hard to shift OUT of gear?

[0ctan3]

Just bought a '91 today.
This fun little problem of course didn't show up until after the test drive, PPI, and I get it home.

Alot of the time it will shift totally fine, sliding right out of gear and into the next. But, quite frequently it will be very difficult to get the shifter "out" of gear and back into neutral. I have to really coax it out and feel like I'm going to break something.
The clutch pedal is of course, depressed all the way in while doing this. It has happened in all the gears except 1st.
It never "grinds" at all.

Is this a sign of impending clutch failure? snap ring? [it's out of range] synchro wear?
Anyone have any ideas? I searched all over and couldn't find any info about this.

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

Seems you looking at a new clutch.
Had same symptoms, new clutch cured it.

Good luck.


Mich

 

[hlweyl]

The first thing I would check is the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder located in front bay next to the brake fluid reservoir. Low fluid can cause this symptom and low fluid most likely indicates a leak in the system (either the master or slave cylinders).

If you car is in the snap ring range, I would find out if the repair has been done. This also could be something internal like snap ring or syncros but I would rule out the easiest fix first. When your clutch is wearing out, it will start to slip, it will feel as though you are not getting immediate power when the clutch is released.

Good luck

 

[D'Ecosse]

I would agree with hlweyl - check fluid level but bleed the clutch cct even if it isn't low (previous owner may have filled it if this problem was prevalent previously). Master/slave issues are relatively common on the older NSX's and you may well need to replace either or both.

 

[Sig]

Mine has been doing this too, but I have a new clutch. The problem doesn't show up until I have driven for a while.... say about 20 minutes or so. Hopefully I will get it looked at soon and properly diagnosed. If I do, I will post an update.

 

[0ctan3]

The problem doesn't show up until I have driven for a while.... say about 20 minutes or so.

exact same problem here.


I checked the master cylinder reservior, and it's at the right level. but as D'Ecosse mentioned, it could just need to be bled.


The clutch has about 40k on it, (car has 72k) so it may be due for replacement, but it hooks up perfectly, no slipping yet.

 

[D'Ecosse]

Welcome to the "club" incidentally - nice to see another Bay Area member!

A clutch that needs replacement from wear typically exhibits slipping, not a problem dis-enaging, which is more typically a hydraulic issue. The exception is when one of the springs in the clutch disc has become dislodged, but you will likely have more issues, not to mention some horrendous noises from it clanging around in there!

If bleeding resolves it temporarily I would still suspect a problem with one of the cylinders (they don't typically need bled "just-because"!) - look for tell-tale signs of seepage around the slave boot and under the carpet by the pedal.

 

[0ctan3]

Welcome to the "club" incidentally - nice to see another Bay Area member!

look for tell-tale signs of seepage around the slave boot and under the carpet by the pedal.

thanks!
It looks like you're absolutely right- there is a small amount of seepage where the clutch pedal connects to the master cylinder. [it's very sludge-like, while fluid in the reservior is still clear]

I guess it's going to Don's Hilltop soon- as I have no place (or tools) to replace the cylinders here.

 

[joove]

Seems like it. My master cyliner is leaking a bit and I have kinda similar symptoms. Need to fix it soon. I have noticed this disinclination to disengage only when I have come to a full stop and need to get the gear out to neutral. Thats when It refuses. If I disengage before coming to a stop it works normally, no issues.

I too will prolly take it to Dan. D'Ecosse and Mark and several others I am sure have done this as a DIY. The Master seems simple enough. The slave looks like an invitation for disaster. I will re-read the excellent write ups here and decide if I want to risk doing it

If you need tools like a Jack/Stands/Wrenches etc and want to do it yourself.. lemme know and you can come by and borrow my set (Palo Alto). You'll ofcourse need to buy a speed bleeder or risk something nasty and painful..

 

[D'Ecosse]

...The Master seems simple enough. The slave looks like an invitation for disaster. .....

Actually, I would say the slave is much easier than the master, although neither is particularly difficult - the master is just a little more awkward to get to the various components.
You guys should plan a team effort in parallel! If you need help, be happy to offer advice, maybe even assistance! A clutch hydraulics swap party - yeah!!!!
If you can replace your shocks Vamsi, this is certainly well within your capabilities. A speed bleeder is not particularly essential for the clutch if there's two of you. You only need one jack stand too, only need to remove the rear drivers wheel to get access to the slave from that corner.

 

[hlweyl]

Cool, a master and slave party.... on second thought, I think I'll pass. Just kidding, best of luck.

 

[nsxtasy]

Cool, a master and slave party.... on second thought, I think I'll pass.

 

[joove]

. Terrible, these parties the NSX guys seem to have. LOL

Ken, if you think that the effort for the master/slave replacement is comparable to the shock replacement, I guess I will do it myself then. The shifting is getting slightly worse. The clutch feels perfect so far and I dont want to mess it up by delaying this. Prolly will replace the cylinders before the next 100 miles are upI will order the parts over the wknd. Might as well use the tools I bought for more than one job.

 

[0ctan3]

well, if you're gonna go for it, guess I'd better also!

Looks like I'm going to be out of town until Thursday, so don't think I'll be able to get the parts before next weekend... but I'd love to stop by and help out with yours if you need it.

 

[W]

I seem to have developed a problem with shifting out of 5th when the car is driven for extended periods. I typically cruise in 4th so the 5th gear issue just appeared one day. No matter, I don't really use it anyways.

 

[MJK]

This is definitely an easy DIY - go for it! There is a DIY posted here (click) that I followed. It worked great. Order a speedbleeder & go for it!

 

[D'Ecosse]

This is definitely an easy DIY - go for it! There is a DIY posted here (click) that I followed....

Note in that thread there is also a link posted by me to when I did this, including a pictorial on the slave cylinder and some other useful tips. I think if you combine them, you shoudl be well covered.

 

[lithiumus]

How much do you think Acura will charge to replace the Master and Slave including parts? I have the same problem but I don't know that I want to take this on myself...

 

[joove]

How much do you think Acura will charge to replace the Master and Slave including parts? I have the same problem but I don't know that I want to take this on myself...

Well depends. I am guessing that the irvine folks will charge a bit less than those in the bay area. The service folks who noticed the master-cyl leak quoted me 300$ for replacement (most prolly for labor and parts. didn't ask as I wasn't interested at that point).

Niello has them in stock (as of a few weeks back). With the club discount, especially if you could take it to a good mechanic you could save a decent chunk.

Bargain with your service guy and see if he can match Niello's prices. I tried that when I ordered the nylox nuts for the shock replacement and the steven's creek acura parts guy (very friendly chap BTW) gave me a 10% disc immediately. Didnt try too hard after that. Bargaining always helps!