Guys, on my '92 SE-R, the clutch pedal is very stiff. I replaced the clutch cable, but didn't use the genuine Nissan part. It's still stiff, even with grease on the clutch arm and clutch pedal. With the clutch cable removed from the clutch arm, I cannot manually move the clutch arm. Am I supposed to be able to move this arm? Well, I'm thinking of dropping the trans to take a look inside. What should I look for? My first thought is to grease the main bearing and shaft, is this the right path to take? Or should I first try upgrading the trans fluid? Let me know, thanks.

Originally posted by oldman
Guys, on my '92 SE-R, the clutch pedal is very stiff. I replaced the clutch cable, but didn't use the genuine Nissan part. It's still stiff, even with grease on the clutch arm and clutch pedal. With the clutch cable removed from the clutch arm, I cannot manually move the clutch arm. Am I supposed to be able to move this arm? Well, I'm thinking of dropping the trans to take a look inside. What should I look for? My first thought is to grease the main bearing and shaft, is this the right path to take? Or should I first try upgrading the trans fluid? Let me know, thanks.
I personally would get a Factory Nissan Cable, to eliminate any bad fitment or adjustment issues-but thats just me.
I don't think you can move the clutch arm by hand, maybe w/a breaker bar(you'd be pretty strong if you could by hand:D ) The cable works off of leverage.
W/the tranny dropped, make sure the collar that the throw-out bearing rides on is a little lubed and the bearing is free to move back & forth while pulling on the arm.
Inspect the press. plate springs of the clutch-look for any type of damage or anything wedged between them.
Changing the fluid will do nothing for the clutch arm stiffness, your first thought was on the right path.
Is this a new clutch, old??
My .02 cents
Chris

It's a Centerforce dual friction clutch with about 20k on it, still chirps into 2nd gear. I'm not experiencing any slipping or noises, 5th gear was replaced when I bought the car about 35k miles ago.

BTW, I was a local wrecking yard and they had a '91 SE-R. I was able to easily manipulate the clutch arm on that car, with one finger actually. Is that a bad thing? I was thinking of buying that trans for a spare, but you mention that I should not be able to move the clutch arm with my hand. So maybe it's not a very good idea to buy it.

There would be a small amout of play in the arm, up until it hits the pressure plate "fingers"/springs. From there it would be hard to push by hand.
A spare tranny, that would be cool-you can always get the clutch stuff, but a extra case and gears if the price is right.
Chris

The replacement clutch cable snapped on me while driving home from work. Good thing I had just shifted into neutral. Well, I ordered a genuine Nissan cable. And....it worked, the clutch pedal is now smooth and soft. Please people, order the genuine item as far as the clutch cable is concerned. I learned my lesson.

Wow what a piece of junk. I just replaced my cable with a Nissan one. I didn't even know anyone had an aftermarket unit. Good thing I didn't go that route. Glad to hear you solved it.

If the price is good I would definately pick up that spare tranny. If not for you, they are a good bargaining chip around here.