Nissan Patrol Clutch

Submitted: Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:06

ThreadID: 32734 Views:8036 Replies:8 FollowUps:4

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Member - David M (VIC)

Hi Guys, I have a problem with my 2003 GU 3.0TD. 44,000kms and the clutch is slipping. Local Dealer has inspected and says that Nissan only covers clutch's up to 10,000 kms. I have searched the Archives to see if any other Patrol owners have had similar problems, but apart from high kms or earlier models, doesnt seem to be anyone else. Local dealer is telling me that clutch replacement will be $1550 for Genuine Nissan and unless they can find an apparant source. e.g. Real main seal leaking onto the clutch it will be at my cost. Vehicle is basically Mums taxi and has only done one trip, down the Border Track towing a Trak shak camper. Haven't had any other towing or bogging problems to consider it may be my fault. I have had Cruisers in the past that have done 200,000+ kms on original clutches and Nissan assure me the clutch in the 3.0td is bigger and stronger!
I am at a bit of a loss to explain so anyone out there that has had a similar experience? or any advise as to how I can argue my case with Nissan?

Regards
Davo

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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:17

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:17

Davo, Our old GU 4.2 has 350,000k's on the clock with the original clutch, its towed some hard k's,4x4 trailer and a 3 horse float and snatched plenty of other vehicles. It makes you wonder why failures occur so early!!! Michael

Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

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AnswerID: 166121

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:21

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:21

Maybe youn should ask the Nissan dealer why you would want to spend double the amount on such a crappy clutch when you can buy a better aftermarket unit and have it fitted for half the cash!! Michael.

Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

Retired 2016 and now Out and About!

Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.

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FollowupID: 421053

Reply By: brian - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:57

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 10:57

My 2000 model patrol had its clutch replaced at approx 35000,my current 2002 model had it replaced at 110000 as a precautionary measure as the dealer had the gearbox out at the time to fix oil leaks,the clutch was determined to be approx three quarter worn then.
First gear is so high that it is easy to slip the clutch more than is dedsireable

AnswerID: 166126

Follow Up By: brian - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 11:00

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 11:00

at the last time i priced a daken clutch but there wasnt much difference in price maybe i went to the wrong place...

FollowupID: 421059

Reply By: GUPatrol - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 11:06

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 11:06

Davo,
UNfortunately Nissan is correct... However....

If they find upon removal that there is an oil leak which caused slippage then it is a warranty job, because a faulty seal in itself is warranty and if that caused other components to fail then they should wear it.

If not then you have to pay.

The other thing is that the diafragm on the pressure plate sometimes can loose tension, if that happens clutch slips (that is what happened to mine 4.2 when it had 220000kms).

The way to do it is, go with it and let them do it but request to inspect the components, if you are not mechanically minded then take someone with you.

If there are any doubts take the old parts with you and fight it after.

IF there are signs of oil leakage into the clutch then they should fix the oil leak and the clutch under warranty. Same if the diafragm has broken.

Otherwise just pay it and we very aware how you drive it.

Will

AnswerID: 166130

Reply By: Notso - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 12:07

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 12:07

I's interesting about the clutch problems. I have 172,000 on a 2000 GUII and it has never been a problem. Tow a 2 tonne van most of the time and it feels as strong as ever.

AnswerID: 166138

Follow Up By: hl - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 13:03

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 13:03

Hi,

If the cause of the failure is oil on the clutch linings, you would have known that for a while as it would have shuddered a fair bit.
There seems to be a lot of difference in clutch life and I think it is mainly driving style. I don't find the need to slip the clutch much at all, except a steep hill start.
My previous truck was a GU 2.8, apparently also notorious for premature clutch failure. It still had the original in it at 140,000 when I sold it. The truck had the flywheel replaced U/W at around 90,000k, and at that time it was decided there was plenty of life left and we put the old plate back!

Cheers

FollowupID: 421073

Reply By: garryn1292 - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 15:00

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 15:00

Hi,
I have a 2000 gu & the clutch started slipping at 40000 ks,had it replaced with a heavy duty clutch at a nissan dealer for $900 this included machining the fly wheel.(this was a 4.2).I had a gq 4.2 before this that did 170000 of hard work including a lot of beach driving & towing & never had a problem,the dealer said they were not the same clutch in the gu.Very disapointing.

AnswerID: 166171

Reply By: Geoff - the first - Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 20:19

Monday, Apr 10, 2006 at 20:19

David,

I had a very similar experience a couple of years ago.
Mine (2000 GU 4.2td) started slipping at 56,000km. I got the same initial response from Nissan re not replacing over 10,000km. The dealer removed and inspected the clutch. They also took photos. They had the clutch measured and tested. It looked and measured like new. The rivets on the pressure plate were still shiny!! I've still got it in the shed. Nissan stuck to their guns. So did I. I had a Daikin HD unit fitted to get the car off the hoist and back on the road. We continued to argue (nicely, of course) back and forth for a while. 3 months later, Nissan conceded because they couldn't prove wear or abuse. ("If it's not worn, and it hasn't been abused, how can it be my problem?"). They may pay, but you will need a very good case.

Cheers and Good Luck
Geoff

AnswerID: 166238

Follow Up By: Member - David M (VIC) - Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 09:34

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 09:34

Thanks to all the Respondee's. Local dealer had it in bits yesterday and I went in and took a gander. Appears the Clutch plate is worn right down to the rivets and has also damaged the flywheel. They now tell me the standard Flywheel can't be machined and has to be replaced. Genuine Nissan product $2300, or aftermarket job $1300. At some stage the clutch has become very hot and has obviously been slipping for quite some time, although it hasn't been noticable. Just another case of the gremlins I suspect, as there is absolutely no recollection of any clutch burning or any other event which could have damaged it to the extent it is.
What can you do, Just get on with life and try and forget the pain in the back pocket.
Cheers
Davo

FollowupID: 421263

Reply By: DavidT - Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 17:43

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 at 17:43

Hi Davo

Been there done that, my clutch lasted 100,000 then pooped itself. I went down the track of having a clutch specialist change the clutch he put in a aftermarket clutch and said there was too much play in the dual mass flywheel so a new won went in since it is still under warranty i discussed it with nissan melbourne and said this was a wearing part and would not warrant it so i took the flywheel to a nissan service centre and they said yes there was some play in it but they would notve replaced it so i have a spare flywheel, i agree that is not much out of a clutch and people where saying that i did great to get 100000 out of mine now yes it is a worry and i am looking ata new 3.0l GU and i suppose i will have to factor in a clutch in the new price there is a mob in Penrith NSW who puts in a solid flywheel in to the GU.

Regards
Dave

AnswerID: 166489