Clutch - Pedal Sticking/Hard Shifting

Classification
MT01-001

Reference:
NTB02-025

Date:
March 1, 2002

2002 ALTIMA: CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT

APPLIED VEHICLE(S):
2002 Altima (L31) with Manual Transmission

Service Information

If any of the following apply to a 2002 Altima with manual transmission;

^ Clutch pedal does not fully return to the top of its travel,

^ Clutch pedal sticks down, near or at the floor,

^ Manual transmission is difficult to shift,

^ Recent clutch replacement.

Check the four following items:

^ ASCD switch may require adjustment.

^ Clutch pedal clevis pin may not be floating freely in the pedal clevis and clutch pedal bore.

^ Clutch pedal may not have free range of movement.

^ Clutch hydraulic system may contain air

Refer to the Service Procedure below to inspect and service these areas, if necessary.

Service Procedure

1. Verify the incident as described in the Service Information section.

2. Check the ASCD Switch clearance.

a. Check to see if the clutch pedal clevis pin (see Figure 1) floats freely in the bore of the clutch pedal. It should not be bound by the clevis or clutch pedal.





b. If the pin is not free, adjust the clearance between the threaded barrel of the ASCD Switch and the pedal stopper rubber (see Figure 1). Adjust to a clearance of 0.004"- 0.020" (0.1-0.5 mm) by loosening the lock nut and turning the ASCD Switch rearward (counter-clockwise).

c. Tighten the lock nut.

d. Verify that the clutch pedal clevis pin floats freely in the bore of the clutch pedal. It should not be bound by the clevis or clutch pedal.

TRAINING TIP:

^ The clutch pedal clevis pin (see Figure 1) must float freely in the clevis and clutch pedal bore. This will help to insure that the clutch master cylinder is fully retracted.

^ Full retraction ensures that the pressure side of the plunger is opened to the oil reservoir in the master cylinder and can maintain a full oil charge for the next stroke.

^ A full oil charge guarantees complete disengagement (release) of the pressure plate.

^ Complete disengagement ensures the pressure plate will produce enough return force to overcome the clutch pedal assist spring force and any pedal friction. This will help ensure that the master cylinder is fully retracted.

3. Check clutch pedal stroke for free range of movement.

a. Remove the clutch pedal clevis pin and manually move the pedal up and down to determine if it moves freely.

b. If any sticking is noted, replace the clutch pedal assembly with the one from the Parts Information section of this Bulletin. Re-assemble the pedal and re-verify that the clevis pin floats freely in the bore of the pedal.

4. Bleed the clutch hydraulic system. Refer to "Clutch Fluid Air Bleeding Procedure" on page CL-8 in the Service Manual.

NOTE:
Do not use a vacuum assist or any other type of power bleeder on this system.

You will not be able to purge all the air.

Follow the Service Manual. Use the standard, two-person process to pump and bleed air from this hydraulic system.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION