Started to have clutch problems last month (slipping at about 4000-6000 RPM) and took car to dealer. Fortunately, dealer replaced clutch under warranty (19K miles). They replaced the flywheel, friction/pressure plates and bearing. Slippage obviously gone, but was left with a very stiff/heavy clutch (not smooth, either-more of a ratchety sensation).

When I took the car back in I was told "it's not right" and left it overnight. The next day they replaced the master and slave cylinders also, according to the receipt. (Still under warranty).

Unfortunately, the clutch is still VERY stiff. Prior to any problems the clutch was perfect. Not too light (like my daughter's Civic) and not too stiff. It also now feels like it sticks sometimes; if it was stiff/hard but smooth I could get used to it but this seems altogether wrong still.

I hate to keep coming back to the dealer, particularly since they have been fixing it at no charge but it does not feel right. Also, it seems a bit odd that they have approached the problem by replacing part after part-makes me wonder if they really know/care what the problem is.

Any advice on what to do/ tell the dealer to look into?

Thanks

 

Maybe a clutch installation problem. Here is a thread with similar issues and comments: http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...ch+fork+release

 

clutch takes time to break in
mine was soft but stiffened up after 500 miles of breaking in
breaking in clutch is when u drive under 5000 rpms for 500 miles

 

A clutch break-in is simply the transfer of new friction material to the freshly machined metal surfaces. It will make a slight difference in engagement and ultimate grip, but should not change pedal pressure required (in fact I don't see how it would).

Pedal resistance is normally a function of the pressure plate (assuming the linkage is unchanged) so for OEM parts will normally feel about the same. I would guess that it might start to feel stiffer with a build up of FD dust, lack or breakdown of lube on the moving parts, or deterioration of the clutch fluid. Engagement may vary as the FD wears but that should not make it feel stiffer.

This owner may simply be feeling a variation from different parts and installation.

 

Thanks for the quick input. I have already read the other thread prior to posting. I dont think it is a clutch break-in issue as the pedal resistance is the primary issue. Also, it feels much different than when the car was brand new.

How can the pedal resistance be adjusted? Can the slight binding sensation when pedal fully depressed be eliminated?

Thanks

(going back to dealer next week)