Strange Clutch Problem - Honda Prelude Forum

telram · 03-25-2005, 02:17 PM

Hi All,

I have a 99 SH with 60K miles. Last fall before I put the car in storage I was having typical 5th Gen tranny problems. Today I went and changed my tranny fluid for GM Syncro Mesh FM, it has helped with the Grinding problems. However, I think I now uncovered a new problem. Occasionally, (usually when I'm hard on the throttle) I cannot put the car in any gear. In addition, sometimes when the car is in gear at a stop (usually 1st or second) and the clutch is fully depressed, the car makes a whinning noise. It doesn't sound like it is from the transmission, but when I let up just a little on the clutch (and the car is still in gear and at a stop) the noise goes away.

I believe that this is an indication of clutch problems rather than tranny problems since the noise occurs when the clutch is fully depressed and hence the tranny should not be turning. So, is it possible that the problems I have been having are clutch related (maybe the clutch pedal isn't disengaging the parts it sould be)?

Any ideas would be helpfull, since I will be taking the car to Honda on Monday and don't want to be duped into thinking it is some bigger problem.

Thanks

Kartelli · 03-25-2005, 04:10 PM

I had the same problem using Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid, the problem will get worse and worse when shifting at higher rpms. So I switched back to honda MTF, and since havent had a problem with shifting at higher rpms (however shifting is notchy when cold outside until tranny is fully warmed up).

hope this helps

telram · 03-26-2005, 12:33 AM

I've noticed it's pretty bad at high RPMs, it doesn't want to go into any gear some of the time. As for the noise from depressing the clutch fully, it's still happening even when the car is in neutral and the clutch is fully depressed. This is very strange, I sure hope it's due to the cold. Any other ideas?

telram · 03-27-2005, 11:53 AM

Can these problems be indicative of some problems with clutch adjustment, master/slave cylinders, clutch or pressure plate?

I have a feeling that one of these might be the problem since the transmission is at only 60K miles and from what I have read, most tranny problems occur at higher mileages.

BTW, the gear grind is still happening but now seems to happen in all gears but only on occasion.

Artifex · 03-27-2005, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telram

Hi All,

I have a 99 SH with 60K miles. Last fall before I put the car in storage I was having typical 5th Gen tranny problems. Today I went and changed my tranny fluid for GM Syncro Mesh FM, it has helped with the Grinding problems. However, I think I now uncovered a new problem. Occasionally, (usually when I'm hard on the throttle) I cannot put the car in any gear. In addition, sometimes when the car is in gear at a stop (usually 1st or second) and the clutch is fully depressed, the car makes a whinning noise. It doesn't sound like it is from the transmission, but when I let up just a little on the clutch (and the car is still in gear and at a stop) the noise goes away.

Any ideas would be helpfull, since I will be taking the car to Honda on Monday and don't want to be duped into thinking it is some bigger problem.

Thanks

These are classic symptoms of clutch issues. In particular, your throw out bearing might be going. I would also bleed your clutch line.

If your TOB is going, you will have to pull the tranny and replace it. Might as well have a new clutch while you are in there.

telram · 03-27-2005, 04:48 PM

I do now believe that these are clutch issues. Today I noticed that at high RPMs I was not able to depress the clutch altogether. I didn't want to force the pedal down, so I slowed down and tried again and it was ok.

Artifex, do you think these are TOB issues or just a dying clutch?

Artifex · 03-28-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telram

I do now believe that these are clutch issues. Today I noticed that at high RPMs I was not able to depress the clutch altogether. I didn't want to force the pedal down, so I slowed down and tried again and it was ok.

Artifex, do you think these are TOB issues or just a dying clutch?

No way to tell unless you crack open the tranny. Both problems can be fixed by pulling the tranny, so that is your next step. Always replace the TOB when opening the tranny, because it's a $10 part. I guess you won't know if it's your clutch until the tranny comes off.

monk3y · 03-28-2005, 11:26 AM

i just had a similar problem.

gears were locked out sometimes, at other times very hard to get through the gates, and it wasn't a synchro issue because at other times it would shift fine. it would make that whining noise when i was in neutral and trying to put the car into first (or second).

got my clutch replaced and saw that one of the vibration damping springs on the clutch hub had failed and was rubbing against the flywheel. replaced the clutch and the problem is gone.

telram · 03-29-2005, 05:41 PM

This is definately good information! So how much would labor cost on a job like this? Should I take it to Honda or just get an aftermarket clutch/flywheel and get a local shop to do the work?

Also, anyone recommend a good clutch/flywheel combination?

92 SI Ludester · 03-31-2005, 09:56 PM

let me get this right, whinning noise when clutch is fully pressed no matter what gear it is in? if that is the case than its a throw out bearing.

if there is a noise when the clutch isnt pressed and in gear or neutral it will be a pilot bearing.

you werent able to press the pedal down without a lot of force? that can be a few things, pressure plate, master or slave cylinder, or a few other things. but it will probally be related to the whinning noise.