So my Prelude, while being all around a decent car, especially for the price, is having some clutch and gearshifter issues.
I'm gonna start by saying the clutch was changed about 50.000km ago, no idea if the release bearing was done as well.(I sure hope so)


While either riding the clutch in a high gear and low speed(It happens every now and then) the car jerks forward pretty violently. After that the clutch pedal is stuck 50% in and the car will not go into any gear. If I stop the car, pull the clutch pedal back again, everything works as it should.

Now to the second part. When going into a intersection, I do my normal routine. Brake and then press the clutch until the car stops. Wiile doing this I put the car in 1st, only issue is it won't go into 1st unless I really force it in there. From there the car jolts forward when I depress the clutch even the slightest after standing around waiting for the light to turn green When the car obviously stalls, the clutch is stuck at 50% again. If I start it before pulling the pedal back, the car will creep forward even if I press the clutch in. AFter pulling the pedal out, everything works again.

So help me out here, this isn't the normal, good old clutch slippage issue we're all used to. Where should I start looking before changing the entire clutch assembly?

Another question, does the clutch and the brake system use the same fluid like all my previous german cars have, or are there two different reservoirs. If the latter, how do I go about checking the level in the clutch reservoir?

 

Sounds like you to need bleed your system from the slave cylinder and see if there is any air trapped in the lines. And yes you can use the DOT3 brake fluid for your brake system and clutch also. Just start with bleeding the system first, but if your slave cylinder is leaking then change that out. But if you are still having the shifting issue after bleeding the system then yes you might as well change the clutch and the release bearing.

 

Where's that slave cylinder located? Never had a Japanese car or one with a cross mounted engine before.

 

It is on the front of the transmission here is a picture of it to show you its location, its outlined in RED the bleed nipple is obvious when you go look at the slave cylinder. And also check your clutch master cylinder that is connected to your clutch pedal and see if it is leaking inside the cabin of the car. The seal on those are prone to going bad and causing leaks and air in the system.

 

I'll check them both out, thanks!

 

You are correct, the slave is pretty much gone. Do you know if the master cylinder is the same on any other honda? I need one of these pretty quick and might not find another Prelude for parts here(Or find a new one for that matter)

 

Looks like you can use the clutch master cylinder from a 90-97 Accord and 96-99 Acura CL with manual transmission. I would personally buy one and a slave cylinder from a parts store if you are in a huge hurry to get this car of yours back on the road. Also try the internet you can usually find sellers on eBay selling the combo for a good price, like this one made by Exedy is a good deal at $50 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXEDY-DAIKIN-CLUTCH-MASTER-SLAVE-CYLINDER-ACURA-CL-ACCORD-PRELUDE-2-2L-2-3L-/301397854637?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1997%7CModel%3APrelude&hash=item462cb649ad&vxp=mtr