Clutch failure (anyone had similar experience?) and recommendations for replacement

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May 8, 2018 | 09:13 AM
  #1  
Hi

First the failure: Car is my 01 and pretty much stock. I haven't done any clutch work on the car, but some previous owner has and that's all I know (I found receipt of AP1 clutch kit). I have done few track days with car and never had any clutch issues until now. I went to trackday and afterwards I realized I probably had some clutch slipping on lap 3 (firstly I thought it was tyre spinning). On fourth lap on normal gear change I heard some rattling noise and realized that something is wrong in the clutch. Pedal was soft and gear change wasn't smooth. Went to pits and first checked clutch fluid reservoir and there was normal amount of fluid. I jacked up the car and removed the slave cylinder. Small pieces with somekind of fiber came out and I'm pretty sure that is clutch plate material. Got the car home and I have started clutch removal operation, but haven't pulled tranny yet.
Anyone had similar failure?

I of course need new clutch plate and pressure plate and probably will replace the flywheel too.

After some research: Oem parts are good and also ACT parts seem to have good reputation.
This seems to be ok: https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/hond...kit-2000-2009/
I haven't found ACT pressure plate under 530€ from Europe.

For flywheel: (prices include shipping, taxes etc.)
OEM from Honda dealer over 800€
OEM from Amayma.com 400-450€
ACT streetlight 5,08kg from AKR performance 385€
ACT prolight 3,67kg from AKR performance 415€

Thanks!
Reply 0
May 8, 2018 | 01:14 PM
  #2  
Maybe to late now but did you check or adjust your clutch pedal free play?
As for buying parts, I recently replaced all clutch stuff on my car and I basically scanned the whole internet to get the best prices
I bought OEM release bearing and ACT prolite (do not bother with the heavier street one) from AKR.
ACT pressure plate from frsport.com for $381 including shipping, don't remember the tax costs.

For the oem parts you might want to check Hendyperformance (you can get a discount code from them in the UK section).
Or hondapartsnow.com in the US, they do ship worldwide and you get to see the whole cost including all taxes and all that crap on their site before buying.
I got most of the smaller stuff from them.
Reply 1
May 8, 2018 | 10:49 PM
  #3  
Well I haven't adjusted freeplay on clutch, but it's too late now. There has been some freeplay on clutch pedal all the time, but clutch engagement point was pretty high and I got plenty of pedal travel after engagement point. After this failure happened clutch made all kind of funny noises and pedal feel was completely different than what it was before.

For the parts:
Oem pressure plate, oem clutch plate and ACT flywheel are about 900€
ACT pressure plate, oem clutch plate and ACT flywheel are about 1100€

ACT pressure plate from frsport.com is now $440 including shipping.

What makes ACT pressure plate better than oem Honda?
Reply 0
May 8, 2018 | 11:02 PM
  #4  
If what you describe (slipping) was happening, you would definitely smell it. Did you smell something fishy?
Reply 0
May 8, 2018 | 11:14 PM
  #5  
ACT pressure plate can hold much more torque, so if you ever would want to go forced induction it will handle it. Other than that OEM PP is perfectly fine.
For friction disc always go for a new OEM (FCC makes these).
Reply 0
May 9, 2018 | 12:46 AM
  #6  
Quote:
If what you describe (slipping) was happening, you would definitely smell it. Did you smell something fishy?
No I didn't smell anything strange. I think clutch was slipping on one corner exit on previous lap, but I'm not completely sure.

Looks like I'm buying oem pressure plate because I'm going to stay na. Getting forced induction street legal in Finland is not really possible.
Reply 0
May 9, 2018 | 02:02 AM
  #7  
I think it's a good chance the pressure plate doesn't need to be replaced.
But if you want to minimize the down time it might be better to order it at the same time.
Also do not forget to get the proper grease.
Reply 0
May 9, 2018 | 04:15 AM
  #8  
If NA I would stay with oem PP since the ACT could possibly add more wear to the thrust bearings.

When you pack the TOB grease inside, do you guys fill the indentation so it is flush?
Reply 0
May 9, 2018 | 04:37 AM
  #9  
Quote:
If NA I would stay with oem PP since the ACT could possibly add more wear to the thrust bearings.

When you pack the TOB grease inside, do you guys fill the indentation so it is flush?
Flush is a must.

I wouldnt say the ACT pp is better...it is as indestructible as the OEM pp, with more clamping force.

I have removed three (all the same) very well know PPs within 10k miles, due to fulcrum issues, resulting in incomplete disengagement. PM for name.

I have logged over 400,000 miles on an OEM PP, by moving it car to car, and offering lifetime guarantee that the PP will outlive the disc. I have reused them on countless occasions with 100% track record.

For track, OEM is gold. For autoX, the ACT will help with launches. The ACT is also a must for FI.

Reliability on the OEM and ACT has been 100% across 15 years and countless cars.

Reply 0
May 9, 2018 | 09:31 AM
  #10  
Add a release bearing guide and honda urea grease to your list
Reply 1