I was informed to take my 01 S2000 (we just got) into the dealer to have them change out the clutch (template TSB-054A). When I spoke to Mike Lang at Arrowhead Honda he stated (after checking my vin) that my car was not one of the cars the work needed to be done on.
So I asking for help from all you experts. I am just hearing things? Is there any real danger? I plan on driving the car to CA this weekend? Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you,

 

I've had the clutch buzz/rattle since day 1 (MY '00). It's just the clutch springs vibrating & doesn't affect performance. It's just noise. People who have had the TSB done have remarked that the noise comes back after a little while. The TSB is only for those who are bothered by "noise". If you definately have the buzz, go to another dealer and show them. Eventually, someone will authorize the fix for you.

 

Thanks for the information Xviper.

 

I had the TSB done earlier this year on my '01 - it has definitely made a difference to me, and it hasn't come back. It technically IS an optional repair - not a recall. As far as I know, there is no problem with any long-term damage or potential problems with the "old" clutch disc from '00-'01. You shouldn't have any problems having any dealer perform the work for you - take them on a drive with you to show them if they don't believe you.

 

The fix is definitely worth it. When we had the relationship with Showcase they were doing the TSB without any questions. However most cars came back with the steering wheel alignment out of whack and had to be fixed too - from pulling out the column to work on the transmission, easier said than done based on the all the problems, but it was fixed for everyone.

No more buzzing, no more 1-2 grind or shaking when decelerating into the 3000-4000 RPM range.

Since we no longer have a homebase dealership right now it is basically every person for himself until we can get a new dealer. But if you can have it done make sure they align the steering wheel after they do it.

Chad McDonald is back at Showcase. Try taking it there and see what happens. They may want to earn our business back and that might at least benefit you. Chad is a good guy, just make sure you show him the car is in proper alignment so you don't have to have it aligned unnecessarily as their alignment guy sucks if it comes back with a crooked steering angle.

 

RDHOT - there was a revision to the TSB 54 that was issued in November, 2001 that expanded the original bulletin from MY 00 to include MY01. Unfortunately, the link in the library does not seem to work. When you get back from your trip, I'd be happy to fax a copy of the updated TSB that includes your car.

It made the world of difference for me - and I've put 10,000 plus miles on since having it done and the buzz is not back.

It definately isn't an issue that will cause damage to your car, though. Just will make her shift and sound a lot better!