Driftin: here are the part numbers that thedealer put in in place of the ones that are listed on teh TSB:

30100AA780 disk
30210AA520 cover
30502AA080 bearing
12342AA050 Fly wheel

The reason they ended up putting these parts in is because the ones that they ordered had not come in when they needed too, so they installed these. I spoke to the woman service manager about this, and she stated that this was a heavier duty cluth that could be used. I kind thought that sounded funny because if they had these parts there to start with, why did they have to order the other ones.

I am really curious if any one else had this happen to them. If they just installed parts that are bound to start having the chatter again, I will bring it back to get fixed again.

let me me know if these part number match yours.

 

I have the same flywheel part number as you, but my clutch disc and cover are both higher part numbers..

disc is 30100aa790 and the cover is 30210aa530. So they are very close. Once again I say my clutch is VERY stiff. I would go so far as to say its stiffer then the ACT street clutch I had in my 240sx.

 

Bear in mind, my clutch was replaced in August 2002. Most likely its before they came up with a real fix for the problem. It seemed to fix all my problems then but now the shutter/chatter is coming back..

I assume after a while of that, the decel noise might return as well.

I plan on leaving the car at the dealership the night before my appointment because there is very little chance of them seeing the problem after I drive the car the 10 miles or so to the dealership. I hope i'm not wasting my time.

=Phil

 

It was kind of a grindy gear-whine while decelerating in-gear. It does it still, but it sounds normal. (It was so loud before, it sounded like there was gravel in my tranny!)

Supposedly, the heavier flywheel that comes with the upgraded parts is supposed to play a part.... I didn't really look into why it was better.... it just is. C- ya

 

Hey just something u might check on the decel noise. I too was complaining about that before. It sounded horrible. But i found the fix.. The bolt that goes thru the shifter bushing was loose. I gave it a few snug turns and BAM, no more grinding noise. Might wanna check it out. Who knows what u might find.

 

Driftin: I'll check that bolt out.

HellaDumb.: Thanks for the information. I have that noise as well, and will ask the dealer about the next time I call them.

 

I went to the dealer that fixed the clutch the first time and spoke to the service manager.

He said that he checked or remembered that got the updated parts the first time and that the purpose of the parts is to fix the noise problem.

He said that the "Chatter is normal, they all do it".

Basically I saved myself the trouble and cancelled the appointment with that dealer. I will talk to the selling dealer to see what if anything they are willing to do for me.

SOA says "The clutch is not covered under the powertrain
warranty it is only covered under the new car warranty.
Your Added Security Gold Plan does have coverage for certain components of the clutch."

Basically if noone will do anything for me, I will just goto a transmission shop and have them put in some kind of after-market clutch. I'm over 30,000 miles right now, what other choice do I have?

=Phil

 

Keep the appointment, print this, and take it with you. If they refuse to perform the work, sue them.

 

While the federal government won't compel SOA to fix it, the language of the TSB, combined with a properly worded 'symptom' on the service write-up should result in the new components being installed 100% of the time. At the very least, if anybody is refused this service under the TSB and warranty, SOA should be notified as outlined in several previous posts. Unfortunately, however, some dealerships respond only to litigation, and fixing your clutch is cheaper than fighting or settling a lawsuit, even if it's one with doubtful legal merit.

 

I faxed a letter to the service manager of the dealer that replaced the clutch the first time.

I mentioned the road and track article, the service bulletin, and the fact that the parts mentioned on the service bulletin do not match the invoice from the repair they did. I then said I would like to give him the opportunity to "stand behind his work".

He hasn't responded as of yet. If he doesn't, I will send him and the general manager of the dealership another letter via the USmail. (maybe registered mail)

I plan on giving the selling dealer the opportunity to fix this, so I might write a letter to the general manager there as well. I like letters, they don't allow me to loose my cool.

-Phil

 

That sounds like a good plan. Don't wait too long for his response. Instead of the second letter, Try just calling him tomorrow directly to speak with him.It shouldn't be too hard to keep your cool, and explaining it again has a good chance of working, especially since you're still under warranty.