Since my local Acura shop wants $592 labor only to replace the clutch/pp/etc, I have thought about doing it myself - here's the problem tho....I need to diagnose whether they were full of **** in saying it needs new clutch assembly:

Symptoms (78,000 miles track & daily driver '98 Type R):
1) NEVER any slippage
2) 2 days ago during throttle blip/downshift to 3rd from 5th, it wouldn't go into gear for split second, then tried again & it went in fine, to 4th, then 5th & when I got off hwy - it worked fine!
3) yesterday, pulled in parking lot & couldn't get it into ANY gear! finally slammed into reverse 'cause I was blocking pkg traffic in front of building
4) After towing to Acura, they started it & it drove into the garage just fine.
5) When I left - car wouldn't even disengage from first with pedal down in Acura pkglot & car died. Started back up & it worked to drive 3 miles & get it in a gated/underground secured garage.

To me, this sounds more like hydrolic problems than the clutch itself, but that's jmho...

I wouldn't ask for extra help except Monday was my last day at work after layoff & I really don't want to replace lots of expensive parts if its the slave cylinder or other external hydrolic prob. Any help is appreciated before I tear into this beast!!!

Thanks,
Unemployed BudMan


[Modified by BudMan, 2:50 PM 1/9/2002]

 

Have you tried bleeding the fluid?

 

Actually, I bought fluid to do this last week - lol...I have to go get my car tonight/tomorrow from the secured parking area & I was thinking of flushing the fluid while still in the parking lot - if Batoutahell will go with me ;-)

I'm hoping that's causing the slave cylinder to not pull the release fork everytime...

Is that what you were thinking???

All opinions appreciated!

BudMan I need

 

It could be the release bearing going out or the pressure plate has a problem.
Or the disc is coming apart and is getting stuck and making the clutch not release.

It could very well be, but i wouldnt let those dealer monkeys do the work

 

I appreciate your response....at least you've given me several possibilities that WOULD require clutch/pp/bearing replacement!!

Thanks - I'll start working tomorrow

Any other thoughts are still appreciated!!

 

ttt

Any other ideas??

Have a free on me!

 

One last minute check.

If it "pumps up" then it might just be the "hydraulics" (no pun intended),
otherwise it looks like your disc/disk failed (popped a spring or any of those other possible problems).

Any "special" abuse you've given it lately?

 

Jeff: Any abnormal noises?

 

No sirry "Mullet Man"...hehehe

Actually, I've been driving unusually kind lately -'cause I was going to flush the fluid & change the mtf {it's in the back seat - bought the day before it went out - lol}

I guess lightened flywheel & new clutch goodies are in order....I'll have to do a search for any tips on this process. Crappy part is I just put in the new motor mount inserts 2 weeks ago & now I apparently have to pull them back out to get the tranny out - lol.

Thanks for the help!

BudMan - who surely will abuse his car even more after this!!

 

Upon checking today I noticed the boot over the "Release Fork" has a tear in it. Should I be able to move the fork by hand (push the slave cylinder push rod back into the cylinder)??

I'm thinking that I might have a bad slave cylinder - thoughts anyone?? before I tear into the tranny?

 

Probably pressure plate

 

yes you can push the rod into the cylinder by hand.

 

All is installed & all is running nicely Thanks to all who helped the tranny-newbie!!