93 Civic LSi clutch squeak / creak

I have a 93 UK Civic LSi and the clutch has a 'dry creak' exactly the
same as this video - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PNfp83Od_c4 . I
think it's coming from inside the clutch housing itself, not the slave
cylinder. I've sprayed all over the slave cylinder push rod end with
WD40 and stuff and it makes no difference.

Am I right in thinking it's the clutch release bearing - is there any
way of lubricating it without taking the clutch apart or getting any
lubricant on the clutch plates?

Cheers.

 

Don't spray WD-40 around there. That's a recipe for disaster and will do no
good at all.

Your noise is coming from the pivot ball inside the bellhousing.

Unbolt the slave cylinder and move it aside as much as the line allows
(remove entirely if necessary). Remove the boot that covers where the
release arm goes into the bellhousing. At this point it is possible to push
the release fork towards the timing belt end of the engine. DO NOT REMOVE
THE FORK or allow it to move outwards!

Arm yourself with an aerosol can of white grease with a nozzle hose. Using
a mirror and a strong light, try to see where the ball is. It's about two
inches inside the release fork hole, on the side AWAY from the timing belt.
Push the release arm forwards, away from the ball, and CAREFULLY spray the
white grease onto the ball. You need very little grease.

Make 100% certain the nozzle hose of your spray can is aimed in line with
the release arm, so it blocks any grease from reaching the clutch friction
disc. Hold the spray can upside down to gain more room to work, but
"prime" the can first by spraying it into the air to make sure it works.

Before you button up in there, make sure the fork is still pivoting
properly on the ball. It's possible for it to get cocked on an angle and
not be sitting squarely on the ball.

 

On reflection...

If it is possible to reach in and touch the ball, it would be safer and
more effective to put some grease on your finger, then wipe that onto the
ball.

 

Thanks for the advice - I also have the workshop manual and I can see
the pivot ball you are talking about... also talks about putting
"Molybdenum Disulfide" lubricant on it ;-) Don't know when I'll do
the work, the slave cylinder bolts are pretty rusty... will post when
I do though!

 

That stuff is distressingly expensive. White grease isn't as good, but
should work for quite a while.

Updtaes are always nice.

 

Well I got some white grease, look the slave cylinder and did what you
said and it seems to have done the trick for now ;-) Hopefully the
creak won't come back. Thanks!

 

Yay!

 

Hi all,

My 2001 Honda Civic Si (UK) has been making the exact same noise for a
month or so now. I won't be able to get it looked at for a while, so
assuming it's the same problem, what are the ramifications of leaving
it unfixed? Is it dangerous or just annoying?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,
Tom.

 

Actually, scrub that. I thought we were looking at a different
video... My creaking is exactly like the one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctjGLwuvyzM

I tried contacting the guy who posted it to see if he managed to get
it sorted but no reply. If anyone has any ideas please let me know via
the newsgroup.

Cheers,
Tom.

 

Is this more of a rubbing noise? Like plastic on rubber or something? My
ears are very poor, so I have trouble sorting sounds from each other.

Some Honda models have had problems with the lower steering column cover
rubbing on the steering shaft, causing a sort of "squerk" noise. However, I
can't find any US-based TSBs for your car on this issue. It would be well
worth your time phone your local dealer and ask if there are any TSBs for
your car in your market with this noise.

As for whether or not it's dangerous or damaging I can't say, not having
any idea if there are known issues with this model that would cause such a
noise.

 

As I said earlier I fixed this problem on my civic by lubricating with
white grease the ball joint on the push arm thing...

 

In case anyone is wondering, or if someone with the same problem
stumbles across this, I took it to a Honda dealer who diagnosed a
failed steering rack. The original dealer I bought it from replaced
the rack and it's been fine ever since.

Tom.