Questions and Answers

Creepy Nissan Hardbody Q. 1991 Nissan truck 4WD KA24E engine, manual transmission, 145,000 miles. When stopping at a light or sign, I push the clutch in and put vehicle back into first gear. If I need to pull up a little to tighten up the space between me and another vehicle, I let the clutch out slowly and when desired distance is reached I push clutch pedal back in

The problem is that the truck still seems to want to move forward (resistance is felt). I sometimes have to pull the shift lever out of gear and put it back into gear when i move forward again. This problem does not happen if I never let the clutch out all the way (as in starting off from a light change). I have replaced the master and the slave clutch cylinder. It has been bleed and seems to be no air in the lines. Could the problem be the elusive clutch damper. I don't really know what it does. If you have time could you please advise. I love your web site!!

A. The first thing to do is to make sure the clutch pedal free play is adjusted properly.

1. Adjust clutch pedal height, dimension "H" in diagram to 9.29-9.69 inches for Z24i and KA24E engine models and 8.94-9.33 inches for VG30i and VG30E engine models.
2. Adjust clearance between pedal stopper bracket and threaded end of clutch interlock switch with clutch pedal fully depressed. Clearance should be .012-.039 inch.
3. Measure clutch pedal free play as shown in diagram dimension "A". Clutch pedal free play should be .039-.059 inch. Adjust clutch pedal free play by rotating the clutch master cylinder push rod inward or outward until the specified free play is obtained. After completing free play adjustment, tighten lock nut. Clutch pedal free play is the sum of play between piston and piston rod.
4. After the above adjustments have been completed, cycle clutch pedal several times to ensure clutch linkage operates smoothly without binding.

It's also possible that the clutch disc is binding on the input shaft of the transmission. Nissan recommends using a lithium-based grease (which includes molybdenum disulphide) to the input shaft to prevent this.