The owner's manual on my 2003 CL-S 6MT states to check the level in the clutch fluid reservoir on a monthly basis. However, it never says how/when to replace the fluid and the maintenance schedule never mentions it either.

Is it necessary to have the clutch fluid replaced at regular intervals like the brake fluid?

 

yes. they are actually the same (brake) fluid, and thus is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). you can bleed it via the bleeder screw near the radiator.

 

Maintenance schedule mentions it here:

http://john-perry.com/acurazine/docu...aintenance.pdf

It's in the owners manual on page 231.... (same as above pdf).

 

GreenMonster,

I looked at your PDF and found nothing that mentions the word 'clutch'. I even did a search on 'clutch' and found nothing.

That's the problem, the 2003 CL Owner's Manual never mentions replacing the clutch fluid.

I guess it could mean you never have to replace the clutch fluid just like I assume you never have to replace the power steering fluid.

 

Search for M/T or MTF... Manual Transmission or Manual Transmission Fluid...

120K miles or 6 years...

I guess i need to change my brake and tranny fluid too..

 

The clutch has fluid in it? I thought it was only the transmission.

 

I thought the fluid for the 6MT is Honda MTF or in a pinch you can use motor oil. However, the clutch fluid reservoir near the brake system reservoir contains brake fluid. So, these 2 systems use very different fluids.

The Owner's Manual gives directions for checking the M/T fluid level on pg. 251 and recommends a drain and refill with new fluid according to the maintenance schedule.

The Clutch System is referenced on pg. 253 as to checking the fluid level regularly, but never states when/if a drain and refill should be performed?

 

1 - The trans fluid is in the transmission. That is in the manual to be replaced. This takes the Acura/Honda MTF fluid.
2 - The clutch fluid is the stuff in the clutch reservoir that acts the hydrolic clutch system. That take Dot3 brake fluid.. This there is no mention of replacement. If it's like any hydrolic clutch system it only needs to be messed with when a clutch is replaced. Cause you have to bleed the clutch like brakes.
With that said I have bleed out the old fluid cause I bypassed my hydrolic dampener, & replaced the line with a SS line.

 

I have heard on different Honda/Acura forums that using GM Syncromesh Fuild is somewhat better than Honda MTF... has anyone used Syncromesh fluid and was it any good? I am in the process of changing my trans fluid and I am gonna try GM Syncromesh.

 

I've heard it is good.

The clutch fluid that you speak is normal brake fluid. Basically, just bleed and fill, bleed and fill until the fluid is clean.

I'd assume that replacing it when you do the brake fluid is a good idea. When water gets into it the fluid is basically ruined.

 

GM Syncromesh is good stuff, but I hear the reformulated Honda MTF is good too. Some people say it is rebranded Syncromesh, but who knows.

 

Yea, I run the reform. Honda MTF in mine. I have a phobia of going into a GM dealer.

 

THanks for the input on the reformulated Honda MTF.. I will see what i can get my hands on and let you know if i have smoother shifts. I dont get grinds but it is notchy when i am changing into 2nd or 3rd gear.