yukoncornelius

I posted this on the "other forum" but figured I'd post here too...

Hey guys, so I've wondered this since I got my car. Before buying my 04, I had only sat in one other MT tsx and I remember a similar clutch feel (Though I didn't drive that car). Anyways, I took my car for a bath today since I was sick of seeing it dirty from the snow. I go inside (they drive the car through) and this lady who works there is like who has the white acura? I'm thinking wtf happened heh...

She says "do you have a stage 2 clutch in your tsx" I said no its stock to my knowledge. She says hmmm its really stiff and almost on the floor. I said really? She says yeah I have an 04, has 55k miles and its alot lighter and the engagement point is an inch off the ground. I said ohhh interesting, I wish mine was like that!

I'm wondering if this is typical or should I try to get the clutch replaced....
My engagement point "feels" VERY close (maybe 15% of the total clutch travel) to the floor. I also have some problems putting it in 1st or downshifting from 3rd to 2nd certain times. At upper rpm the car doesn't like going from 2nd to 3rd (doesn't grind, it just doenst like it). Normal driving, going into 2nd from 1st is smooth as can be, no problems, etc. I'm wondering if my pressure plate is just worn real bad, or my master/slave cylinder is screwed up. What do you guys think? Suggestions for checking? It only bugs me certain times, I've always thought it was weird how close to the ground it was cause I generally hate clutches like that. It annoys me most when it starts clicking after I've been in traffic awhile (that seems very common from a search on here).


THanks for your help guys!

yukoncornelius

.........

Ok so rather than me describe this I figure why not make a couple short videos with my point n shoot cam (sorry for the quality). The first video you're going to see sloppyness at the very top of the pedal that causes a quite annoying sound when in stop and go traffic (its like something is loose).

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...t=MOV02203.flv

yukoncornelius

The second video I've tried to replicate the sound and look of the pedal movement. You can barely hear the creakiness noise the pedal is making as I engage it (because its coming from under the hood). As I was doing this I noticed there isn't always a "click" at the very bottom of the clutch pedal, but usually its click midway through the pedal while engaging it, and then another click at the very bottom.

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...t=MOV02205.flv

Hoosier_Buddy

I believe this is a rather common issue with the Clutch Master Cylinder. Honda has released a Technical Service Bulletin TSB# A02-002, although I have not yet seen a TSB from Acura as of yet, even though it is the same issue. The part number for the TSX is 46920-S7A-A03.

I have had this part replaced under warranty on my 2002 Honda Civic and my 2006 Acura TSX.

You can find the Honda TSB here

Service Bulletin January 11, 2005 02-002
Squeak at the Clutch Pedal (Supersedes 02-002, dated September 21, 2004)
SYMPTOM
A squeak, a twang, or a notchy feel when the clutch pedal is pressed.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The clutch master cylinder spring is rubbing on the outer diameter of the piston when the pedal is pressed, or the master cylinder quick connect is moving.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the master cylinder, and apply a thin film of silicone grease to the clutch line fitting.

yukoncornelius

Yeah I wonder if the acura dealer would honor that honda TSB (I saw that last night in my research as well). Obviously at 73k miles I'm out of factory warranty.

miner

Well, is the clutch considered drive trian? Don't forget about the speedometer class actio suite - it adds 5% to your base warranty. Drive train warranty is 70000 so basic warranty would be increased to 73500 miles. Worth a try - they may even good-faith you on the repair.

yukoncornelius

Hmmm I thought the warranty was only till 50,000 miles? They're not gonna warranty a clutch because its generally a wear item (however if it failed prematurely due to mechanical defect, thats different). I think they would replace CMC under warranty though, but like I said I didn't know it was 70k?.... hmm upon searching, 2008's like yours are till 70k miles, meanwhile the 2004 says 50k miles.

Hoosier_Buddy

I would definitely see if Acura would give this issue 'goodwill' consideration.