Hey guys...

I have a '94 Accord, 4cyl MT 183k. Over the past couple of days (especially yesterday) I noticed it was a bit hard to shift through the gears during normal driving (mostly 2nd & 3rd). This morning, I went to put it in 1st... the clutch pedal was really loose. It seems like it only engaged when the pedal was just about to the floor and of course hard to shift. The clutch pedal comes back up at around the same speed but not with the same pressure behind it. I also seems like it loses a bit of "pep" every now and then (before this morning). I saw a bit if a dark line on the carpet beneath the clutch pedal that I've never noticed, it seemed a bit damp but maybe because it was chilly this morning. (the carpet was spotty when I bought it so I can be sure that dark line just appeared, but I dont remember seeing it. Anyway, I also looked at the carpet right behind the clutch pedal, at the top where the carpet ends, there was an imprint of the bar from the clutch pedal... i touched it... it was a bit greasy. Then I noticed that the back of the clutch pedal looks like its beginning to have rust spots. I dont think I have a clutch problem, but Im no expert and new to MT. Could it be that the hydraulic line from the clutch pedal has a leak? Thanks, any feedback is appreciated.

A.Crawl

 

The clutch master cylinder can leak where the push-rod connects the pedal to the master cylinder. It will create a stain on the carpet.

I would check that the clutch fluid reservoir is full. If not, add some brake fluid. If it is really low, you may have to bleed air from the lines.

 

Ok Cool... there's definitely a stain and the fluid was horribly LOW. So I'll do some research on bleeding the air out and go from there... it doesn't sound too difficult, hope im not wrong

 

Depending on how bad it is leaking, you may need to replace the clutch master cylinder. I had the same problem on my car, and would add fluid to the reservoir when needed. Just make sure that the level does not drop so low that you pull air into the lines.

Also look for leaks in the engine bay at the master cylinder and the slave. Pull back the boot of the slave to see if it is filled with fluid. Replace the master or slave if there are other leaks.

Bleeding the lines is pretty simple. You will need an assistant. Fill up the reservoir, open the bleeder valve on the slave cylinder and put a clear hose on it to catch the fluid in a container. Slowly push down the clutch pedal, then close the bleeder valve. Raise the clutch pedal. Repeat until you see no air bubbles coming through the hose. Sometimes air will get pulled in where the hose is connected to the bleeder valve, so don't let that fool you.

 

Thanks a lot! Im gonna do it tomorrow. You've been a huge help