itr1137

Hi HT,

How do you tell if a clutch is worn out? What is a fair price to pay for an OEM clutch plus labor for a (5-Speed) 1994 Civic CX Hatchback?

My car was purchased in April of 2008 with 96,000 miles. The car now has 146,XXX miles. I don't think the previous owner ever changed the clutch but I could be wrong. Also, the car is stock.

Former User

The clutch slips (high rpms with little movement in gear) when it's worn out.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

You can tell if the clutch is worn. There is no mistaking it. It will feel as if it it's okay and then loses it's grip at higher RPMs.

itr1137

So far it doesn't feel like the clutch is slipping or losing grip. It does feel soft when I step on it though. I am just concerned that I have driven over 50,000 miles and haven't replaced it. What is the average number of miles a stock clutch can go for until it's time to replace?

Former User

Soft pedal could mean air in the hydraulic system or a bad master or slave cylinder.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

It's time to replace it when it's starts to slip. There's no time frame. It can still be gently driven when it starts to slip so you'll be okay until you replace it.

itr1137

Not sure what a hydraulic system or a master/slave cylinder is. When I step on the clutch I do hear a very light squeak. Getting and staying in gear hasn't been a problem. Slipping has not been a problem, yet.

What is a fair price to pay for an OEM clutch plus labor. (for future references) I may get an estimate from a Honda dealer to get the high end price. I'm sure local mechanics are cheaper. Are generic clutches just as reliable?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

$350?

dpetro1

my stock clutch has 175k miles. mostly highway though.

make sure your fluid is topped off. should help stiffen the pedal. or bleed the line to make sure there is no air.


Posted from Honda-tech.com App for Android

94EG8

If you're replacing clutches every 50,000 miles you're doing something very wrong.

I've seen lots of them last over 200,000 miles.

b20c5eg

I've seen clutches last well over the 200k mark as well. most wont but it is possible. as for a price, you can get the exedy clutch kit at the local parts store for around 200 and labor will be different from shop to shop. I usually charge 200 for a clutch swap. Also, as far as the soft pedal. Like the other guy said, might be a hydrolic problem. pull back the carpet behind the dash on the driver floorboard and look for fluid. The clutch master cylinder is a very common problem on these cars and it really isnt that hard to change. good luck either way

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

On that thing about pulling back the carpet, is that if we see fluid leaking in? There is the thing the pedal attaches to. I'm guessing its the clutch master cylinder? And I see fluid coming out of it. Does that mean my master cylinder has a leak or problem?
My pedal travels a lot, but it isn't nearly until I let go of the pedal that I feel it starting to move the car(in first).

Hope I didn't 'hi-jack' the thread.

b20c5eg

That is the clutch master and usually they leak inside the car. I havent seen one leak down the firewall or anything. like I said, very common problem for these hondas. You can also adjust the travel of the clutch pedal by breaking the 12mm lock nut loose at the top of the clutch pedal and then adjust the threaded rod to your liking, good luck

Zeusfire69

Just a quick tip to help you isolate the problem...pull the e-brake, put the car in 2nd or 3rd gear, rev the motor to around 2500-3000 rpms. Let the clutch pedal up while holding the rpms at the said level. If you kill the engine, the clutch is not slipping.

Also....do some searching around in these forums...there is a crapload of info in here...

jbpnoman

**** no they aren't. Get Exedy OEM when it comes time to replace the clutch.

For now, just bleed the clutch system. It's as easy as bleeding your brakes, and can be done in 20 minutes in your drive way with a friend.

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

I got a new clutch master cylinder today from autozone. I'll swap it in during the week when my friend can help because I don't know how to one-man bleed it. Hopefully it'll fix my problem. As for the clutch pedal travel, how was that adjustment made again? Is it based on personal preferences or is there a specific position it should be in? And since I'm changing my clutch master cylinder, is it also a good idea to change the slave cylinder too?? Or how can I check if its functioning properly?

94EG8

There's a procedure in the service manual (IIRC even the cheap Chilton and Haynes manuals show it) where you set the disengagement height. When you're done wherever the pedal ends up is where it's supposed to be.

They're cheap enough that it's not a bad idea to change. Pull the boot back around the slave cylinder and see if it's wet, if not it's ok, if it is replace the slave cylinder.