Questions and Answers

Shaky Maxima Q. Hi Vince: I just had the clutch and transaxle oil replaced on my 1996 Nissan Maxima. When I got the car home from the shop, I noticed some mild vibration in the drive line that wasn't there before the clutch was replaced. I noticed it right away, since this is normally and very smooth and quiet engine.

This drive line vibration occurs at idle, between 600 rpm (AC off) and 900 rpm (AC on). It is worst at around 800 rpm. The shaking is gone at engine speeds above 1000 rpm and is not dependent on the AC being on, since it can be reproduced with the AC off and the gas pedal depressed enough to get 900 rpm.

The vibration occurs whether the clutch pedal is depressed or released (with the transaxle in neutral). One other thing - while decelerating to a stop, I notice that as I depress the clutch and allow the engine to go to idle, the engine speed sometimes drops below idle (down to 400 rpm) and then recovers.

I've taken the car back and the otherwise new clutch has been replaced - but apparently, the problem persists. The car is now on its way to a tune-up shop to see if there's something awry with the engine or computer.

Any thoughts as to why a clutch replacement would lead to this drive line vibration?

Here are the particulars:
1996 Nissan maxima SE 5-speed
1. Complete tune up at 90,000 (new plugs, air filter, etc.)
2. 3.0 liter V-6
3. Manual transmission
4. Mileage about 92,000
5. Fuel Injection
6. ABS brakes
7. P/S - A/C - Cruise control
8. Rack and pinion steering

A. There is a ground wire that bolts to the transmission. If I remember correctly it bolts with one of the starter bolts. But it may also just bolt to the transmission case. In any event if this ground wire is left off, it could cause the symptoms you describe. A couple of other causes is the harness that runs in back of the engine often gets pinched between the engine and transmission. And the vacuum lines in the same area get pulled off.

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