Parts for your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder-Clutch kit

Is a clutch kit relevant to the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?

Short answer: no. Based on Nissan’s own technical documentation and sales literature for the 2018 Pathfinder (R52 series), the vehicle is equipped exclusively with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) behind the 3.5‑litre V6. There was no manual gearbox option offered in Australia or New Zealand for this model year. The Nissan Owner’s Manual and the Transmission (CVT) section of the factory Service Manual specify the Jatco Xtronic CVT unit and Genuine Nissan NS‑3 CVT fluid, with no mention of a manual clutch assembly. Dealer specification sheets for 2018 likewise list “Xtronic CVT” across all trims.

A traditional “clutch kit” is a service part for manual transmissions (pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing). The 2018 Pathfinder uses a CVT with a torque converter, steel push-belt and variator pulleys—so there’s no conventional clutch pack to replace as a kit. While some CVTs in smaller vehicles use a start clutch, the Pathfinder’s Xtronic unit couples through a torque converter, which is internal to the transmission and not serviced as a clutch kit.

If a catalogue shows a clutch kit for a 2018 Pathfinder, it’s almost certainly a fitment error or a generic listing for other Nissan models that did offer manuals. For anyone maintaining a 2018 Pathfinder, the smart focus is on CVT health and cooling rather than clutch replacement.

• Use Genuine Nissan NS‑3 CVT fluid only. Follow the logbook