Odd noise
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Odd noise
I just bought a S2000 last week and I must say that I am really impressed with the performance of the car. I have always owned Mustangs and Camaros but the 2000 blows the other 2 out of the water. Yesterday I was out driving and when I let off of the gas in the lower gears, there was a weird grinding noise that sort of vibrated the clutch. I know this cant be normal. Can anyone help me on the topic? Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
Yup...sounds like the clutch buzz issue. I would bet your car never had the TSB performed. It is out of warranty so AHM may cover all or part of the work as good will only (or they could choose not to cover it at all).
The TSB is here:
http://www.s2ki.com/stor/libra...x.htm
The solution is a new clutch. Note that while it sounds awful...it isn't damaging anything.
The TSB is here:
http://www.s2ki.com/stor/libra...x.htm
The solution is a new clutch. Note that while it sounds awful...it isn't damaging anything.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jamsicle »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks. I have an extended warranty that is good until 2009. Would the warranty cover this problem?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Maybe.
If you bought the car from a Honda/Acura dealer as a CPO, then you may be able to work with the dealer to have AHM cover it under goodwill since the car has not reached its 36k upper warranty limit. I have read that a 1 year CPO warranty must be treated just as a manufacturer's warranty and would be subject to having TSBs worked...but I don't know if that is true.
I don't know of any extended warranty (and warranty is a bad name for them, they are really maintenance insurance policies) that will cover clutch parts since they are considered wear items. Regardless of the TSB, it is a clutch and if the insurance policy does not include them, it won't get fixed on their dime.
Some owners with the HondaCare have been able to get the clutch TSB done if they have a good relationship with the Honda service manager...but it can be a crap-shoot since clutches are not covered by HondaCare (not sure how the dealer is doing that, but perhaps they are actually getting it done on AHM goodwill rather than HondaCare).
It is important to note that the clutch is operating "normally" and is not failing or causing other parts to fail, so even if it were not a wear item an extended warranty insurer does not have to service a TSB. The insurance is only for failing parts. Also, a TSB is not a recall...there is no safety issue with the clutch buzz...it is just annoying.
Good luck...
Maybe.
If you bought the car from a Honda/Acura dealer as a CPO, then you may be able to work with the dealer to have AHM cover it under goodwill since the car has not reached its 36k upper warranty limit. I have read that a 1 year CPO warranty must be treated just as a manufacturer's warranty and would be subject to having TSBs worked...but I don't know if that is true.
I don't know of any extended warranty (and warranty is a bad name for them, they are really maintenance insurance policies) that will cover clutch parts since they are considered wear items. Regardless of the TSB, it is a clutch and if the insurance policy does not include them, it won't get fixed on their dime.
Some owners with the HondaCare have been able to get the clutch TSB done if they have a good relationship with the Honda service manager...but it can be a crap-shoot since clutches are not covered by HondaCare (not sure how the dealer is doing that, but perhaps they are actually getting it done on AHM goodwill rather than HondaCare).
It is important to note that the clutch is operating "normally" and is not failing or causing other parts to fail, so even if it were not a wear item an extended warranty insurer does not have to service a TSB. The insurance is only for failing parts. Also, a TSB is not a recall...there is no safety issue with the clutch buzz...it is just annoying.
Good luck...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
alright, I looked my extended warranty and it specifically says that clutch discs arent covered. I found an OEM clutch disc for a good price. Approximately how much should the labor cost. I have never dealt with foreign cars and don't want to get ripped off.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jamsicle »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I found an OEM clutch disc for a good price. Approximately how much should the labor cost. I have never dealt with foreign cars and don't want to get ripped off.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The clutch on this car is not easy to replace (engine usually has to be lowered a bit to get enough clearance to pull the tranny back). The labor can run anywhere from $500-$800.
Some reputable mechanics in the MD-VA area for S2k work are:
Evolution Autosports (http://www.evolutionautosports.com) - frequent group buy sponsor for S2k parts.
ISP Racing (http://www.ispracing.com/index.html) - I believe one of their wrenches owns an S2k (at leasts he posts a lot on s2ki)
Might call and ask them what they would charge for the work.
Also, you might consider getting the Hardtop Guy clutch kit (http://www.hardtopguy.com/stor...age=1). It includes a lightened Comptech flywheel and heavier ACT pressure plate. Very nice mod...a light flywheel makes a big difference in this car. Note however, this will void your extended "maintenance insurance policy" if they find out about it.
The clutch on this car is not easy to replace (engine usually has to be lowered a bit to get enough clearance to pull the tranny back). The labor can run anywhere from $500-$800.
Some reputable mechanics in the MD-VA area for S2k work are:
Evolution Autosports (http://www.evolutionautosports.com) - frequent group buy sponsor for S2k parts.
ISP Racing (http://www.ispracing.com/index.html) - I believe one of their wrenches owns an S2k (at leasts he posts a lot on s2ki)
Might call and ask them what they would charge for the work.
Also, you might consider getting the Hardtop Guy clutch kit (http://www.hardtopguy.com/stor...age=1). It includes a lightened Comptech flywheel and heavier ACT pressure plate. Very nice mod...a light flywheel makes a big difference in this car. Note however, this will void your extended "maintenance insurance policy" if they find out about it.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 345
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From: northwest, nj, usa
Re: Odd noise (negcamber)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by negcamber »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Note however, this will void your extended "maintenance insurance policy" if they find out about it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
not like the policy is helping him ne way...
Note however, this will void your extended "maintenance insurance policy" if they find out about it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
not like the policy is helping him ne way...
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,202
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From: under a rock, US
Re: Odd noise (mykcuz)
I have the clutch buzz on my on my 01', it bothered me for like a week then it grew on me.
Doesn't hurt the performance or anything so I won't replace till it really needs a new clutch.
Doesn't hurt the performance or anything so I won't replace till it really needs a new clutch.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Re: Odd noise (negcamber)
I didn't purchase the extended warranty... it was transfered from the guy who sold me my S so I am not too worried about voiding it. Is the OEM clutch kit the only clutch that would not void the warranty?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
All OEM would be the only thing that would not void the extended warranty.
The disk is all you need. The disk springs were updated to dampen the buzz.
BUT...if you are to the point of replacing the clutch disk, why not go ahead and do the pressure plate and throw-out bearing so that the whole assembly is fresh? If it is the cost...live with the buzz an extra month to save the money since it is not damaging anything. And if you have the extra cash...this is the time to make one of the few mods that actually does some good on the S2k (light flywheel) since the mechanic is in there anyway.
The disk is all you need. The disk springs were updated to dampen the buzz.
BUT...if you are to the point of replacing the clutch disk, why not go ahead and do the pressure plate and throw-out bearing so that the whole assembly is fresh? If it is the cost...live with the buzz an extra month to save the money since it is not damaging anything. And if you have the extra cash...this is the time to make one of the few mods that actually does some good on the S2k (light flywheel) since the mechanic is in there anyway.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Ellicott City, MD, 21043
Re: Odd noise (negcamber)
Do you recommend any other clutch kit besides the HTG? I found someone to do the installation really cheap and he is a solid wrench. The HTG is a little pricey. Is it worth paying the extra cash or could I get away with an ACT or Centerforce since I am not the racing type.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: Odd noise (jamsicle)
The good thing about the Hardtop Guy kit is the Comptech flywheel...the ACT pressure plate is nice should you decide to go for more power in the near future (supercharger or ??). It is not absolutely necessary.
Otherwise, if you aren't interested in the ACT pressure plate, then go with the individual components. You might contact HTG to see if he would offer a kit with an OEM pressure plate with some discount for buying all the parts (including flywheel) together.
Just make sure the mechanic understands that the S2k clutch is a bitch to do if he's never done one before. There are pretty good instructions on S2ki in the Under the Hood forum stickies.
Otherwise, if you aren't interested in the ACT pressure plate, then go with the individual components. You might contact HTG to see if he would offer a kit with an OEM pressure plate with some discount for buying all the parts (including flywheel) together.
Just make sure the mechanic understands that the S2k clutch is a bitch to do if he's never done one before. There are pretty good instructions on S2ki in the Under the Hood forum stickies.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
Re: (*****ieboy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by *****ieboy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">[[[[i got a 00 s2k with 15k on it. its having the same problem. would it be the clutch problem too?]]]]
can anybody ask my question also? thanks.</TD></TR></TABLE>
If it is having the same problem and is an '00 or '01, then it probably is the clutch buzz.
can anybody ask my question also? thanks.</TD></TR></TABLE>
If it is having the same problem and is an '00 or '01, then it probably is the clutch buzz.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 259
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From: Jacksonville, FL, USA
The dealer will want $1000+ to change a clutch. Try to find a tuner shop that does Honda...they will be less expensive. I don't know the west coast, so I can't recommend a shop. But post in the Washington forum on S2ki and ask for a shop recommendation.
I agree with Nailz...unless it is really really bothering you...turn up the radio, buy a loud exhaust, buy ear plugs...ignore it. It's not hurting the car. It is just annoying. Fix it once the clutch starts slipping.
I agree with Nailz...unless it is really really bothering you...turn up the radio, buy a loud exhaust, buy ear plugs...ignore it. It's not hurting the car. It is just annoying. Fix it once the clutch starts slipping.
