lordmithrandir

My clutch has been fine until recently. I few days ago I noticed that I can push the clutch in about half way without any resistance. And in order to change gears I must push it all the way to the floor. If I let up even a little it catches the gears. It didn't used to do this, it used to catch about halfway up. Do I need a new clutch or will some fluid do? I am ok working on cars, but not super good. Also will driving it cause damage, or should I not drive it until I get this fixed? As a side note a suburban backed into me a few weeks ago (it was going really slow) and I got the car back from the body shop about 2 weeks ago. The clutch was fine when I got it back. It is a 97 Honda Accord w/ 105k miles if that helps.

bjd088

it shouldn't hurt it to drive like that, but it is a pain to do so. Is there fluid in your clutch master cylinder?

lordmithrandir

I can't say that I have checked. I'm not entirely sure where the master cylinder is anyway. I don't have a book or anything. If you could point me in the right direction I can probably find it.

jeffcoslacker

Just inboard of you brake master cyclinder (on the firewall under the hood, driver's side), there is a smaller resevoir that looks similar. Pull the cap off and fill with DOT 3 brake fluid. Replace the cap and pump the clutch to the floor and release until it begins to firm up. Then check the level again.

Once full, look under the car and see if it's leaking out.

__________________
You made three mistakes. First, you took the job. Second, you came light. A four man crew for me? F**king insulting. But the worst mistake you made...

...empty gun rack.

jeffcoslacker

You have a hydraulic (fluid assisted) clutch. As the friction material wears down on the clutch disc, more fluid is drawn into the system to make up for the change in relation between the disc, flywheel and the pressure plate, Just the same as how brake fluid level drops as pads wear down.

Honda's hydro's will work fine right up until air is drawn in, the you get the dead pedal like you have. If you aren't leaking, it's time to have the clutch disc lining inspected for wear. I think there is actually an inspection plug on the top of your tranny housing to look inside and see it.

__________________
You made three mistakes. First, you took the job. Second, you came light. A four man crew for me? F**king insulting. But the worst mistake you made...

...empty gun rack.

lordmithrandir

I tried what you suggested and it seems to be better. I haven't yet determined if it is leaking or not. It actually wasn't very low, I only had to put in a little for it to be full, but it made a big difference. I'll look in to finding out what the cause was. Thanks for the help.

deaz

It probably also wouldn't hurt to bleed the clutch too. Especially if it was low.