How To Replace The Clutch In A Nissan Xterra/Frontier/Pathfinder (Clutch Replacement Part 2 of 2)

This video demonstrates how to replace the clutch in a Nissan Xterra/Frontier/Pathfinder. I have a supplemental post on my website where you can get additional information such as installation tips, torque specs, etc. You can find that here: rtcg.tv/2021/04/02/how-to-repl...
If you would like to pick up some of the specialty tools that I just in the video you can find them below.
TP55 Bit: amzn.to/3u5AgEU
Flywheel Turner/Holder: amzn.to/3rCN0RQ
3 Jaw puller: amzn.to/31KqPyk
Bearing press: amzn.to/39ByymY
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Timestamps:
Intro: (0:00)
Transmission cleanup: (1:11)
Clutch Fork Removal : (1:48)
Release Bearing Replacement: (2:37)
Clutch Fork Maintenance : (8:27)
Clutch Fork Install: (11:18)
Old clutch removal: (14:13)
Rear Main Seal Replacement: (17:20)
Flywheel install: (22:54)
Clutch and Clutch Cover Install: (30:36)
Transmission Install: (36:23)
Outro: (42:19)
#howto #diy #auto

[@garymiller5072]

Don't be embarrassed about using the ratchet straps. When working by yourself in a confined space you learn to use what works. I just purchased a 2011 Exterra PRO-4X with 182xxx miles on it. Right now the clutch seems to be very good. By watching your video it prepares me for what I know will be something that will have to at some point. Thanks for the video. Great information.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks Gary! Check out my channel for more content, most of my videos are about the Xterra.

[@andrews9328]

Thanks for all the time and effort. You're a gift to the global wrenching community, saving countless degrees of frustration and money too.

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

Well, the Clutch replacement project is on hold till after Thanksgiving. The local garage quoted me $4K with aftermarket parts. So found a guy who is knowledgeable and will help me for a small price. the 4WD gearbox weighs over 300lbs and well beyond my limits to handle with just hand tools. The clutch is now showing signs of wear.

[@curtthechameleon]

Just want to say thanks for the time and effort you put into these videos. Im a regular to your channel now so I always enjoy them from start to finish. Look forward to the next one.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure Curt! Thanks for watching! Y'all keep watching and I'll keep making.

[@curtthechameleon]

Think I dodged a bullet Ry. Thought my clutch was toast but it ended up being the slave cylinder. Phweww.

[@curtthechameleon]

Boy was I wrong. It was the clutch. Being fixed as we speak. Had to pay to get it done cause I dont have the time to do it. Not cheap either, but itll be like a new ride.

[@dariusdespain1210]

Keep up the great content man. You're giving me courage to maybe tackle this job eventually myself. My X needs a new clutch eventually and I'm dreading doing this job

[@Rythecarguy]

You can do it!

[@andrewstewart9589]

Great video Ry. My wife and I just finished the clutch job and catalytic converter change. It's pretty crazy how large that transmission is in real life. Our friends had a Ford Explorer tranny in their shop when we were doing this job and it looks tiny in comparison. It is quite the workout wrestling that thing around even with jacks. If anyone is doing this on a 4x4, then you want a tranny jack up front and a floor jack on the back since there is also the transfer case. It's a good idea to drain that as well I was able to get the pilot bushing out using a bolt with with a nut on the end, backing it out. The grease method didn't work for me. Awesome resource. Thank you. Keep em coming!

[@darrenhaines8112]

Thank you for this very informative video. Your care and diligence throughout every step is so helpful. It's a job I'm going to have to do very soon on my 2007 Pathfinder and I was dreading it. I feel a little more confident now after watching you carry out this task. 👍🙂

[@lukezanella3220]

How did it go?

[@jacobgoodwin7291]

Hey Ry! Thanks for this video series. I have a 2012 Nissan Frontier and your videos were instrumental in the clutch replacement I'm doing to it. Thanks again! Hopefully it all works when I get it put back together!

[@Rythecarguy]

You got this man! I believe in you. Glad the videos helped! Be sure to sub, were doing big things over here. :)

[@lisemacmillan5489]

thank you for your hard work , thank for showing us how you put back the transmission . it help my husband.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure, thanks for watching,

[@agileep]

Ty I had no clue how I would do that safely. You probably saved my life cause of that. Thank you again. 😅

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome!!

[@roberts735]

Thank you for posting the video. I just did my clutch and flywheel with the help of you. I went with a LUK flywheel and LUK clutch. The clutch peddle is now so much softer than before. Too soft. And I hate that the clutch lets out right off the floor. Previously you’d have to let out the pedal 3/4 of the way before it did anything, which I liked or was used to anyways. Thanks again!

[@abedg362]

Thank you I really needed a video like this one

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome. Hope the job goes well!

[@ike621]

Good call on replacing the flywheel and calling in reenforcements. I'm still chasing a timing issue on my X and thinking about getting a rebuilt engine with the timing already set.

[@Rythecarguy]

Sorry to hear that. That’s super annoying.

[@PJBeee]

Great videos! Family member needs a clutch on their Frontier. NOT going to do this job ourselves, but now we have an idea of how much labor is needed so we can get an appropriate quote.

[@Rythecarguy]

Awesome! Hope you get a decent deal.

[@PJBeee]

@@Rythecarguy Only "decent" in that I know the mechanic well. He's honest and extremely competent. Runs a good sized local shop that all the body shops (as well as some friends of mine too) totally trust around here. Fair but not cheap. Spoke to him and he does lots of clutches. This is not work I would do myself unless I had 1-lots of free time and 2-someone competent who has the tools and space, to work with me. I'd LOVE to give it a try but I'm far too busy with my day job. 2011 Frontier, 112k miles, and worth saving. BTW apparently the "book" time for an experienced tech is 11 hours.

[@_blinkerfluid]

I got a manual vq frontier 4x4. My clutch started slipping and I'm no stranger to wrenching but this is just gonna be a chore. I didn't know LUK made the effing flywheel that saved me so much heart ache. I went through the same motions you did man without even doing the job yet. Oh boy I'm gonna need the weekend for this one😂

[@Rythecarguy]

Yea it's a pain. Especially if you are doing it on your own. But you got this. 💪🏻💪🏻

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

kudos to you Sir. Doing all of this yourself. I watched both videos. I have a 2005 Nismo with MT 4WD. and the clutch is on its way out. There is no way I can do this on my own so big decision to make soon. Thank You for the detailed video. Worth every second of it.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks for watching, these were long ones. I think with a weekend and a buddy you can knock it out. You would likely have to pick up a transmission jack though. Not a common tool.

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

@@Rythecarguy Thank You for doing all the hard work. and the research which helps guys like me. I have subscribed and watched as many as I can your videos. Thank You again. I also like the details you provide especially in your timing chain replacement video. that was awesome also

[@timcarter9146]

Very nice video and good editing so you can skip around. You could reach them two from the top just got to remove coil old things and hit them from firewall. Nice job

[@dttorres28]

Great video, helped a ton! Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@bryanlemoine8166]

super helpful, the hardest part was actually beating the crossmenber out, thanks for the Vids

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome. Yeah the cross member is an absolute bitch. Just had to do it on my Titan.

[@rafaelmarin1963]

Good job. Thanks for the video.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure thanks for watching.

[@tylerstooksbury2063]

Just swapped the clutch in my ‘14 pro-4x. I managed to leave the driver side cat on and I didn’t completely remove the starter I just pushed it back out of the way. Surprisingly the crossmember wasn’t too bad. I had more trouble reaching the screws to the heat shields and transmission bolts (as expected). Being a pro-4x I had to deal with all the 4wd components but overall I would say it’s not too bad but it would be so much easier on your back and neck to have a hydraulic lift…I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus. Thanks for the video it was very helpful..now I just need Tylenol.

[@DaytonCarCare]

If you're doing this on jack stands, like he is, and it's an AWD model I suggest taking the rear transfer case off first (14mm bolts) to save on weight of moving the transmission around. Be careful not to angle too much or fluid will come out or just drain beforehand (applies to both TC and trans).

[@jgf3975]

Thanks for the great video - been waiting for this one! I know you didn't replace your pilot bearing but could you provide advice on this? Mine is having a hard time going in. I've heard to put in the freezer for a couple of hours which I plan to do but what about coating with oil or grease before inserting it?

[@natedemasi492]

Great video, I have a 2009 Xterra and I'll be replacing the clutch in the near future. What type of transmission fluid did you use (or recommend) after you got the transmission back in its home?

[@maytawn]

Great video. Getting ready to replace my clutch too. This will help a lot. Can you tell me the Nissan part number for the rear main seal?

[@jordanmurphy5356]

If you ball up some white bread and stick them in the pilot bushing and hammer a 12mm deep socket into it, the bread bushing and socket all come out as one. Easy and quick. No special tools needed. But nice job. I should put a video up on it. I keep saying that. Did one today. Probably do one soon. Don't think I will ever video it. Lol

[@Rythecarguy]

I heard of this. It sounds just crazy enough to work. Maybe I will try it on my titan since I likely screwed it up recently. Thanks man,,

[@bertrenolds5]

Did you replace the exhaust gaskets? Are they the round circle gaskets for cat to manifold and the standard gasket for cat to cat?

[@dmarxmrj]

Amazing job, thanks for sharing all the hard work with us. I think you mentioned on the first time it took you a lot of time to get the transmission out. I total do you have any idea of how many hours you put in this job?

[@Rythecarguy]

If you don’t count the time it took me to figure out how to reach bolts, etc. I would say it’s only about 4-6 hours of work

[@gmd2222]

Hi there. Thank you for all your effort in these videos. I have a 2006 xterra se. Im having a issue with reverse engaging. It all started when i started parking on a slight incline at my new apartment. Shifting into reverse wasn’t a smooth one due to the gravitational pull. I began to have problem shifting on a flat surface. It took 2-3 seconds for it to grab, but now it wont grab hardly at all, only in the morning and if its on a slight incline. Every other gear works perfectly. Any ideas of what this could be or where to direct a mechanic. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@TheDangauthier]

thanx for the video RY GUY!!! what brand of clutch did you use??? I have a 2006 frontier 2WD 4L

[@Rythecarguy]

For all the clutch parts I went OEM. I get nervous going aftermarket. Had some bad experiences And I really don't want to have to take the transmission back out After just putting it back in

[@RoachVlogsBlogs]

Hey I have a quick question. My mom was driving my 05' Xterra and she said when she was heading somewhere, the car started to slip or not accelerate as well then jolted and speed up quickly. When she got home, I saw the check engine soon light pop up. I took it to Autozone and O'reillys for the free check engine diagnosis, and I got the code P1754 (input clutch solenoid valve). I talked to two different mechanics. the first mechanic said "there's water in the transmission". Said that both transmission and radiator need to get replace. the second mechanic said that the car just needs service "codes sometimes bullshits people to waste money'' and needs a new radiator with a flush. I hoping for third opinion and see what you think? the car runs okay but I'm just going to let it sit for now. side note: I went to check on the coolant reservoir and the liquid was dark but it was also creamy.

[@daywalker4029]

Could have always used bread to remove that pilot bushing! Interesting trick that works on them almost every time.

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh yea I completely forgot about that. Good tip dude.

[@bertrenolds5]

Yea sweet, bread trick will work. No idea why you would go thru all that and not replace the pilot bushing!

[@coadyg]

You just use large drill to drill the pilot bush out till the wall is weak enough to Crack with a chisel. Just use old oil seal to tap on. I normally put a bit of rtv sealant on outside of seal to prevent oil leaks on outer contact area.

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻

[@bertrenolds5]

Wait what? You drill out thebpilot bushing? Does the bread trick not work? Just keep putting bread in there and pounding it in with a 1/2" socket extension

[@joshuastokes9367]

I’m trying to figure out if I should put a single mass flywheel in instead of a dual mass. Any input?

[@Rythecarguy]

Depends on how you want it to feel. The dual mass makes for a VERY smooth transition. On the flip side the single will likely be lighter and will help the engine spin up faster. But you will get less forgiveness when transitioning.

[@brettrickabaugh6374]

I need to replace the clutch on my 2011 Nissan Xterra pr-4x. Which alignment tool do I need to buy? Thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

Same as I had but it should just come with the clutch.

[@dc5791]

Hey Ry this might be a dumb question but what kind of greese are you using on the shaft and throwout bearing?

[@Rythecarguy]

Not a dumb question at all! I used Mobil 1 synthetic high temp.

[@robertoperez5375]

Good video, what are the specs for all the bolts.

[@Rythecarguy]

In the description

[@Gear1993Head]

That flywheel would have cleaned up fine with some sanding. Done it dozens of times and my dads done it dozens before me. Never once had an issue. Including on the 07 frontier I just did it too few months ago.

[@Rythecarguy]

Yea, far too lazy for that. But good tip!

[@kmack282]

Any idea where I can get those studs? Would help a bit.

[@Rythecarguy]

They had to be made. Just take an extended bolt and cut the head off.

[@thebr0dy]

Any chance of getting those pilot bushing specs? I'm hoping to dodge the same bullet... Edit: i bought a new flywheel. It's not worth redoing this ass pain job again. Thanks for the heads up on the luk flywheel, too.

[@Rythecarguy]

Of course! Wish I had written down the specs. Sorry about that.

[@user-hx5ud3rr7s]

احسنت...

[@Damien-it3uq]

My opinion is that the transmission assembly can stay under the car when changing the throw-out bearing and cleaning it. Tight space and all but just sayin that if you pivot the assembly to the side you might not have to deal with getting it off the trans jack

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh yea! You could technically side it backward quite a ways to make room. Good call out!

[@tylerstooksbury2063]

Yea I left mine under the car, I just spun it around sideways to install the clutch.

[@jordanmurphy5356]

The tranny I just did, boy it was dirty. Took 2 days of cleaning. 2 days. I told him do us all a favor and pressure wash the under side now and again. Fyi I find the seal at the rear of the tranny is what gets leaking. The front too. As long as it's out, replace them.

[@Rythecarguy]

About to drop the trans in my Titan. Both of those are leaking. Very annoying.

[@seanbrown5447]

Bread will work to takeout pilot bearing

[@Rythecarguy]

Yea, my bearing was not bad enough to replace. I'll try that next time.

[@manae37]

👏👏👏👏

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏼

[@zacharybarker7646]

Does it matter what year Xterra it is or are they all the same?

[@Rythecarguy]

2005 and up is second generation, totally different vehicles

[@BetaPwnRage]

What’s the torque specs for transmission mounting bolts?

[@Rythecarguy]

rtcg.tv/2021/03/13/how-to-remove-your-transmission-from-your-nissan/

[@tylerstooksbury2063]

11ft lb then do 19ft lb

[@JayJohnson-wp5yv]

Part 1

[@Rythecarguy]

??

[@hectorramirez9353]

I think clutches are high on peddle on Nissan d22

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh yea. Even after replacement it's still high compared to other manuals I have driven.

[@jordanmurphy5356]

And yes. Resurface it.

[@Rythecarguy]

🤘🏻

[@bertrenolds5]

Bro you need a press. Harbor freight sells them for $200

[@Rythecarguy]

I have one now. Very handy. 💪🏻

[@bertrenolds5]

@@Rythecarguy oh yea. Took me 5min to get the throwout bearing done vs your crazy contraption

[@dm1273]

Ничего не понятно