Clutch hydraulics contaminate; pedal sticks (2003-2006 manual)
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What causes "Clutch hydraulics contaminate; pedal sticks (2003-2006 manual)" on the Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009), and how is it fixed?
Per one repair shop (no measurements given), moisture corrodes the hose joints and rust circulates in the fluid; the internal slave cylinder's rubber can also fail and leak onto the clutch. Fix: Replace the clutch hydraulic parts and flush with fresh fluid (the shop suggests DOT 4).
Symptoms
Rust-colored or blackened clutch fluid, a pedal that returns slowly or sticks to the floor when hot, a slipping clutch.
Cause
Per one repair shop (no measurements given), moisture corrodes the hose joints and rust circulates in the fluid; the internal slave cylinder's rubber can also fail and leak onto the clutch.
Fix (summary)
Replace the clutch hydraulic parts and flush with fresh fluid (the shop suggests DOT 4). If the internal slave leaked, the clutch may need replacing too.
Other Z33 problems
- Recall: crank and cam position sensors can cause stalling or a no-start (2003)
- Recall: fuel filler hose can crack and leak (2003-2004)
- Recall: passenger airbag occupant sensor can lose its signal (2007-2008)
- Rev-up engine oil consumption (2005-2006 manual cars)
- VQ35HR oil gallery gaskets leak and drop oil pressure (2007-2008)
- Community-reported: windows lose auto-up or bounce back down after motor or glass work
More for this car
- All Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009) fitment answers · Z33 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- Recurring problems (350Z / G35 / 370Z / G37) — GZ Motorsports (repair shop and parts store, Quebec) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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