foxy_s2k

Hi Guys and Gals...

While not a total numbnuts when it comes to cars, I'm not the most mechanically minded individual either... with that in mind...

When I first noticed the problem with the clutch, I was accelerating hard to the redline in second, put it in third, clutch out, foot down again (never left vtec), and the revs went straight to the redline. I eased off, until the clutch bit. Since then, the problem has been getting worse (had to wait a week due to cash flow, luckily the car still drives). The pedal bite point has slowly crept up the pedal as well. I can now DISENGAGE the clutch, with a press of only about an inch on the pedal.

So my question is: It only occurred to me today, after I made an appointment at my local honda, that it might be worth asking here what the most likely cause for this would be. Because I was assuming it was that the clutch (or parts of) is gone and needs to be replaced, but maybe this could be caused by low clutch fluid? I haven't checked the fluid yet, as the thought didn't occur to me until now, I will check tonight, but if anyone knows that low fluid cannot cause these symptoms, then let me know. Similarly, anyone know what the minimum parts that may need to be changed is (assuming that only one part is responsible, and the rest are ok), maybe just the friction plate? I don't want my pants pulled down on the price of this repair, it may shock you guys to know that here, to change the pressure plate, friction plate (I hope I got that right) and bearings, is about $1000, and I don't trust the Honda place not to replace parts that may not need replacing (crisis after all).

I realise that's all a bit of a ramble, but I hope you guys get what I'm after... Just wnat to know what to expect to hear from the service center, in case they try to screw me over. I haven't had the car long (few months).

SquirtleS2K

Try putting it in 5th gear and driving it. If it slips like crazy in that and doesn't stall out with a thud, then you got a worn disk 0.0 <- thats what I been taught... sorry if it is wrong but it seems to work : p

foxy_s2k

I know it would slip without trying it. OK, worn disk... might I get away with only replacing the friction plate?

DFWs2k

you will want to examine your flywheel to see if it will need to be replaced/machined...

Why don't you just buy a complete clutch kit? It's only like ~$600

prolux

Depends how much its slipped. Generally yeh. Plus re-surfacing flywheel. There isnt too much you can machine off on our cars however you could get away with sanding it down lightly/evenly.

foxy_s2k

I might do that if I have to get the flywheel done too. Oh god, I hope this isn't too expensive.

DFWs2k

most of the time you can just have your flywheel resurfaced/machined, thats not too expensive