1999 Honda Accord squeaky and stiff new clutch

VTHOSS2483

MEMBER
1999 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
145,500 MILES

I have an interesting situation. I bought my Accord used with 130,000 miles. I have recently had the clutch and flywheel replaced around 142,000 miles. Prior to this replacement, the clutch has always squeaked. Additionally, it was always quite stiff (especially compared to my old Acura Integra). After I had the clutch replaced, when the pedal was pushed on, the motion was very smooth and very soft. However, after I drive the vehicle for say 10 miles or so, the clutch pedal squeaks (under the hood and audible inside the car) and the pedal is much stiffer then when the car was cold. My mechanic believes it may be a hydraulic cylinder, but I wanted to ask around before going through with that repair. Any additional information would be most appreciated. Thanks so much!

Eric

7 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi vthoss2483,

During replacement of the clutch did you clean and lubricate the clutch release fork and pivot? Did you check for wear and rust? Pivot is most likely cause.

Internal squeaking can only be resolved by taking out the trans again.

Apply some grease at slave cylinder push rod and clutch fork contact and see if it helps.

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Sunday, June 8th, 2008 AT 12:12 AM

VTHOSS2483

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4 POSTS

Thanks for replying. I did not personally replace the clutch as I have zero skills in that field. I would have to ask my mechanic if he inspected the pivot fork. If that is the case, I may just learn to live with it, as taking the tranny out would be rather expensive.

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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 9:50 AM

KHLOW2008

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Hi vthoss2483,

Since he did not do a good job, he should redo the job and you don't have to pay for it.

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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 1:11 PM

VTHOSS2483

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4 POSTS

Hi KHLow2008. I totally agree with your opinion. I have a 12 month guarantee on the parts, and a 4 month guarantee on the labor. Not sure if "gee just missed checking that part" is part of that agreement. If he refuses to do it for free, or at least at a reduced cost, maybe I should look elsewhere. And if that's the case, I guess I am stuck paying someone else probably at least $500 to fix the problem. I did some research on what you said, and every detail I can find fits my issue. I am therefore convinced the pivot is certainly my issue. Btw - it gets very annoying sitting in traffic when the clutch is not smooth. I'm not sure how long I can put up with it, until I just give in and fork over more money to have it fixed. I appreciate all of your help. Thanks!

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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 7:55 PM

KHLOW2008

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Hi vthoss2483,

Over a long period of time, the fork pivot point might give way due to excessive wear.

If the shop refuses to entertain your request, I believe there are places that you can lodge a report. Sorry I am not sure over your place where to do it.

If they are honest, they would entertain you, otherwise you have to look for a new place to send your car for future services or repairs.

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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 AT 8:49 AM

VTHOSS2483

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi KHLow2008,

I've been out on business all week, sorry for not getting back sooner. I took your post to my mechanic, and he swears it's the master cylinder. The squeaking noise is coming from inside the break reservoir (I believe). It's the box under the hood to the front right if you are looking at the engine. He told me this is the location of the master cylinder. Is this also the same location as the clutch release fork? I may try and get another opinion, in person. I had a master cylinder go bad in my old Integra, so I know what that feels like. However, I am not loosing any hydraulic pressure at all in my Honda. I am getting sick of the "sticky" feeling the clutch has.

Thanks!

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Friday, June 13th, 2008 AT 7:44 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
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Hi vthoss2483,

If the noise is from the pedal area, then you need to check the master cylinder linkages.

That would not be a difficult job and won't be bad. Some lubrication should solve the problem.

If you want to confirm the the noise emission area, use a rubber hose as stethoscope and get some one to operate the clutch pedal.

Btw for some models there is a clutch fluid damper valve just under the brake master cylinder attached to the body just behind the trans mount, check if that is the one giving the noise if any.

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Saturday, June 14th, 2008 AT 8:47 AM