Lude Generation

I have a 2.2 5 gen which never had issues with the clutch and switched gears smoothly.
After the Christmas period where i had a few days off i got back in the car to go to work and the clutch pedal was on the floor.
Local garage picked the car up and informed me that it was the master cylinder, they replaced this and i collected the car.
I quickly noticed something wasn't right as switching gears was allot harder, to the point where i could not even get it into gears without using allot of force.
The clutch also made a whining noise when the clutch pedal was pushed down and you engage a gear.

I took the car back and the mechanic at first said that the push rod in the new cylinder was longer than the original and therefore it was being pushed in too far and he would shave a bit off to sort the issue.

Next day i got there car back and after driving for a few minutes i quickly noticed the problem had gotten slightly better but was still there.

I took the car in again this morning (as i couldn't any sooner due to work) and they just called back and are claiming the clutch and or pressure plate is the problem and needs replacing.
I find this very unlikely and stated my concerns but they said it is 110% the clutch and pressure plate.

Can i have your thoughts? i am reluctant to give the 'ok' on replacing the clutch as there were no problems what so ever before they replaced the master cylinder and its not a cheap job either!

Thanks
Ruurd

Ruurd wrote:I took the car back and the mechanic at first said that the push rod in the new cylinder was longer than the original and therefore it was being pushed in too far and he would shave a bit off to sort the issue.

The master cylinder in the Prelude is fully adjustable so you should be able to be set it to any length you need. It could be that clutch fluid hasn't been bled properly. I/we have had great trouble in properly bleeding Prelude clutch systems resulting in no clutch operation or very difficult to shift gear.

Is the noise a high pitch "fluttering" noise when the pedal is pressed? If not what kind of sound? It sounds like the clutch is not fully disengaging witch could also signify a problem with the clutch fluid.


I would say that it is a low chance both the MC and the clutch plate itself gave out at the exact same time.

Hey Merlin,

Thank you for your input, i think the system not being bled properly is a much more likely scenario.
The sound is more like a grinding noise it definitely sounds like the clutch is not disengaging properly and not like a worn bearing.
The gearbox sometimes grinds when changing gears, it is like when you have worn out gear synchronizers.

I definitely wont agree to have the clutch work done and might have to get another garage (Honda) to bleed the system again and have a look.

Wont be using this garage again, they also replaced my timing belt and tensioner, which failed less than 500 miles later!

Regards,
Ruurd

It is disappointing to hear especially when the Prelude is so easy to work on.

Very disappointing indeed, my GF has used this garage for many years without any issues, its local and they charge very decent rates. I decided to go there with the Lude instead of using the Honda dealer as I was paying so much there, and have had nothing but trouble.
Anyway thank you for the input, i will let them know once more that i am not convinced the clutch is the issue, ask them to bleed the system again and if they refuse i'll just take it elsewhere.

Ruurd wrote:Anyway thank you for the input, i will let them know once more that i am not convinced the clutch is the issue, ask them to bleed the system again and if they refuse i'll just take it elsewhere.

That would be my first port of call.

What about the slave cylinder?

As ratty above, plus they fitted the wrong part and they failed you in the past and you have gone back to them????

I will take it elsewhere if re-bleeding the system does not sort it and get them to check the slave cylinder too.

Yes i did go back to them after the failed belt tensioner as I gave them benefit of the doubt i suppose, but after this fiasco I will take my business elsewhere.

Thank you all for your input.

Yes. Sounds absolutely like fitted the wrong master cylinder, not bled properly, it not adjusted properly, nothing more than that.
Suggest you don't really drive the car until sorted and double de-clutch, to avoid damaging the clutch or box until fixed.