Clutch Nissan X-Trail

[ian_374365666]

Hi I drive a 56 plate 2.2 Xtrail. I've had it since about june this year. when i bought it there was no tow bar fitted so we had one fitted. My problem is a very smelly clutch when the car is asked to do any sort of manouvering especially with van in tow but not limited to only towing, any off road parking that involves a slight incline or multi point turning in the road. I've mentioned it to my dealer on numerous occasions but I get a stock answer of "Ah sir Xtrails do smell". Well this smell is now starting to turn from that "burning clutch" type smell to a rotting cabbage type smell!!! Today my dealer has agreed to remove the gear box early in the New year and investigate, however if nothing can be found we get lumbered with a strip and rebuild bill!! Any one experienced a clutch problem on their Xtrail similar?

 

[greengairs]

The cabbage smell sounds like your catalytic converter.This is fairly common.

 

[bigbilly]

Ian - I have the same car as you (06 plate) and tow a rather heavy caravan at 1,550 Kgs. My clutch starts to smell if I try to reverse on wet &/or rough ground. I have a friend with exactly the same car and caravan combination that has the same problem so I have asssumed that it something to do with the particular dynamics of this outfit. No problems going forward at all. I have never had the problem with any other car/caravan.

The problem is worst in 4 X 4 Lock mode and lessens in 2 Wheel drive or Auto drive.

I know it sounds pathetic but I avoid reversing on rough ground if I can and many a time we have had to push our van into final position on a rally field.

Bill

 

[ian_374365666]

Cheers bill maybe i should think again about having it stripped and looked at!

 

[ian_374365666]

Thanks robert I'd thought about the cat but discounted it because I thought the smell would be present all the time if that were the case.

 

[MikeyW]

Our X-trail clutch smells also when reversing the van and I've heard of others doing the same. Mostly when manouvering slowly people tend to 'slip' the clutch a bit so as not to stall but the XT is quite low geared so try letting the clutch out all the way, you'll be suprised how slowly you can go without stalling the engine.

Mike

 

[xtrailman]

Ian

Towed 1330kg over 4 years with a 2.2 xtrail, ive had no burning clutch, forward or reverse. I have had the burning clutch smell setting off forward in both a primera, and A4 Quattro.

On both occasions I was revving for a quick getaway from standstill. However the cars both ran with out clutch problems while I had them,usually I change after 4 or 5 years.

Ensure the van brakes are not over adjusted. otherwise you are driving the van through the van brakes, ie the reverse mechanism has not operated.

I don't mess about with reversing now adays im useless at it anyway, i use the motor mover, I can recommend the Reich.