Clutch question on 87 Prelude

[Matt]

The clutch pedal is very stiff or hard to press down. Makes it hard to change gears fast, or even shift smoothly. What could be causing this? The clutch doesn't slip or anything, its just 'slow'. I really need to fix this as it's driving me nuts.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[William Burke]

Probably a bad clutch cable. Get it changed soon. When they get like that, they usually brake.

 

[Eric]

Probably a bad clutch cable. Get it changed soon. When they get like that, they usually brake.

Agreed, often times the clutch cable saws through the housing at the end of the cable near the adjuster nut. Not only can this make the peddle stiff to operate, but it can also cause the clutch to hang up. Another common problem with older Hondas is that some of the spot welds in the pedal cluster would come apart. This allows the pedal cluster to flex rather than transfer the pedal pressure to the clutch cable.

Eric

 

[Matt]

How hard is it to replace a clutch cable?

Matt

 

[N.E.Ohio Bob]

How hard is it to replace a clutch cable?

On the Rockwell scale? bob

 

[Jafir Elkurd]

On the Shore scale.

On the Rockwell scale? bob

 

[Eric]

How hard is it to replace a clutch cable?

It's fairly easy. Back off the adjuster nut all the way. Disconnect the end of the clutch cable from the clutch release arm. Disconnect the other end of the clutch cable from the top of the clutch pedal. Remove the cable being careful to note it's routing in the engine compartment. Replace the cable connecting it to the clutch pedal first and then to the clutch release lever. Lastly, adjust the clutch cable such that you have about a quarter inch of freeplay at the clutch release lever. Note that sometimes the boot on the cable is difficult to instal into the firewall. A little bit of Sylglide silicone grease on the boot will help out a great deal.

Eric