This is an issue i've had, since I bought my '96 Integra used at 42K a year ago.

When the car has been running for an extended period of time, say for a long distance highway trip, the clutch develops an odd feel to it. The only adjective I can use to describe it is 'gravelly' as if someone poured sand into the transmission. It becomes harder to drive smoothly, though I am not sure if the clutch is engaging differently or that my feel for the engagement point is thrown off.

If I keep going, the clutch develops a sticky feel to it (but it never actually sticks) and a distinct squeak when I shift. I've listened while a friend pushed the clutch and the noise is definitely coming from the transmission. The amount of shifting I do seems to have no effect on how quickly it develops.

Once the car sits overnight, all is normal the next morning. I suspect this is heat related, especially since the condition occurs more quickly if I turn the A/C on. Could this be a bad throwout bearing? I've bled the clutch fluid and changed the MTF and neither had any effect. Any info would be appreciated.

 

Is the issue when the clutch is depressed or when you are off of the clutch?

Have you done the 25 mph/5th gear WOT test? If your RPM's rise, it is your clutch.

 

It occurs when I am engaging or disengaging the clutch. It is more pronounced when the car is going into or out of gear, as opposed to sitting in neutral and repeatedly pressing the clutch

 

Yup. throwout bearing......time for a new clutch kit.

 

Dammit! For the moment is this an annoyance, or something that could cause cripling failure?