How to know when clutch is going bad '95 civic ex

Recently I've noticed that my shifts haven't been as smooth. Is this an
indication of a failing clutch. If so, what could I expect to pay for a new
one? Thanks.

 

---------------------------

Big Al,

What's the mileage, and did you have the clutch fluid flushed the last
time you had the brake fluid flushed? How long has it been since you
checked / changed the tranny oil?


'Curly'

 

I bought the car used about a year and half ago from the dealer. Has
100,300 miles and I checked the transmission fluid level about two months
ago and it was ok. Don't know if and when its been flushed.

 

----------------
Sorry, Al,

I didn't explain. Your clutch is activated hydraulically, just like your
brakes. If there's any air in your clutch hydraulics (the simplest
system in the world) the clutch won't activate properly, and may drag
rather than releasing all the way. That's why your service records would
tell you whether you had your clutch hydraulics flushed at the same time
your brakes were flushed.

If the car's a '95, the brakes are way overdue for a fluid change
anyway, and you might find your clutch problems are actually
non-existant. Have you checked the level (and color) of the brake fluid
in your clutch master cylinder? It should look like water if it's fresh,
iced tea if it's old, or worse. :=(

'Curly'

 

Usually, signs of clutch going are it slips, particularly in higher
gears. Crunchy shifts could be a sign of trans synchro wear; the 1-2
shift on the Civic is prone to such, especially if the owner tries to
hurry the shift. At 100K miles, either or both could be happening.
Clutch job costs about $500, labor and parts. Used trans from junkyard
costs about another $350-$500 over and above, since it's basically the
same job, and at 100K you ought to change the clutch if you get it
apart anyway, even if it's not troubling you yet.

 

I think I was quoted $600 for my 94 Civic DX, but I'm at 160,000 miles
with my original clutch, and it seems like it's still going strong. I
did just have the clutch master cylinder replaced in August though.

Nate

 

Thanks for all the info.