Nissan 370Z: a practical guide to gearbox maintenance

Encouraged by good results in motor racing competitionsthe dedicated branch of the Japanese group Nismo (short for Nissan Motorsport) is updating its vehicle with a second and third phase, launched in 2013 and 2017 respectively. Finally, the group announces a replacement for the 370Z in 2020, the Proto Zwhich cannot be sold in Europe due to anti emission standards.

The 370Z uses a rear-wheel drive system: engine power is distributed to the rear wheels. This design choice delivers responsive acceleration at the expense of higher fuel consumption and poorer handling in bends.

The two classic gearbox choices are also available. The automatic gearbox with seven gears, and the manual manual gearbox offers six. The latter is preferred by drivers, as it is installed on the majority of models sold.

Whether automatic or manual, your Nissan Nissan transmission 370Z needs to be maintained to deliver performance.. How to optimize its service life? What to do in the event of a breakdown? Our experts answer all your questions in this article!

Good habits for easy gearbox maintenance

Vigilance for signs of malfunction

To ensure that your gearbox remains in good health, the best thing to do is to be particularly attentive to signs of malfunction and treat them as quickly as possible. By intervening as soon as possible, you can prevent a breakdown from damaging the entire transmission system so the problem remains benign.

When you take your car to the garage, don't hesitate to describe all these signals to the mechanic so that he can guide him in his diagnosis. These may include :

• Clutch pedal or gearshift resistance;
• Excessive vibrations, especially when in neutral ;
• A feeling of slipping or sliding when starting the vehicle;
• A gear that jumps and forces you to downshift;
• Burning smells;
• Noises in all their forms (squeaks, rattles, etc.).

A vehicle equipped with an automatic gearbox may also suffer from a general general decline in performance The engine revs higher, gear shifting is slower, acceleration is less dynamic, and so on. You should consult your garage without delay.

Simple gestures for a longer lifespan

As well as being more vigilant when driving, you can adopt a series of good habits in order to protect your gearbox. For example, if you've opted for a manual gearbox, you should always use smooth, sweeping movements, and never force the clutch system.

Likewise, pay particular attention to any obstacles on the road to avoid unnecessary handling. If the situation permits downshift in several stages to preserve the transmission system.

A spot check of the gearbox oil

Not to be confused with motor oil, gearbox oil lubricates your entire transmission system. It also dissipates the heat generated during driving, and cleans the various components thanks to its its detergent properties.

For these reasons, it is essential to check the quantity and quality of gearbox oil. The dipstick in the reservoir has level markings: if the fluid is below these marks, your Nissan 350Z may be suffering from a leak, and you need to have it urgently identified.

Also check the appearance of the oil: if it's too black, it means it's saturated with metal particles and other residues. If this is the case an oil change is required.

For a manual gearbox, this operation must be carried out after 250,000 kilometers, but it is perfectly possible to bring this maintenance forward for peace of mind. A visit to the garage every five years will suffice. Automatic gearboxes, on the other hand, require more frequent servicing For automatic gearboxes, on the other hand, more frequent servicing is required: schedule an oil change every two years, or as soon as the 60,000 km mark has been passed, whichever comes first.

Gearbox repair

The most common solutions

Most gearbox-related faults can be repaired directly in the garage, as they can usually be dealt with by changing the gearbox oil or by changing a wearing part.

Since the transmission system is a particularly complex component, your mechanic will not be able to carry out more advanced breakdownsThe transmission system is particularly complex, so your mechanic won't be able to carry out more advanced faults, due to lack of time and suitable tools. In this case, you'll have to replace the entire gearbox. However, buying a new product from a garage is not the only option.

Reconditioned gearboxes: a foolproof solution

Discover our reconditioned gearboxes ! Our online catalog features thousands of references, all meticulously disassembled, thoroughly cleaned and tested before being guaranteed for twelve months.

You benefit from a box similar to a new productbut at a close-to-second-hand price. This solution is not only economical: we recover your old box free of charge and recycle it.

To begin with, note the box code located on the crankcase to check the compatibility of your Nissan 370Z with your future gearbox, or take your registration number and contact one of our advisors. You'll receive personalized assistance, efficient and without obligation !