I have had this problem for the past two years and i still dont know what the problem is... i am currently on my 4th different transmission in the past two years... and two new clutch cables.. and even a new pedal assembly... and the pedal is still really hard to push in.. i dont know what to do any more.. i had the stock cluth... and now i have an ACT and its still the same... its a pain in the *** when im in traffic..... anyone know what my problem might be??
Thanks

 

I know this is going to sound 100% retarded, but I recently bough another Si hatch... The clutch pedal was really really hard to push in. I must have messed around with that thing for hours. It had a brand new clutch cable on it when I go it. It was an aftermarket brand (pep boys or something). I finally took the brand new cheapo brand cable off and it moved very freely, so I didn't think it was that. Just to be sure, I put my old stock cable from my other civic in, and it's smooth as silk. It ended up being the brand new cheap *** parts store replacement part. One of the brackets would evidently pinch it too tight to function. Sounds retarded and unrealistic, but it was REALLY stiff. So stiff it almost took my girlfriend both feet to push down.

I know there is a 99% chance this won't help you, but you could give it a try.

 

I had the same problem, got a brand new cluch cable installed it and nothing. Changed the clutch and it was as smooth as butter.

 

I know if you tighten the clutch cable almost all the way, the clutch will release way high and the pedal will feel very heavy. I don't know if this is correct but I have my clutch cable adjusted to release almost on the floor and the pedal feels normal like any other clutch. It has been working good for me for over a year.

 

i've been through 3 cables and one bracket so far. clutch was orginally an act setup, i changed it to a clutchmasters stage I and its still pretty stiff. i've just kinda learned to live with it, and my left leg has gotten pretty buff!! i know this isnt much help but i just figured i'd let you know your not the only one! good luck

 

i have a ITR tranny(hydro swap) & clutchmasters clutch in my 88hatch and my foot hurts from the pedel at stoplights etc.if yall figure out a way to make it easier to push in that would be awesome

 

obv. an act pressure plate is going to be harder to push in than a stock pressure plate. thats just the way it is they are hard to push in because the clamping force of the flywheel is alot better with an aftermarket clutch. i went from stock to centerforce and its alot harder to push in. but thats what happens when you have a good clutch.

learn to live with it!
-larry

 

obv. an act pressure plate is going to be harder to push in than a stock pressure plate. thats just the way it is they are hard to push in because the clamping force of the pressureplate is alot better with an aftermarket setup. i went from stock to centerforce and its alot harder to push in. but thats what happens when you have a good clutch.

learn to live with it!
-larry

 

man.. this sucks.. well i think ill try a new clutch cable from Honda, all the ones i have some cheap *** cables... as for the clutch.. well i had a 2 stock honda clutches and now im running the 4-puck ACT clutch.. and on all of them the clutch pedal was really stiff.. my friend has the same ACT cluth on his car but its no where as stiff as mine..
thanks

 

From ACT's website:

Technical Bulletin #4: Extreme Pedal Effort - '84-87 Honda Civic and CRX
On these models a welded bracket from the accelerator pedal assembly helps route the clutch cable. When this bracket breaks or a mechanic neglected to route the cable through it, the clutch pedal becomes very stiff. Because this bracket is located under the dash it is often overlooked. It is a common occurrence even on stock applications for the spot welds to break that hold the bracket to the pedal assembly. It would be a good idea to remove the assembly and perform some additional welding to the bracket with any performance application. A visual inspection to verify that the accelerator pedal bracket is intact and supporting the clutch cable should be part of every clutch replacement on these cars.

- This probably doesn't apply to you, but you could give it a shot and check the bracket anyway, it may work!

The link:
http://www.advancedclutch.com/V3/mainframe.htm

Hope this helps, good luck