sounds

I recently looked through the TSB titles and saw the issue (with the transmission?) concerning noise when decelerating. I've grown accustomed to this noise, but usually engage the clutch when slowing down rather than listen to that awful sound. I had always thought it was an engine noise - some kind of back-pressure - and assumed it was "normal."

Can anyone explain what is happening? Without the details inside the TSB, I couldn't learn much from the title and short description.

Is the noise a signal that damage is occurring?

... or to put it differently: do I want to have this fixed for performance reasons, or is it merely an issue with sound.

On that note, it would be nice to hear the experts weigh in with recommendations on which TSB fixes are "must-haves" and which are up to the individual.

CoralDoc

There are others that can offer a more technical answer, but here is the simplistic one. The noise comes from the transmission gears during deceleration, particularly around 3-4k RPM. All transmission make some noise, but due to it's location in our car, the noise is louder than in most vehicles. Also, early cars (MY 2000) have been identified as having clutch discs that vibrate excessively at certain resonant frequencies with the deceleration noise, amplifying the sound. Note that the new clutch disc that is used in the TSB will reduce, but not eliminate the decel noise.

Damage is not occurring . If you have a car that falls within the VIN range of the TSB and your car makes the noise, there's no reason not to replace your clutch disc with an updated part. If you have a newer car, it may be difficult to get this covered under warrantee.

I view the noise as part of the "character" of the car.

JPit

I think they have isolated the noise to the springs on the clutch disc.

mindimudd

the honda dealer replaced my buzzy clutch spring no charge it has been a common "character" of the S I kind of miss it but the up grade at no cost is a plus.
the dealer told me the noise cause no damage. mindi mudd

Dipstick

I recently had TSB-054 done and it did cure that clutch resonance...much quiter. (00 S2000)