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98 Accord: New Clutch Problems


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asf3wkt
New User

Jun 11, 2012, 1:21 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2416 views)
98 Accord: New Clutch Problems Sign In

1998 Honda Accord EX 4D Sedan / 2.3L 4-cyl / 5-spd MT / 143,000 mi


I just had the original factory clutch replaced (including a new flywheel), and there are a couple of problems:

1. All of the engagement/disengagement occurs in the top 3-4 inches of pedal travel. The remaining travel, down to the floor, does nothing. I can shift gears by pushing the pedal only ~1/3 of the way down. Also, pedal effort is much lighter than before (fine with me, just different). Are these conditions normal for a new clutch? If not, what was done wrong?

2. There's a vibration/chatter in the clutch when you try to make a normal, smooth start. With a lot of revs and fast engagement, it's smooth. The vibration isn't bad, but it's noticeable. It seems worse in reverse than in 1st. I've also felt it when shifting from 1st to 2nd, but not to higher gears. What could be causing this? What's the fix?

Thanks!


Note that there were several other problems with the repair, so it won't surprise me if the clutch installation was screwed up too. The mechanic was subsequently fired by the shop, and I'm still trying to get the rest of the job done right.

- A lower radiator hose support bracket was missing and never found (now zip-tied).
- The battery tray was reinstalled backwards.
- Two support clips for the positive battery cable were broken (now zip-tied).
- The shift linkage was broken at the transmission end (driveable, but the shifter flops around; parts on order).


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 11, 2012, 1:49 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2396 views)
Re: 98 Accord: New Clutch Problems Sign In

You are right it was botched up. Sometimes the zip ties are better than trying to find a brittle plastic holder for something if well thought out as some under hood plastics don't like the heat for years on end.

Grease on disc or it could have gotten warped installing it or somehow plain a bad item new or not.

Easier pushing is IMO and experience normal with new because angle to retract pressure plates has a better advantage than a worn clutch.

Any of these concerns and they are real, should be brought up with the shop or tech who did the job,

T



asf3wkt
New User

Jun 12, 2012, 3:31 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2336 views)
Re: 98 Accord: New Clutch Problems Sign In

Thanks, Tom. I'll relay your suggestions to the shop (I'm sure they'll be thrilled!).

The zip-ties are my solution, as the shop seemed happy for me to drive away with those items unsecured. I was careful to use solid items that don't move and don't generate heat as anchor points. It's a 14 year old car, so I'm no that spun up about it -- just seemed like an amateur move to lose parts and shrug your shoulders!

EP


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 12, 2012, 4:08 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2331 views)
Re: 98 Accord: New Clutch Problems Sign In

From first post just re-read.......
- A lower radiator hose support bracket was missing and never found (now zip-tied).
- The battery tray was reinstalled backwards.
- Two support clips for the positive battery cable were broken (now zip-tied).
- The shift linkage was broken at the transmission end (driveable, but the shifter flops around; parts on order).
*********************
That was you complaint list up top and some items can break but even if creative holding wires or whatever in position should be neat and well thought out. If this support for a radiator hose was broken somehow then at least I if new isn't available and used unlikely to be found would make it right enough.

Battery tray - no excuse for that.

Clips holding battery cable if plastic might have broken but generics stuff available or creative something to make right. At the age shops can't just go scrounging salvage yards so there is a lot of assorted generic items for things like that.

Whatever happened with linkage I'd need to see but since it's known and parts on order let that be fixed.

The job was hacked by this description. You said the mechanic got his walking papers but if this is a real shop they should make all this right even though this mechanic is gone and no matter if a chain place or independent it went way too wrong.

Hope they can make it right for you without a hassle,

T



asf3wkt
New User

Jun 13, 2012, 6:34 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2301 views)
Re: 98 Accord: New Clutch Problems Sign In

Tom, I agree completely. I may stop by the local Pick-A-Part yard and find a hose bracket once the rest of it is fixed. I'm more worried about the clutch and shifter than the minor under-hood cosmetics.

The shift linkage was broken at the transmission end. There's a bracket that holds the cable sleeve stationary so only the inner rod moves; that bracket got broken so the sleeve moves around. The shifter still works to change gears, but the loose sleeve lets it flop forward after it goes into 1st, 3rd and 5th.

The shop is a national chain. I'd been getting oil changes and minor preventive work done there for years and the manager was willing to negotiate on price for the clutch job. I had sticker shock after the local Honda dealer wanted >$1,700 for it; this guy agreed to do it for $700 out the door. Since money's tight, I jumped. I guess this is a case of, "you get what you pay for, good and hard."

Anyway, thanks for your help and advice!

EP






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