Clutch problem?

[M3 Mitch]

If this is a hydraulic clutch, my best guess is that the slave cylinder is starting to leak. You can verify this by just holding the clutch pedal down, even with the car not running. If you can't tell from this, put the car in gear with the clutch down in a parking lot or some other out of the way place, within a very few minutes you'll feel the clutch starting to engage itself.

Second idea is that the mechanical linkage that holds the clutch pedal, and/or the slave cylinder, is loose or worn.

[Brian.Pearson]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

If this is a hydraulic clutch, my best guess is that the slave cylinder is starting to leak. You can verify this by just holding the clutch pedal down, even with the car not running. If you can't tell from this, put the car in gear with the clutch down in a parking lot or some other out of the way place, within a very few minutes you'll feel the clutch starting to engage itself.

Second idea is that the mechanical linkage that holds the clutch pedal, and/or the slave cylinder, is loose or worn.

I just took a look at the manual, which said there's no reason to check the fluid level for the hydraulics unless there's the possibility of a leak. I'd like to wait until it's a bit warmer, maybe tomorrow. It's cold now and we've got snow on the ground.

I appreciate your thoughts on this, because I like to know as much as I can before taking it to a shop. I'll follow your instructions and see if there's a leak, first. It might be easier if I knew where to look, but maybe I'll get lucky and see something on the ground that shouldn't be there.

I guess it's possible that both of the problems you mentioned could exist at the same time.

[M3 Mitch]

Something you need to think about in advance is what you want changed. Probably the slave cylinder is leaking, let's assume it is. A good shop may suggest changing the hose and the master cylinder as well. The hose is not much more money or work to change. The master cylinder is a good bit more money, *sometimes* if the master cylinder was getting weak, replacing the slave cylinder only will get the master cylinder leaking.

If your shop has a lot of experience with Hondas like yours, they may know that master usually needs changing when you do a slave. This varies from car to car, and area to area (humidity, mostly)

Depends on how much you depend on the car, and if you feel lucky, I guess.

If you can find a sheltered spot, put some old newspaper or similar under the bell-housing area (pretty much between the engine and transmission) and you can probably find fluid spots on it if the leak is bad.

You do want to check the fluid level and add if necessary to keep the car drivable, if you actually have a leak.

Replacing the brake/clutch fluid annually or at least every 2 years generally prevents this sort of thing.

[starliner 61]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

I have a feeling the clutch is a bit off. It seems to me, I've never had to completely press the clutch pedal down when changing gears, but that is changing. Also a few days ago, the pedal was stuck -- a little tap by my foot freed it, but I'm concerned.

You did not post the milage on the vehicle, so it's hard to say exactly what's going on.

Sounds like the seals in the slave cylinder are failing. Relace both the master and the slave to be on the safe side (should be done in pairs IMHO).

[Brian.Pearson]

Mileage is something between 40k and 45K. Manual said maintenance would be every 50k, so I guess it is close to that.

Maybe I'll put some fluid in there to buy some time, then I can run some of these tests. I guess I'll need to replace the master and slave, though I hope not.

[starliner 61]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

Mileage is something between 40k and 45K. Manual said maintenance would be every 50k, so I guess it is close to that.

Maybe I'll put some fluid in there to buy some time, then I can run some of these tests. I guess I'll need to replace the master and slave, though I hope not.

Bleed the system first. Fresh fluid may help. At least then you can look for seepage. If it's wet, then it's time to change them.

[Brian.Pearson]

OK. Do you have any idea how much fluid it takes?

[Roaddog]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

OK. Do you have any idea how much fluid it takes?

It should be just like the brake master cylinder, it should have a low mark and full mark, it could be that it's not low, the and that the master cylinder or slave cylinder are just going bad.

[Brian.Pearson]

Thanks, I ran out of time today. I'll have to take a look during my next weekend, which will start Monday. So far, the clutch pedal hasn't gotten stuck like it did a few days ago.