goredcar

Recently got a new clutch put in and I don't know if it is my imagination or not, but it seems like the clutch pressure is much stronger than before. I asked if there was any adjustment for this and I was told NO, as it was a hydraulic clutch. Well, I knew that, but there must a damn spring somewhere for the pedal.

The other question I have is regarding engagement point. I drove a 350Z recently and the engagement point was much closer to the floor... I like this a lot better than where mine is (near the mid point of travel). Is there any adjustment for engagement point?

Aside from these relatively minor irritations the clutch engagement is really solid - much nicer than before. Pretty hard to leave a stop light without chirping though. I brought the car home in the rain and I was spinning at every light. Just not built for a gentle take off I guess. Should be interesting in the winter.

Dave

You probably will get used to the new clutch in short order - it sounds like it works well, just feels a little different.

As for this winter, better get some good snow tires and learn how to start off slowly in second gear when the snow accumulates (I found this out the hard way last winter)!

2003 CLS Six Speed
Comptech Icebox

goredcar

I have some good snow tires... but compared to my last CL (5AT) that is so much off the line that I think starting in first is not the way to go... I think your advice is good... starting in second will probablu be much better.

I am really hoping that the clutch pressure lets off though... It is tiring waiting at a light with the clutch in.

Zippee

Wait in neutral with the clutch out. Easier on the clutch, throwout bearing and your leg.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

What happens if you need to move suddenly? You're car should always be in gear. Neutral is only there for when you need to push your car when you're out of gas IMO

Zippee

When would you ever need to move so quickly that you didn't have time to drop it into gear?

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

When someone is flying up behind you not paying attention; doesn't realize you've stopped.

It's alot quicker to be in gear, gas in clutch out go than to get in gear and get moving.

Zippee

Let me be sure I understand....you sit at lights with your eye glued to the mirror poised to jump right out into crossing traffic?

I have never been hit from behind at a light so I'll keep risking life and limb by letting the car rest in neutral at lights.

goredcar

I agree... I don't like being unprepared, and i typically will have it in gear with the clutch in. This new clutch is a beast though, and is noticable stiffer that the old one. I have experimented with having it in neutral and and shifting into gear when I see the other light change, but it is a bit of a pain in the ass... and it does take some extra time.

Zippee

To me sitting with my foot on the floor holding in the clutch is a pain in the ass...well a pain in the leg anyway.

I seldom put it into gear until the light changes, the extra second it takes gives time for the moron on the cross street who ran the red time to get past before I pull out.

goredcar

Yup, it definately is a pain in the leg... but I find that if I don't have the extra time and try to rush I end up squeeling the tires when I don't want to.

tommyy2

"and i typically will have it in gear with the clutch in"

Extras wear on the throwout bearing and tremendous stress on the pressure plate!

Only time clutch should be in is when you are shifting gears.

goredcar

OK - thanks for the information... I appreciate it! I don't know enough about the mechanics of a clutch.