What’s up guys so my car doesn’t shift smooth. I’ve always just turned the other cheek to it but it’s kind of getting annoying. So here are some things I experience.
1. When I’m at a stop, going into first can be kinda hard. Sometimes it doesn’t go in at all and I have to depress and press the clutch to try again.
2. When I’m at a stop, the car does a little jolt when 1st gear goes in.
3. Shifting through the gears doesn’t feel smooth. It feels a little forceful and clanky if that makes sense??? Not too much, but noticeable.
4. My master cylinder is bad. It’s got black grease coming out of it and the clutch fluid is dark. I’m going to replace it. Just waiting for the part to come in.
Im not sure if the cause of the issue is the master cylinder but then again what do I know. Was wondering if you guys can help me figure out what it can possibly be? I really hope it’s not the transmission itself!

 

Yes, from the symptoms you describe, it's prolly the clutch hydraulics. Have you tried removing the bad fluid out of the clutch hydraulic reservoir? Then, replace with new fluid. Bleed if necessary.

Maybe, this is all you need to do to restore good clutch action and clean shifting.

I use a brake-clutch fluid syringe to draw out the bad fluid.

 

More frequent transmission fluid changes.

 

Number one cause for thatis clutch not fully disengaging. There are a number of reasons that happens.

1. Clutch fluid - Air in lines. Old dirty fluid is a sure sign this couod be the cause. Do a proper fluid flush via gravity bleed. Going forward, swap just the mc reservoir fluid at every oil change. The fresh fluid will circulate with each pedal press, and this process will keep the fluid clean and fresh.

2. Clutch rod adjustment - There is an excellent diy youtube video on the process. Watch it. You adjust out all the play. There will still be sufficient play in the system.

3. A crappy aftermarket or so called Exedy oem clutch disk is starting to drop a spring. When this happens, it jambs things up, and clutch won't fully disengage. If its this, the above will only help a little, and over time it gets worse and worse, until one day ot gets hopelessly jammed. Ybe only fix for this is a new clutch (use only Honda parts,other than flywheel, which you can use a lightweight obe if desired).

4. Bad mc or follower cylinder. This is exceptionally rare. Usually they only leak due to dirty fluid. Once fluid is fully clean, leak eventually goes away. Always check the orher things before just replacing, as they don't go bad often.

 

When you get your new MC change the fluid more frequently, make sure the clutch rod freeplay is set properly under dash at the pedal.

Items that help with shift feel would be tranny fluid changes, shifter re-grease, and double checking your clutch rod freeplay.

When you come to a stop and need to engage first gear let the rpms settle down before grabbing 1st gear, or double clutch if you are still moving slowly. The first gear clunk is somewhat common usually happens when trying to find 1st gear quickly after coming to a stop. If you go from a higher gear to 1st gear let the clutch out, pull it out of gear and then re-engage the clutch and select 1st. Going from a higher gear right to 1st quickly may cause the clunking sound.

 

Just looked up adjustment on youtube to check it out ...

 

Might aswell do both slave and master cylinder if high mileage. Also if AP2 it will have heavier flywheel and rev matching will feel very lazy when shifting.

 

You should also check the condition of the engine mounts and replace them proactively. Busted mounts can contribute to rough or inconsistent shifting.

 

I recently changed my transmission fluid and it made huge difference when shifting. I'll probably change it every 15k miles same with the clutch fluid.