Budget 4x4- Need advise!!

[caprihorse]

Changed all under-body rubber bushes, engine mounts, gear box mounts.today...

All Genuine Nissan Parts!!!


Tomorrow...all fluids, and filters....also Will replace spark plugs!!! And then should be ready for the drive.....:011:

You deserved a medal, your car will love you. :051:

[CAMEL]

My first drive, Basic Instinct with my Patrol....


What a pleasure as always with ALMOST4X4 and the marshals!!!

Coming to the Patrol....She performed wonderfully and was able to tackle the drive wonderfully.... until after the BIG DROP at fossil rock, the clutch wouldn't work.... A quick word with Shamshi and he suggested we leave the car to cool down and continue the drive....Missed driving at the CAMEL rock sadly.

We came back after an hour and for the expert that Shamshi is the clutch worked!!!!

GR8 and reassuring to be with the marshals and organizers of Almost4x4....

I guess the clutch plates have to be replaced as it did not work under extream heat....will check and keep you posted of what happens!!!

But nevertheless very proud of HER!!!!

[CAMEL]

HI All,

Have been checking on the clutch problem....seems that the clutch is worn out and usually in Nissans they continue to work in normal driving conditions!! But under extreme conditions the could fail....Thanks Silvester for the inputs!!

Now as advised i need to change the complete clutch system from top to bottom, which is the cylinder on top, connection Hose, cylinder at the bottom, clutch Disc clutch cover and release bearing....Just to be sure that the complete system works fine.....and even after that if it doesn't work....ill have to blame my driving!!!:)

Now the question is, the original Nissan parts cost me around AED 2000, and since i was replacing the clutch thought of finding some performance clutch for my engine...Found one from EXEDY the have a PERFORMANCE Clutch disc, Clutch Cover and Relese bearing for around AED 3000 as against the same original Nissan parts cost around AED 1000. Labor charges would be the same for both the jobs....

I am not sure if i should be spending the AED 2000 extra as i don't intend to enhance the engine out put....but i am sure with the sport clutch the even the stock engine would BITE better.......

ANY THOUGHTS!!!

[Desert Lizard]

I don't think the performance clutch would help out now. Better get used to driving the manual as is before investing in a more expensive item. If you don't use the clutch properly, even the performance clutch won't last long..

With manual gears, you won't get better engine output by using a performance clutch, since the engine torque is transfered directly to the gears once the clutch pedal is released.

Now if you have any wornout parts in your car's system, by all means replace them. THEN focus on proper driving.. if you keep your left foot slightly pressed on the clutch all the time, it will heat up very quickly.

only my two cents...

[CAMEL]

The car has done about 200K on the odo....i really dunno when the clutch was last replaced and ofcourse the clutch is a replacement part and will change the complete system as the original Nissan parts seem quite reasonably priced...

Then of-course will have to check on my driving style....I am driving a manual after a very looong time...But this clutch seemed week from before. Because in the drops when i tried to use second without clutch and accelerator...she wouldn't hold much....so i guess it was week and also the clutch gave in after the big drop at fossil rock where i was on second and again no clutch no accelerator...

[delta83]

for the clutch, it s better to keep the NIssan original one, the sport clutch if it will fail it will brake down which means cant drive car out, but the original one.. let it cool down and will take you back home in easy route..

[caprihorse]

There are few factors to consider:

1. You car is more than 10 years old
2. You never know, who and which way was abusing the clutch
3. Nissan original parts are designed typically as 'heavy duty' compared with other manufacturers
4. You need to change the whole clutch system, clutch disk, fly wheel, bearing, top cylinder, down booster, power hose
5. This should cost you around 4,000 Dhs, parts and labour
6. The mechanic should know what is he doing and adjust the clutch pedal in a sensitive way, not too much up and not too much down, to avoid clutch slipping in rough conditions
7. Don't drive immediately off-road with a new clutch and allow at least 2,000 km to settle it properly, otherwise you may face the situation back at Nissan and garage to replace the same parts again
8. Your new clutch should serve you at least next 100,000 km at rough conditions
9. Additionally learn, how to use the clutch. If you smell something strange in your car, when off-roading, it's your clutch and not mine :011:

[CAMEL]

No drive this weekend!!! Gives me enough time to sort out my clutch issues I hope....and also get the run in of 2000 K's....I hope!!!! Anyone needs a lift to Muscat, Abu Dhabi, or any far places let me know!!!!

[Riazj]

This is a really nice thread with lots of good information.... A suggestion to add it to the'most impotant articles' thread....

[CAMEL]

Just for who might wanna know the....

The cost of the Nissan Patrol, 1998, 4.5 L , Manual Gear, bought from a dealer in Sharjah including registration and Insurance was AED 32000.00

Since then i have spent AED 2000.00 on the under-body rubber bushes and engine & Gearbox mounts, All original Nissan Parts.