Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I have a problem with clutch shudder at low revs when driving off in 1st gear as well as reverse. This problem gets worse after about 20km when driving in traffic. Pulling away with higher revs takes away the shudder and sometimes this is what i have to do to prevent the horrible vibrations.

My patrol currently has 150k on the clock and its a 2005 model and i bought the car second hand which had an engine rebuild at about 120k. Would this be the signs of a clutch kit replacement?

Haij-a -- YES .. BUT it could also be the universal joints on the prop shaft --
In Pretoria area I can recommend AUTO BOX [they do manuel box / clutch too]

other parts of world or country .. sorry, no no

OH - if you can get a VALEO .. they just are that much better [ZACHS as 2nd choice]

Not. Vey familair with patrol cluch but put in 3 gear and see what happens when you. Tray to pull away ... If it slips ... New clutch. Mabe some oil is leaking on to it?

Could unfortunately also be the dual mass flywheel that is kaput.

Before you take out gearbox etc, check the gearbox and related mountings are not broken, had experiance where gbox mounting was kaput and caused same type of problem. Just my

Pulling away in 2nd gear I have no clutch shudder. I think pulling away in 3rd gear is a bit impossible on the 3.0di.

Im going to have a look under the car tonight to check the gearbox mounts as well as the propshaft universal joints. I can get an aftermarket clutch kit for about R2100 but if its the Dual mass fly wheel then I will need to purchase from the stealers.

MorniNG Paulo,


I have a 4,2 TD and had a similar problem. Was the clutch, and main reason was that the springs that damp chatter, where totally worn out.

10 Common Causes of Clutch Shudder from the net.


Oil Contamination of Clutch Plate from Engine or Gearbox Seal Leakage


Loose or Worn Engine Mountings


Worn Shackles or Loose U Bolts (Where applicable)


Worn or damaged Universal Joints or CV Joints


Drive Shaft Centre Spigot Bearing worn or Failure (Where applicable)


Broken Drive Straps on Cover Assembly through driver abuse i.e. Down changing or Savage clutch engagement.


Incorrect driving habits, Driver induced shudder is also caused by abrupt clutch engagement or releasing, the clutch should always be feathered on release or engagement rather than being jabbed when releasing or engaging.


Worn Pilot Bearing/Spigot Bush-Dry Gearbox Snout or Clutch Disc splines.


Missing Flywheel Dowels


. Incorrect installation proceedure i.e. Clutch Disc Bent during installation by hanging gearbox or incorrect clutch adjustment i.e. Clutch over adjusted causing over centering which can create premature engagement.

Grant wrote:MorniNG Paulo,


I have a 4,2 TD and had a similar problem. Was the clutch, and main reason was that the springs that damp chatter, where totally worn out.

As I understand it, the 3l doesn't have these springs in the clutch plate, but has a dual-mass flywheel instead.

As Gerrit said, this could very well be the problem, but before you remove the engine (I am told this is easier than dropping the gearbox), check all the mountings, as well as rear suspension bushes and driveshaft.

OK so I checked the gearbox and engine mounts, they look perfect. The prop and universal also look perfect and should not be worn at this low km.

So I presume next step is to remove the gearbox or engine to inspect the clutch and fly wheel.
Does anybody know of a good workshop in the JHB area preferably somebody who knows Patrols.