rcktscientistNE

I've had poor clutch pedal resistance so I decided to replace the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder on my 2000 Accord DX. It looked easy (famous last words).

After removing the resevoir support and other stuff in the area there is still not enough room to get either my hands or a tool into the area behind the front shock tower to disconnect the fluid lines or remove the large cotter pin in the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and numerous electrical lines emerging from the firewall are in the way.

My cylinder has a large compression fitting on top into which the metal fluid line connects. Considering that this large fitting appears to be missing from my replacement part, I assume I need to transfer it? If so, the compression fitting is large (> 17 mm in diameter) and I cannot get a big enough tool into the area behind the shock tower.

How can I accomplish this? If I need to turn the large fitting, I don't see how it can be done; there's simply no room to get a tool of that size in there.

Also, what is the large cotter pin for? I've seen no mention of this on any other posts referring to the Accord master cylinders.

Thanks!

rcktscientistNE

So,

After swapping out the cylinder I have been wrestling with getting the hydraulic line and cotter pin back into the master cylinder assembly for quite some time. The hydraulic line appears seated flush against the cylinder but I can't get the pin through, which suggests it's not seated properly. Not enough room to get both hands down into the area and push on everything at once.

Any suggestions for ensuring proper seating of the line and pushing the pin back through? Does this require a special tool?

Lost Again

Are you doing this with the slave bolted to the trans?

rcktscientistNE

Yes, I do still have the slave cylinder bolted to the transmission. I drained the entire system before starting the work on the recommendation of the manual I have.

Is there a reason I should remove the slave to finish this repair? I'm trying to inspect the fit at the master cylinder with a small mirror but have had to let it be for a bit due to lack of time.

Thanks very much

Lost Again

There is a clamp on the line ~ 1 foot or so back - long day. If you remove that clamp there is a bit of room to "lift" the line and slave for better access. Just be careful of the line.

Being a DX I'm assuming it is a 4cyl.

gruenberger89

I'm having the exact same issues. I had to unscrew the master cylinder for the brakes just to get a bit more room. Even then, it was a miracle that I got it out. Now to get the hydraulic line connected back to the clutch master cylinder with nearly no space for tools, it seems kind of ridiculous.

Hands just don't fit in that area- you can look, but you can't touch.