Hi,
I've been looking through the forums but haven't been able to find my exact problem.

I have a 2001 civic, Recently I had some low steering fluid from replacing PS belt and having some come out, so i figured it might be the problem but when I refilled the resevoir it continued with my problem..

When i'm moving and press clutch down i hear a bad grinding noise, it continues while moving, but goes away while accelerating (although comes back when decelerating or just moving at a constant speed). There is also a not as bad sound when sitting in neutral. Any ideas? Could that be the power steering pump? or just a coincidence this problem arose same time i had some low fluid.

 

Which side of the car is the noise coming from? Driver's side, or passenger side? Anyhow....

If you hear the noise while pressing on the clutch pedal, it's probably the release (aka throwout) bearing.

If you hear the noise while in neutral and your foot off of the clutch, it's probably the input shaft bearing. A bad input shaft bearing can also cause a grinding/rattling noise while accelerating. You have to completely remove the transmission, then split it open, pull the guts out, replace that bearing, put the guts back in it, clean and re-seal the case halves, put them back together, put the transmission back in, etc. etc. Cheap part (the bearing) but a PITA to replace.

Anyhow, it's likely a clutch component (if you're lucky) or it may be an internal transmission issue. (not fun)



If you think it might be related to the power steering pump, have someone lightly rev the engine and turn the steering wheel from side to side while you inspect the pump from under the hood.

Also, what color is the PS fluid? Any bubbles or foaming in it?

 

I would say throwout bearing based on the sound while decelerating and at semi constant speed.