Harsh Clutch Engagement

[BrandonM]

Hey guys,

I've been having this problem for over a year and have not been able to figure it out. I have read through soooooo many threads on clutch engagement and problems similiar to mine, but I don't know which course of action will fix my car. Basically, 80% of the time I shift from 1st to 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd, the engagement is rough, making my passengers head bob back and forth. It feels like the engagement point changes all the time, or like it engages twice, its hard to explain the feeling, its real clunky. Basically no matter what I do, its pretty random whether or not the ride is smooth.

At first I just assumed I was shitty at driving the car(I came from a civic, the clutch engagement on this car is way different as is). But after a few months it would still do it, so I tried throwing parts at it. I replaced the rear diff mount with the cpe xflex first, the problem seemed to improve a little but still very persistent. I also replaced the pmm,tmm,and rmm, oem pmm and tmm damond rmm. The rear and passenger mount were shot, so driving again improved but still having the problem.

I don't know where to go from here. I want to get the problem fixed but don't want to waste time/money replacing things.

As far as I've read possible fixes are:
Tranny fluid flush
Clutch/flywheel replacement
Pedal adjustment (I don't think that is it, I'm comfortable with the high engagement point, but if someone thinks it'll help I'll give it a shot)
Transfer case replacement

The car really drives great and I love it other than this awful problem the wont go away hahaha. Only other issue it has is its a bit grindy going into 5th unless I take it real careful (which I do every time). The car does have 145k miles on it, and I have no maintenance history on it, so its hard to decide what to do with it.

Thanks for reading this

-Brandon

[sheston]

Have you tried bleeding the clutch or checking out the hose to the slave, etc?

Sounds like you might just need some new fluid and bleed it

[jm211]

Same issue here. Best way to describe it is movement of the engagement point.

I change my clutch line to a SS one and bled the system. I noticed a complete resolution to the issue. However, over the past week it began to go back to how it was. There are no noticeable leaks. I'm now suspecting the slave cylinder as I bled it again and it was resolved yet again.

Start with just bleeding the slave cylinder and see how it reacts. Then proceed with a new clutch line ($20).

[speed23]

Originally Posted by jm211 Same issue here. Best way to describe it is movement of the engagement point. I change my clutch line to a SS one and bled the system. I noticed a complete resolution to the issue. However, over the past week it began to go back to how it was. There are no noticeable leaks. I'm now suspecting the slave cylinder as I bled it again and it was resolved yet again. Start with just bleeding the slave cylinder and see how it reacts. Then proceed with a new clutch line ($20).

I have the same issue. I ruptured a clutch line while experiancing these symptoms. For me,its way worse in hot temps. I went to a steel clutch line and that solved it for about a month, then it came back. I think its water in the fluid so I bleed the system, including brakes today and added high temp fluid. Well see how this works...

[jm211]

Let me know it how works out.

[BrandonM]

Just ordered new fluids for the tranny, transfer case, rear diff, and clutch/brakes. Shipment should be in tomorrow, will change all fluids within the next few days. Will let you guys know how it goes.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Another fun cure for this can be the clutch in and out tables; make them the same?

[BrandonM]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff Another fun cure for this can be the clutch in and out tables; make them the same?

I got a tune from freektune, would they have done that for me? Never have looked at anything for my tune before but I could try hahaha.

[speed23]

Fluid flush of brakes and clutch with motul dot 5.1 did not help me. My issue must be related to the actual clutch components. Guess Ill live with it until clutch needs replacement.

[BrandonM]

I flushed and replaced the tranny, transfer case, rear diff, and break fluid. It seemed to feel better a little bit, but did not solve the issue. My engine then decided to throw a rod through the block 2 days later...