutch covered, print this bulletin out and take it to the dealer. the dealer will NOT have the authority to repair the vehicle based on this bulletin, however they will have to talk to their local rep and an exception will most likely be made.

At first i wanted the stick, but after seeing this i am glad i didnt go for it and got the auto instead. Has there been similiar reports coming from owners of the Frontiers as well?

At first i wanted the stick, but after seeing this i am glad i didnt go for it and got the auto instead.

I'm with you on that! I had my reasons for going to an auto trans, but never once thought that durability would be one of them. I'm happy with the auto, although it is a lot less fun to drive on the road now. It will come in good when I am actually using the X for what it was intended for. I can already tell that my low speed control will be much better without having to modulate a clutch.

The stick rocks.

The stick rocks.

That means you are in neutral....oh wait, that's not what you were talking about was it? Manuals are more fun than autos....I've had eight of them in my driving life.

I was wanting a stick specialy cause of being in colorado and when it comes to heavy snowits alot easier to control the vehicle speed by downshifting instead of using the breaks. But i went with the auto and am happy with it sofar

The clutch on my 2002 X is up to 93000 miles. I think I can easily get another 10 grand out of it, hopefully 20.
Mines at almost 145,000; still stock clutch

x3 I have the stock clutch and i am passing 123,000 miles

Either I'll get 2002-2004 Xterra w/ stick or will get 06+ with auto... :)

I have a 2002 stick and a 2006 auto :wink-big:

I think I saw at least one. And that makes sense. It is the same truck essentially.

See if the drive train btwn the xterra and frontier are the same, i would think that there would be more complaints from both parties. but then again, off roading in an X requires allot more torque and has more wheel spin that hauling cargo in a frontier. not saying that people do not go off roading in a frontier, but its not as practical as with the X

2008 Xterra OffRoad 6 spd 4X4

I have had it with Nissan. My clutch went out at 5,000 miles, was replaced free of charge, it went again at 9,000 miles again replaced free of charge, but was told no more free replacement. At 13,000 miles I had it checked and it had 70% life left. Today at 15,800 I had it checked again and it has 15-20% left.

I have driven standard transmissions all my life, including a couple of muscle cars and NEVER had a clutch problem. I am 70 years old and baby the vehicle. No off the road, never any sand, ice or mud. I am retired, I do not drive in rush hour traffic. There is something very wrong with the stock clutch. Last time it came apart with the bell housing coated with clutch material.

I'm ordering a Jim Wolf clutch and pressure plate. The dealer said they would charge me $1090 to put it in. A local transmission shop quoted me $300 plus they would resurface the flywheel.

No more Nissan.

Jeff
Phoenix, AZ

^^^ i have to disagree. There has to be something wrong with your driving. I've been in manual cars with people that claim they know how to drive. That they've been doing it since they were born and. Nop, they clearly don’t know how to. I’m just saying revise your ways… if you don’t offroad that is. I despise MT offroading.

I race cars.. real driving, not drag racing. I've been drifting for over 5years, DEing for about 7 and club racing for the last two. I know how to drive, i know how to shift. I'm also a mechanical engineer (not a mechanic!) so i also understand how things work and engage each other, the material, failure modes etc. Why do i say all this, I’ve offroaded in Veneuzela in some of the craziest terrain (Fun Race (toyota only) - you should look it up!) and offroading with a MT was just a bad experience, it forces you to abuse a clutch. Just like my track tires (not drift tires), they go in under 1000miles because they are abused, worn, burnt and sliced. I'm a A/T offroader for that reason….. sadly, I now live in FL and the only reason I have an X (2wd 6sp S) is so I can tow my bimmer (and other toys) around ; / not many cheap sweet looking suvs that can tow 5000 around and still give you over 20mpg!

Indeed, there is something wrong with my driving, its using the inferior parts in the clutch assembly. You don't know me, but I guarantee you my driving is fine. In addition to drag racing I have also road raced both sports cars and high performance motorcycles. I do not slip the clutch, drag the clutch or ride the clutch. As a degreed engineer I can tell you for sure there is a problem with the Nissan parts. Let's see how the Wolfe assembly works. Just the added 15 mm diameter should make a significant difference.

^ the stock Manual tranny is known to be weak...but most of the people I knew with them were at least at 70-80k before they needed replacement...they then went with a centerforce clutch and have been happy since.

and X2 on despising MT offroading....i have seen WAYYY too many clutches burn right up while offroading and attempting obstacles. I would personally never drive an MT offroad....partially because I don't feel I have the experience to do so...and partially because I've tried it before and it sucked...lol

oh i don't doubt that clutch will outlive and outperform the stock one. It doesnt mean the stock one isn't good enough for most road driving. Two clutches before 10,000miles something is not right. You know that the likelihood having used two defective clutches very very low. I hope you have a better experience with thisone that's for sure! I very seldom turn to OE parts when aftermarket upgrades usually cost much less.

I had a chance to put a few hundred miles on the new JWT clutch. All went well and while I need to check several times it looks like my mileage may have gotten slightly better.

I did some calculating. The JWT clutch has over 30% more clutch area than the stock clutch. The JWT pressure plate is noticeably heaver than the stock one. What what I can see I think the stock assembly may work for the 2X4 Xterras, but is not up to handling the added weight and stress of a 4X4 OfftRoad vehicle. THe clutch plate I just had removed, while still working and not slipping, is very close to worn out. And that is with less than 6,000 miles on it. Even some one who abused the clutch, which I have not done, should see better wear than that.

Clutches are old technology and should be designed for the load and if so should last for the life of the vehicle. I don't think the Nissan clutch assembly is defective, just way under rated for the 4X4 OffRoad SUV.

Anyone who has one of these vehicles should have the clutch checked and if near worn out, replace it with a JWT or Centerforce (nearly twice as expensive, but probably the best there is) before it starts slipping. That way you will save the flywheel (which Nissan says is $1,000). Have a local transmission shop do the work, not Nissan. This is not rocket science, but having a lift and the right tools plus experience makes it easy for them. I paid $300 (half a days job) where Nissan wanted $1,100 for the same work.

Jeff

Anyone who has one of these vehicles should have the clutch checked and if near worn out, replace it with a JWT or Centerforce (nearly twice as expensive, but probably the best there is) before it starts slipping. That way you will save the flywheel (which Nissan says is $1,000). Have a local transmission shop do the work, not Nissan. This is not rocket science, but having a lift and the right tools plus experience makes it easy for them. I paid $300 (half a days job) where Nissan wanted $1,100 for the same work.

Jeff

Thanks to Jeff & all who have posted.

I am a prospective X purchaser (2-gen, probably used). I do not do off-road but intend to tow with it. I can't imagine getting an auto, but am clearly concerned about the MT.

It seems clear that in the long run I can get a clutch that will last. The JW would be my choice for the price. (BTW, I checked the Centerforce site and only found clutches through 2004 X's.)

My other concern is the gearbox itself. I saw some reference to it being under-designed for this application, but it seemed the poster considered the clutch & gearbox to be a unit (they are really separate components). I understand it comes from the 350z, and wonder if it will live up to the 5000 lb tow rating claimed for the X.

Any comments/knowledge/experience/links on that subject would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks to all!
Towtruck

Ive had my 06 for 2 years. Manual trans, bought with 32k now has 72k. Never had a problem with the trans or clutch. I have service records since new so I doubt mine has been to the dealer for drivetrain work, but who knows for sure. I definitely drive with "enthusiasm" and have towed a 3k lb. trailer with it multiple times. I do anticipate replacing the clutch kit soon but up till now its been perfect. For the record, I wanted an automatic cuz I used to shift for a living, but out of all of Larry Miller's Dealerships they only had the one I ended up buying. Its been worth it to me, get 20 mpg everywhere.

I've driven standard transmissions for 45 years including 2 VW's (Beetle and minibus), a Volvo, a Citroen, a Honda Prelude, a Honda S-2000, a BMW Z-4, etc, on some of which I put considerable mileage and never burnt out a clutch until I got an Xterra (2006). I burnt it at 17,000 miles in 4 wheel drive getting out of the snow. I know enough not to ride the clutch so I have to conclude that the clutch is too weak for the 4 wheel drive. Cost me $1100 at Nissan dealer to replace. I now have 70,000 miles and the clutch is slipping and needs to be replaced - this could be because I've been teaching my son to drive a stick. But the clutch is definitely a weak spot - doesn't hold up. Why isn't it considered part of the drive train and warranteed?

No stress, it sucks. I had mine replaced at 23k due to me wheeling. I wish I had gotten an automatic.

I just ordered an Exedy clutch kit to replace the clutch on my 06 xterrra. anyone have experience with the exedy clutch?

Xterra Trans:
http://www.courtesyparts.com/xterra-parts-n50-2005-2011/genuine-nissan-parts/power-train/320-manual-transmission-transaxle-fitting/-c-533_534_667_680.html3

350Z trans:
http://www.courtesyparts.com/350z-parts-z33-2003-2008/genuine-nissan-parts/power-train/320-manual-trans-fitting/-c-714_715_778_791.html

^ the stock Manual tranny is known to be weak...but most of the people I knew with them were at least at 70-80k before they needed replacement...they then went with a centerforce clutch and have been happy since.

and X2 on despising MT offroading....i have seen WAYYY too many clutches burn right up while offroading and attempting obstacles. I would personally never drive an MT offroad....partially because I don't feel I have the experience to do so...and partially because I've tried it before and it sucked...lol

Agreed its a pain in the ass for sure. If your stuck on a hill ur lucky if the clutch start assist helps you. Also everytime your climbing a hill on the interstate w/ a trailer the truck is not strong enough in 6th gear so your cruise will always kick off and you always have to down shift.

ok dont worrry it may not be you. the clutch system on the 2nd gen x's is a piece! just about everyone i know with a 2nd gen x manual has burnt theirs out multiple times. chances are this is not going to be the last time you burn it out especially if you have a oem clutch going back in. id say go ahead and get the heavy duty after market clutch and fly wheel. but is you done feel like dropping almost 2g's on it, make nissan do it for free and hope it doesnt happen again

I'd appreciate any well-founded opinions on whether an Exedy clutch kit is better than the stock Nissan clutch.
Thanks

how do i make nissan do it for free? i have 70,000 miles on it.