No pressure on clutch pedal - can't change gear

Hi,

I've just gone out to my 97 Honda Accord and there is no pressure on my clutch pedal.

If I push it down, it goes all the way to the floor, and if I then lift it a little the spring causes it to come back up. Initially there was a little bit of pressure bringing it back up, but now there's none (engine off or on).

When the engine is on, I can't engage any gears, presumably because depressing the clutch pedal is not having the normal effect. With the engine off, I can select any of the gears, and if I start the car in a gear it 'jumps' which implies the clutch

*is* engaged and the gear selection is working. I am a bit wary of doing this too much as I don't want to put unnecessary strain on any other components in the clutch/gearbox.

My guess is clutch master or cylinder - does that sound right? Is there anything simpler that could cause these symptoms? I had a full service about a month ago, so all the fluids should have been topped up then, and I haven't noticed any fluid leaks on the driveway. I'd go and check the fluids right now but it's dark and there's a gale blowing!

As it stands I'm going to have to get it towed to the garage as I can't drive it at the moment.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer, Al

PS If anyone in the UK is reading, what sort of figure should I be looking out for a new clutch cylinder fitted at an independent mechanic?

Reply to
Al Reynolds
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clutch master is the commonest fault. needs replacement. if you need to drive the car, you might be able to refill the clutch fluid reservoir and pump it sufficiently to get it working, but this is a strictly temporary fix.

beware also that brake fluid is leaking inside the car and will need to be cleaned out. soapy water is best. dry with paper towels to make sure the brake fluid chemicals are removed, not simply diluted.

Reply to
jim beam

It may be either cylinder or the hose. Most common in my experience is the slave (at the gearbox) Last one I fitted was about a hundred quid IIRC Put some more fluid in, pump the pedal a few times and see where it falls out, either inside the car or on the floor.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

There's an 89 - 98 Accord slave cylinder on ebay at =A338.95 inc p&P ( 260304267970)

Ian

Reply to
Ian

Thus spake jim beam :

If there's fluid on the floor, it's the master. If the fluid is all over the bell housing, it's the slave. But, as the man said, I'd bet on the master first (doesn't have to leak into the car, though, but if it does, that's a sure sign).

Refill and go may work for 50 miles, or only 5. Depends on how bad it is.

Reply to
Dillon Pyron

As a matter of fact, you CAN drive the car in this condition. I and probably a million others have done it. You have to put the car into gear with the engine stopped and then start it. After that you will be able to change from gear to gear if you get the revs right. All this is not easy in traffic, but not impossible. Saves the cost of a tow.

Rob Graham

Reply to
robgraham

Thanks for all the comments.

I just had the AA mechanic check it and both the master and slave cylinders have gone - apparently the master is worse.

He has refilled and bled the system which should be just enough to get me to my garage to get them fixed.

Both cylinders are reasonably easily accessible so hopefully the labour won't be too much!

Al

Reply to
Al Reynolds

Sounds eminently more sensible than what I've led to believe regarding the clutch slave cylinder on my Ford focus, which is apparently located 'inside' the gearbox bell housing, can anyone confirm if this is true?

Reply to
Ivan
[...]

Yes, it's located inside the bell housing because it is combined with the release bearing in one unit. Doing this eliminates all mechanical linkages, so has some advantages. The Focus is hardly alone in employing this system!

Of course, it makes replacement difficult; it is advisable to make certain the fluid is replaced at correct service intervals as water build up may shorten the cylinder's life.

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

"Ivan" wrote

I've heard this too about Focuses. Lots of people change the slave if they have any gearbox work done as it saves on cost later (apparently).

For the record, it was just the slave cylinder (AA man overcautious) and it cost me £125 all in. Honda wanted £215.

Al

Reply to
Al Reynolds

Strange, that is just what I said it would be one week ago.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Thus spake "Al Reynolds" :

90 quid buys a lot of beer. When and where?
Reply to
Dillon Pyron

Exeter, Devon. Alphington Fast-Fit.

Reply to
Al Reynolds

Thus spake "Al Reynolds" :

I'll be there in two years. If you pour me one now, it should be nice and warm by then. A little flat, maybe.

Reply to
Dillon Pyron

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