[liketotallyrandom2008]

I'm encountering an issue, kind of randomly, where my clutch pedal sometimes only returns about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way back up. It seems to happen more after the transmission has been in neutral, as opposed to having been in gear. It doesn't happen every day, though, and temperature doesn't seem to matter. Over time it is becoming more frequent. I can usually pump the clutch a few times and function recovers.

Any ideas? What should I check? Could it be the seals on the master cylinder? Master cylinder rod adjustment?

2008 EX Coupe with 167,000 miles

 

[Chaos Pilot]

If the fluid level is fine try running the rod out (turn clockwise I think). If there are no leaks anywhere it is likely that your clutch has worn to the point of needing adjustment.

 

[liketotallyrandom2008]

Update: After doing a bunch of online research, I think the clutch master cylinder is dying. I ordered a new one, and a slave cylinder and hose. I'm going to refurb the whole system. I'll report back when it's done.

 

[tombid]

I hope you ordered the em1 style clutch and same for the slave, looking to do this myself soon as well

 

[liketotallyrandom2008]

OK. I installed an Exedy master cylinder and a Beck-Arnley slave cylinder, along with a new hose. I was surprised to find the boot of the old slave cylinder full of hydraulic fluid. It's bizarre, because I did not see any fluid outside of the boot, and I haven't had to add any clutch fluid, so it's puzzling. I did not disassemlble the old master cylinder (at least not yet), so I don't know the condition of it.

The most challenging part was definitely getting out the old master cylinder (with the attached hard line) and getting the bolts of the new one lined up. I had another person inside the car to help get the bolts through the firewall. I gravity bled the master cylinder and the attached hard line, by leaving the coupling to the hose loose. Took a few minutes to fill to that point. Then I tightened everything and used the wooden block trick in the Honda manual, to keep the slave cylinder piston in the "squished" position. I wasn't getting any fluid action until I used that trick, and then everything was fine.

I'm still fine tuning the clutch pedal adjustments, but it's pretty close to being right.

 

[liketotallyrandom2008]

I disassembled the master cylinder. The spring was broken in one place, and almost broken in a second place. The piston seals were visually OK. A dime-sized area of the cylinder bore was "polished" from wear, but it was not leaking externally. I'll disassemble the slave cylinder at some point.