dangeross

Ive got two "issues" right now. I have a 2003 Honda Civic LX coupe with a manual transmission with 50,200 miles on it.

Every few weeks or so when I start in first gear the car kind of stutters, it never stalls and only does this in first gear. When this issue happens if I am going slightly down-hill I have no problem with the stutter at all. Any Ideas? All fluids look okay and there are no odd noises, just the stutter.

Also, last time I had my oil changed the attendant mentioned that my brake fluid was low and that either I needed to get my brake pads changed or I could have a leak, I have noticed no fluid under my front tires, so is it time for new pads? I've noticed no squealing or any other noises other than some minor grinding.

Thanks for any help!

Boilermaker1

Grinding of any kind typically means you need brakes. 50K out of the fronts sounds kinda normal, I'd do em.
As far as the studder.... it could just be clutch chatter or a rough spot on the disc. Mine used to act up from time to time, then would go away. If all the other gears go fine without issue, i'd give it some more gas and see what happens, or let the clutch drag a little more and see if you can slip it into gear a little slower.

dangeross

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm thinking about just getting new pads tomorrow, better be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to stopping power.

More gas does usually help it out any idea on how long a clutch or disc will last?

JimmyM86

Depends on your driving style....anywhere from 50K (if you race everywhere) - 200K+ (if you take it easy) on your stock clutch. You could easily check your brake pads to see how far they are worn down, but if they are the origonals, then you are more than likely looking at new ones. Mine had about 10K left when I replaced them at 40K miles, so 50K sounds about right.

As far as your stutter, it could just be the engine rpm when you release the clutch. Sometimes when you start off without giving it enough gas it will tend to be a bit sluggish or stutter. Going downhill is less stress on the motor, so you don't have to give it as much gas, and it will take off smoother.

Go Vols

Boilermaker1

A clutch will last a long time if you drive it right. It seems as if the friction disc outlasts the throwout bearing, as that's usually what causes people to replace the clutch in these cars. When you do the pads, do the rotors too, they're only $14 a pop, and they tend to wear kinda thin over the life of the pads.... especially if you hear grinding, you're gonna want to get new rotors.

dangeross

got the brakes taken care of today, new pads, plus labor and some adjustments on the rear brakes, out the door was $180.

as far as that stutter, i do think it's me. I might be getting lazy on my clutch foot, and thats something i need to get better at.

thanks again for the help!

JimmyM86

$180

$50 for brake pads + $25 for gas + $20 tip = New friend and new brake pads on the civ

I'm only a couple hours away and could have showed you how to do it. Then next time you could save even more money!

dangeross

i'll take you up on that next time. i've always wanted to hit knoxville up, only driven through. i tried to do the brakes on my old volvo once and that was a nightmare.

JimmyM86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dangeross &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i'll take you up on that next time. i've always wanted to hit knoxville up, only driven through. i tried to do the brakes on my old volvo once and that was a nightmare.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just let me know

I can always travel out your way if you need me too...It's no biggy bc our civics get like 90 miles per gallon