1998 Honda Accord Repair Question
Asked on June 11, 2012
Odd pedal action and vibration after clutch replacement
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.
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.
Answer
Replied on June 11, 2012
the flywheel is out of round for the vibration.
the other questions are normal to me.
Roy
Replied on June 12, 2012
Thanks, Roy. Everyone I've asked agrees that the pedal is normal. I'll mention the out-of-round flywheel to the shop when I take it back.
Cheers!