Clutch problem!

[fadeaway]

Well, my nice deal on my maxima is catching up with me..

Today on my first joy ride with my max, the clutch starting to sink in.. until a little bit later the clutch was all the way down with no pressure by me, no gears would shift.

The car has 130k miles and the clutch has not been replaced as far as I know. Is it typical to have a clutch replacement by now?

Do you think I actually need a clutch replacement or is it possible somethign just needs to be tinkered with? A whole new clutch.. isn't that like $4-500?

I'd appreciate any advice. I knew the clutch was nearing its end when I purchased the car, which is how I got the car for very cheap.

Please, any help wouldbe appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

[turk66460]

I had the same problem around that millage range. Theres alot of possible answers to that typical question. I would start off with something inexpensive such as checking the fluid of the clutch next to the brake fluid, it takes brake fluid. 2nd option is to adjust the clutch through the clutch pedal, if that doesn't work try bleeding the hydrolic clutch. 3rd option is if all don't work about get the master cylinder checked out, if thats still good than its you clutch. Clutch for the Maxima is about $160 at Autozone. Well good luck.

[NetFurie]

fadeaway.. I had the same problem. Thought at first the clutch had died, but as turk mentioned, it turned out the the reservoir was dry (on the '97 it sits right behind the brake reservoir. If it's dry, you'll have to bleed the lines, which is pretty easy but you have to move some stuff out of the way to get to the bleeder.
Here's a link on how to do it if that's the problem.
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/803

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Thanks NetFurie, that's exactly the problem. A family friend mechanic came over and fixed the problem.. perfect now! I will keep that link bookmarked just in case this happens again.

[NetFurie]

Glad to hear it! It probably will happen again though. Mine has a slow leak somewhere so I have to top off the reservoir about once a month.