coldrsx

2002 suzuka blue ap1

i have around 128,000km on it and it has been always treated very well, but driven hard since 115,000.

About a week ago i began finding it more difficult to get into first and occasionally going into other gears. I sometimes have to clutch in 2-3 times before i can get into 1st. This isnt all the time, but probably 30-40% now.

I also have significantly less clutch pedal feel...in that i have to depress the clutch 3/4 of the way to get any feedback from it doing anything. It feels like my old base rsx clutch in that there is little pressure involved.

thoughts?

thanks in advance.

also...if you do think i am getting close to needing a new clutch kit, which do you all suggest? I have been looking at exedy, act performance ones. I autox, do occasional lapping days, and drive semi-aggressive on the street when i can.

cdelena

Sounds more like fluid in the clutch cylinder. Fill and bleed the clutch hydrolics before deciding anything.

RACER

As far as going into first from a standstill, shift into 3rd gear once or twice, then immediately go into first. My Del Sol was the same way. This car need's to be finessed. This technique will allow you to go into 1st gear without having to force the bloody thing.

I would also recommend flushing and bleeding the clutch system.

coldrsx

thanks guys...flushing/bleed to come.

jyeung528

agree

coldrsx

filled and bled...problem persists and all gears getting more difficult to get into. Even with the clutch to the floor it barely engages.

jyeung528

then you've got a leak it sounds like...probably gotta replace the master and/or slave cylinder

jyeung528

or you've got massive bubbles if you bled incorrectly

cdelena

Many of the clutch cylinders leak a bit. I have a new one I bought over three years ago but never installed because a fill and bleed gets it back to normal so fast. If yours got real low and pulled air you will have to work a little harder to get the air out and back up to pressure but it still should recover.

coldrsx

ok, update...symptoms persist and have become worse this week. I cannot get into reverse now and 1st is becoming very difficult. There is little to no clutch pedal feel.


thoughts?