How to confirm worn clutch

[Sheribeth39]

Hello!
A mechanic told me that I need to replace my clutch because the clutch comes up very high from the floor, saying that means it is worn. I was quoted $650.00 which is mainly labor. The free play from the floor of the car (the firewall) to the pedal is about 6 inches. I was told that 6.5 inches is good, so I think it's okay. I also tested my clutch by putting the car in 3rd gear with the handbrake on letting the clutch out slowly, resulting in the engine shutting down, meaning the clutch is working fine. The gears slipped a little a few months ago, but it has not happened since. Also, the gears grind from time to time when I shift. In addition, I checked the clutch pedal itself with both my foot and my hand and there are maybe 2 inches of play before there is resistance and it is necessary to push harder on the clutch pedal for it to engage. That also seems to be okay according to what I have read.
I want to take good care of my car, but I don't want to pay for an expensive repair that I don't need, just like anyone else.

Help, please!

Thanks!

 

[HeX]

Before I decided to change my clutch, I thought it felt OK outside of the occasional gear grinding. Once I changed it, it felt amazingly butter soft. So while it may feel alright, it probably needs changing because Honda clutches feel great. I would highly suggest having the rear main seal done while youre at it. If funds are the issue, price hunt the parts online to save money then have them install it all.

 

[dancam]

My clutch has been like yours for over 70,000km. Its getting close to being needed to be replaced now. If your attempting to save money the test is when the clutch starts to slip under YOUR heaviest acceleration that you normally do. Mine only slips a bit if i do a fast gear change speeding up as fast as i can (flooring it and bringing it to the redline before shifting). I will probably replace mine after another 20k km. untill it starts slipping under your useage there is no NEED to change it. It will make things feel better for sure, but not absolutely necessary. And i dont know how long the clutch engaged high in my 2002 civic before i bought it. Coulda been a long time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mc360]

High engagement is a sign of wear but not that it's completely done. A new clutch always feels better but you get used to the engagement on worn down clutches, you can adjust pedal free play but that won't fix a worn out clutch. Like stated if it starts slipping under heavy acceleration then it's time to replace

 

[daperez13]

Hello Sheribeth39,

Given that the car is a 97, it may be time for a replacement if it's never had one before. But you're on the right track with your troubleshooting steps. Couple questions:

Are you the original owner? How many miles?

The play that you're describing does appear to be within tolerance but that doesn't mean that the clutch is not worn. If the clutch was replaced recently, then it's possible that it was contaminated with oil or grease when it was installed or maybe a leak is the culprit. Is there any burnt odors coming from the engine or transmission?

If you know and trust the mechanic and he's known for quality and honest work, then maybe you can consider the replacement. Beware though, shady mechanics will tell you the car needs something else replaced after bringing it in for service. If the car still drives fine and does not slip under acceleration, you can hold off on that clutch replacement a bit longer. I'm not familiar with shop prices as I try and do the work myself on my cars because of my previous statement with shady mechanics but $650.00 including parts and labor doesn't sound too bad. Make sure the kit includes a new throw bearing. Maybe others can chime in on that and post what a clutch replacement runs for.

HeX makes an excellent point. If you decide to replace the clutch, replace the rear main seal with an oem Honda part. It's not expensive and will save you tons of headaches in the future with oil leaks if you plan to keep the car...or even if you sell it.