When to replace clutch master/slave cylinder as preventive maintenance?

[Coconut]

My 98' has 26,000 miles and I'm about to replace the stock clutch. Never had any problems with clutch fluid loss and no leaks. While I'm at it should I replace the clutch master and slave cylinder as preventive maintenance?

Would the seals deteriorate due to age, usage or both?

 

[nsxot1c]

Yes. I would. These are very common parts to fail and for the very low cost it definitely can't hurt. I would also use OEM parts compared to any aftermarket. Mileage is not necessarily the issue but age can be as well.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I replace these on 8 out of 10 NSX's I see. It is a cronic failure. You want to check the master for leaking at the rod going into the front of the master cylinder. The fluid will drip down under the drivers carpet. The real issue here IMO, is nowhere in ANY Honda service manual(NSX or otherwise) does it recommend an interval for changing the brake fluid in the clutch system, even my old 1996 Accord had a hydraulic system that failed, and it is not mentioned in that service manual either. I you think about it, this system see 10 times as much use(actuation) as the brakes, but Honda does not even mentions it. The brake fluid has a 2-3 year interval, and I personally put 1.5 years in my own mental service plan for the clutch. I flush this system EVERY time I see a car for service. Again JMO With that said, with 26K miles you should check it carefully and if it is dry, leave it alone.

Frankly, the more pertinent question is: why do you need a clutch at 26K miles?

HTH,
LarryB

 

[warrenw]

Frankly, the more pertinent question is: why do you need a clutch at 26K miles?

HTH,
LarryB

That was my thought??

I thought my master was going last year. No fluid puddle, but the clutch just didn't feel right. I flushed the black colored fluid out and I stuffed a paper towel under the clutch master rod to check for leaks, and drove off to NSXPO. Checked it a couple of times during the trip, even bought a new master at the dealer in Boulder CO. Got home, and it still looked ok. We will see what is on the paper towel this spring when I take the cover off the car.

 

[Coconut]

Frankly, the more pertinent question is: why do you need a clutch at 26K miles?

Their is no way to go from Neutral to 1st without gas, smoothly, it chatters violently. Clutch chatters alot and feels like its slipping when I feather it to go up an incline slowly. Shifting is very notchy, feels like the clutch is dragging. Recently changed the tranny fluid with Honda MTF and no improvement. Original owner had the CTSC installed when he bought the car brand new, so it may be possible the clutch is worn out at this point.

The fluid in the reservoir is full but its a murky opaque brown color. From the limited maintenance history I have on this car, their is no mention of the clutch fluid ever being flushed. Does it sound the issues I described above be related to clutch fluid or a worn clutch?

 

[davidf]

If the clutch is slipping then she's likely given up. CTSC probably making matters worse. I'd run it about 15 mph in 3rd/4th and floor it and see if it slips. If the clutch is given up, it's a good time for slave and master too.

 

[IASM]

I had a problem with the my clutch cylinder in a 92 and was about to change it out but a just flushed the fluid and the thing worked as good as new. Before the flush the pedal would settle down to the floor in a few days. Just fyi

 

[sca037]

Yes, your car is screaming for a clutch fluid flush....so do that first and see if it improves!

Brian

 

[Honcho]

Their is no way to go from Neutral to 1st without gas, smoothly, it chatters violently. Clutch chatters alot and feels like its slipping when I feather it to go up an incline slowly. Shifting is very notchy, feels like the clutch is dragging. Recently changed the tranny fluid with Honda MTF and no improvement. Original owner had the CTSC installed when he bought the car brand new, so it may be possible the clutch is worn out at this point.

The fluid in the reservoir is full but its a murky opaque brown color. From the limited maintenance history I have on this car, their is no mention of the clutch fluid ever being flushed. Does it sound the issues I described above be related to clutch fluid or a worn clutch?

To confirm your clutch is bad, you should do the LarryB test. Find a nice isolated incline and approach at about 30 mph. Shift to 5th and floor it on the incline. If the clutch slips you know it's bad.

 

[USAFguy22]

If replacing the clutch, replace the slave cylinder as well, it's very easy. I ordered from Acura of Augusta and it was $80. Bleed all of the murky fluid out and call it good. I also ordered SoS's stainless steel slave line as well for $50.