Nissan Repair: Nissan Maxima Clutch, nissan maxima, throwout bearing

Question
The clutch pedal on my 96 Maxima (176,000 miles) is getting very hard to press in.  No problems changing gears, just difficult to push the pedal in.  

Answer
Jerry,

The throwout bearing is probably grabbing and needs to be changed.  This means that the transmission has to be removed to get to it.  And, if that is the case, replace the clutch while you have it out.  Use a scotchbrite to clean up the shaft that the throwout bearing rides on and then use the Nissan grease to lubricate it and then wipe it down really good with a clean cloth to get the grease off.  All you are doing here is getting the grease to penetrate the metal and then remove it.  You do not want it getting on the new clutch.  Use new clutch cover bolts when you change the clutch.  Those bolts have been spinning at engine speed for all these years.