Clutch question on 87 Prelude

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

 

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

 

How hard is it to replace a clutch cable?


Matt

 

On the Rockwell scale? bob

 

On the Shore scale.

 

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