QuestionAlright I will spare the vigorous un needed details the best I can. Though I usually egg on with some specifics, but only to better ensure the accuracy of the answer.
First off, if you have the knowledge to answer my question in the utmost detail as possible I would appretiate the elaboration, and I thank you ahead of time.
Secondly; Okay so my best friend Dave recently purchased a 1998 Nissan Altima (I dont know if its the Altima 2.4 GLE or XE/GXE or SE.) It is a 2.4l 4 cylender, with a 5 speed manual transmission. Also has the sunroof and cd player, 4 door, with pwr window/door, the interior doesnt seem to be anythign special except for like a maple wood or wood grain dash style that covers most of the drivers instument panel and gauge assembly(I guess a for a more luxerious look; if you ask me they should have offered leather interior to go along with that, if they didnt already) if that helps differ the model type if neccisary,
Now, ive looked around this website and some others for some time on specific instructions for replacing the clutch(Or so im lead to believe that is the problem). Alike some other entry's dealing with the Nissan Altima I found some similiar to the symptoms.
Basically at low rpm's i.e. 800-2000RPMs or so, there is a vibration and or noise coming from what sounds like more the passenger side of the car from under the hood. Sounds close to the firewall aswell. Could it be an exaust leak? I dont think so....
When pressing in the clutch and letting the motor drop from what ever RPM's it was at and goto its normal idle speed, then the louder engine noise/vibration etc. ceases at what I call an empowered idle or change in RPMs(An idle or speed or RPM speed that isnt stalling or lacking for power or is in a good "Power range" or trying to cease running or anything.) while coming to a stop or just pressing in the clutch pedal to downshift, upshift, or come to a stop , nothing odd about that except for a loud noise of the motor winding down at a volume that I believe is out of the ordinary. Along with it you can feel the car shake, or vibrate to the motor winding down. I dont believe it is the brakes or anything thing todo with it outside of the drivetrain(motor/tranny).
This car has a little under 100,000 orig. miles.
And Hasnt been exactly abused to bad, as far a maintaince well I have no clue.
Back to where this guy Dave fits all back in, Its my bestfriend's car like I said, his name is Dave, and I firmly believe the clutch in it needs to be replaced. I have the mechanical skill and knowledge to replace it I would surely hope. Ive never replaced a clutch in any vehicle, and to be frank I dont know what I need to do first to tackle this problem. I read on this site that around 100,000 miles is about the time to replace the clutch; also granted that my friend Dave has never drivin a Manual transmission car and learned with this car. I tried to teach him as easily as one can by driving by example and explaining what Im doing and when, and Its to my belief he has the whole driving a manual thing down...but in his learning stages I believe he rode the clutch out too long or not enought.
I beg and plead of you, if you could supply me with the information I need to know.
1. What is the cause of the noise and vibration.
2. If its the Clutch, what parts do I need to purchase and as cheap as total.(Ive browsed through clutch parts, for example a Altima OEM Clutch Kit, Is it this I need to purchase and what parts come the "Kit". If I dont need the entire kit, or if it is not absolutely necissary to buy a whole "Kit" then what should I proceed in purchasing. Keep in mind im trying to do this as cheap as possible.
3. If I dont need the whole kit then whats the bare minimum.(I.E. Throw out bearing, Pressure Plate.etc.)
4. If you have the time, even though various parts may not need be replaced, id like to learn what each part to a manual transmission is and what it does...(Pressure plare, throwout bearing, clutch master/slave cylender etc. All major components)
I appretiate the help greatly and anticipate what will hopefully be a speedy reply as time is not my friend in this situation. If theres any outside sources you know of that could help, like maybe a site found with atleast some pictures or diagrams to get an idea of the magnitude of this problem or atleast let me see what im going to expect. I had read somewhere about dropping motor and tranny together, I hope this isnt the case with this car or hope there maybe another way of approaching it, as tools/lift's/various ways of getting it done and such are limited to your standard sockets/wrenches, floor jack and maybe some jack stands and the terrain it will be parked on to attempt this isnt exactly ideal. So thats about what I got to work with, possibly a second jack if needed to lower tranny, if not Ill just drop it onto my chest and just scoot with a creeper, ive used that teqnique taking out and putting some AT trannys on other vehicles Ive worked on. Just info would help thank you (Mr.) Von Sudderth.
Also if you have any idea where to pick up a air conditioner control factory replacement unit, Could use one of those to because the unit that controls fan speed, air displacement and position, and temperature etc. has been bashed inwards into the center instument cluster above the factory stereo, as well as the lcd screen that shows the information from the radio is blank, doesnt show information but works, also the eject button doesnt work.
Sorry for such the long question but I just wanted to make sure I hopefully get the answer right the first time, and pray I dont mess up my friends car worse than it is. Its manditory for me to fix this car as the sum of cash hes offering is exactly what I need right now to fix my motorcycle. Plus its gotta be cheaper than the shop. ;)
Sincerely,
Corey Michael.
AnswerCory,
If the clutch releases close to the floor and not at the top of pedal travel then it needs to be replaced. If the clutch releases close to the top or in the middle then you are fine. I would think the vibration is caused by the car beign a front wheel drive and being over five years old the engine mounts are getting soft or one is broken. Put the car on a lift and check out all the engine mounts for softness or damage.
Clutch kits can be obtained on-line like courtesynissan.com or rockauto.com. Remember that you need a clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, pilot bushing and an alignment tool. It is best to get a matched set to preclude difficulties. Also, it is important to go to the dealer and get new clutch cover bolts as the orignials have been spun around and around for years and I would not trust them.
On the dash you are going to be going to a wrecking year for the trim parts and controls or the dealer. Now, for just the controls you could go to rockauto.com and save some money over the dealer. But for me I like the wrecking yard.
