Let me start off by saying I really have no general automotive knowledge or knowledge regarding the topic at hand, hence the reason I am asking for advice.

I have an '05 6MT G35 coupe, clutch is slipping really bad, want to get replaced asap. Slipping right after gear change as well as when depressing the gas in a constant gear. It will rev up between 600-1200 rpm before catching and increasing speed.

I've tried to do some research but cannot find all the answers I need. My first question would be, is it necessary to replace the flywheel when doing a clutch replacement? It seems like this is very common practice, but is it completely necessary? Or can this only be determined by removing and examining?

My hesitation with a new flywheel is that my car has a dual-mass flywheel which an OEM from a dealer runs about 1K just for the flywheel. Apparently people who have replaced w/ an after market lightweight flywheel experience a lot of chatter when idle and drivetrain noise when accelerating at low rpm. Something I would really like to avoid.

Is it possible to have the flywheel resurfaced? Ive seen conflicting reports regarding this. Some say a dual-mass FW cannot be resurfaced where others say it can? If possible, does someone know a place in Raleigh that will do this?

If I do have to replace the FW I would probably go with this:

http://www.importpartspro.com/niliflni35g3.html

It is the heaviest I have seen other than the OEM from the dealer, which I would assume would reduce the noise/chatter that others have described as well as give some increased performance. If I went with this, does the pairing with the clutch matter? The car is a daily driver with a commute to RTP in stop and go traffic every day, I never plan on taking on a track so high performance is not what I need. Is there a clutch kit that someone can recommend?

Lastly I would like to get a good price on labor for this in Raleigh or the surrounding area. The dealership is likely not an option. Can someone recommend an honest/knowledgeable/fair place? Thanks for any insight.

12/5/2011 8:07:36 PM

DMF's are a wear item. When they wear out you replace them. It's a luxury car, you gotta pay to play.

That said, I would slap a conventional clutch/flywheel kit in it and never look back. Try to find one that's as close to OEM as possible. A lightweight flywheel will make is shift and shudder like riced out jap crap. I don't know much about G35's but you definitely need a clutch disc with the springs built in, sometimes the ones meant for use with a DMF are just a solid abrasive disc.

I don't know of anyone that resurfaces dmf's. I've broken the glaze by hand and reused them but don't recommend it.

[Edited on December 5, 2011 at 10:23 PM. Reason : .]

12/5/2011 10:15:08 PM

You should be able to get an LuK dual mass flywheel quite a bit cheaper than a grand. Worldpac can get them (check with your local Carquest), or of course there's ordering online. LuK is an OEM supplier.

Likewise, check clutch kits from Exedy, which is Daikin, which is yet another OEM supplier.

I highly advise against a solid flywheel if you want a clutch that is driveable without much conscious effort, and especially if you are not a driving enthusiast. Trim weight and it becomes that much worse.

You can get OEM stuff for cheaper than the dealer all day long if you go through the right channels.

I would hesitate to resurface a dual mass flywheel myself, especially with an abrasive wheel resurfacing maching, as I'm sure that it would chatter excessively, and the finish would be less than desirable.

Also, the sprung mass (clutch side) is supported by a sealed bearing, and like smc said, I don't trust them to hold up on the second clutch. Back when I first saw DMFs...was on Ford Powerstroke 7.3s, and we always replaced them when doing a clutch job.

12/5/2011 11:14:33 PM

I'm a little surprised that your G35 has a dual mass flywheel, but I guess I shouldn't be. Seems like all the luxury brands are using them now. Traditionally they've just been used in diesel trucks stateside and european diesel cars with shaky engines that are horribly out of balance. From the few I've driven, it seems to turn the clutch pedal into a simple on/off switch; when I try to feather it smoothly like a traditional clutch it just punishes me. Add in the high cost of a simple clutch job, and I can't say I'm a fan.

12/5/2011 11:51:24 PM

get the clutch kit from the altima or or maxima with the 3.5. should be the same motor and output shaft, right?

12/6/2011 9:26:34 AM

Thanks everyone for the input. Zxappeal, I did research on the LuK DMF and found that their DMF067 is infact the OE less the stamping from Nissan or Infiniti. Think I found a good price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LUK-DMF067-Flywheel-Flexplate-/390369706615?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5ae3d90277#ht_1281wt_1163

I think I will proceed with this, my question now would be what clutch kit to pair this with, again, I dont need a high performance. The more specific the better, I want to ensure proper functionality with the FW.

And lastly, I am still in need of a good place to take this to for install. Any further commments would be greatly appreciated.

[Edited on December 6, 2011 at 10:20 AM. Reason : .]

12/6/2011 9:57:06 AM

Would this clutch kit be a good pairing?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQInfinitiQQG35QQDaikinQQClutch_KitQQ20032007QQW0133-1795185.html

12/6/2011 11:23:00 AM

Ive decided on a clutch/flywheel combo recommended by Carolina Clutch in Belmont

Flywheel $560

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LUK-DMF067-Flywheel-Flexplate-/390369706615?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5ae3d90277#ht_1281wt_1163

Clutch $290

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQInfinitiQQG35QQDaikinQQClutch_KitQQ20032007QQW0133-1795185.html

Coming out at $850 for OE replacements I think is a good deal.

Lastly, I have no clue of a good place to get the install done. People have stated prices anywhere from $300-$800. Can anyone recommend somewhere in Raleigh/Durham to get this done?

Thanks a lot for the responses

12/6/2011 12:45:38 PM

zxappeal may be available to do this clutch

12/6/2011 5:42:53 PM

Yea, if he is willing to do it, get zxappeal to do it for you. He's highly regarded in these here parts. And everyone always seems thrilled with his work. Plus you're helping fund him having sex.

12/6/2011 6:12:31 PM