Sqeaking Comptech PG2 clutch

[BB]

I have a relatively new Comptech PG2 clutch (~ 10,000 miles) that recently started making a strange sqeaking noise when operating the clutch pedal. The noise happens even when the engine is not running and sounds like it's coming from under the engine area.

Here are my observations...

While slowly pushing down pedal:
1. Between top and starting to engage point (i.e. freeplay) there is no noise.
2. The remainder of the way to the floor there is a loud creaking noise that sounds like a squeaky door opening.

While slowly releasing the pedal up:
1. From the floor to slightly up there no noise.
2. From here up to the freeplay zone there is the creaking noise again. (Sounds like a creaking door moving the opposite way).
3. Again, in the freeplay zone there is no noise.

Other than this noise, the clutch seems to be working just fine with no obvious other problems.

Any ideas what this could be? Is it cause for alarm and need immediate attention?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Sounds like you are a little short on grease for the clutch fork. Start with the cup at the end of the clutch fork that the slave cylinder rod mates with, inder the boot on the trans. The cup should be greased lightly.

If not, all other grease point are in the bell housing, not really accessible with the trans installed.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[BB]

I found the clutch release fork and found the ball joint where it mates with the slave clinder to be completely dry and the ball on the slave clinder was even a bit rough and rusty looking. So I went ahead and sprayed a fair amount of silicon grease into the cup of the fork.

After doing this, the sound isn't totally gone but has definitely changed:

- Now when I QUICKLY push the clutch in and out I don't hear any noise at all other than a brief "chirp" as I release the clutch. Before I would hear noise as the clutch moved up and down.

- However, if I push the clutch pedal very SLOWLY in and out I get a the same loud creaking noise (like a door hinge) as before.

Any ideas? Some thoughts I had...

- The noises I'm hearing must be due at least in part to where the fork mates with the slave cylinder since putting the grease there did seem to help somewhat.

- Perhaps I'm not using the best kind of grease for the job? The stuff I'm using is a thin spray-on white silicon grease. Should I be using something thicker that I apply using my fingers etc?

- Since the ball joint on the end of the slave cylinder is slightly rough from corrosion, would replacing this part with a smoother ball eliminate the sound?

- Could some of the noise be coming from the fork's pivot point? The pivot point is located inside the housing, but I can reach it through the opening. But I am very afraid to spray grease in there for fear of getting it on the clutch.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

You mentioned "spraying" lubricant. Anything that can be sprayed is too thin. You need grease, preferable Honda hi-temp grease. Ana other sounds once this is greased will probably have to be lived with, since the car is together now.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[BB]

Well, I went to the Honda dealer to buy some Honda high temp (Eura) grease. When I asked for it, the parts guy started laughing and said, "oh we'll grease you all right!" He then proceeded to discount the price from $16 (list) to $10.

After packing a liberal amount of this "inexpensive" grease into the release fork socket joint, I found no joy. It still makes a squeaking noise when slowing pushing the clutch pedal in and out. Listening closely, it definitely sounds like the noise is coming from inside the transmission housing.

So what are the possibilities? Could this be the release bearing making the noise? And is this anytrhing to worry about? Will the life of my clutch be shortened?

Also, might it be possible to lubricate the problem area inside without droping the transmission if using special tools? I have access to a high quality snake camera that would be pretty easy to guide through the opening where the release fork sticks out of the casing. Is this idea worth pursuing, or is it a crazy waste of time?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

BB,

I would go to the on/line manual to see the pivot for the clutch fork, so you understand what is "in" there. Maybe the pivot point for the fork is lacking grease.

Go Here: http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Reference/1991_svcman/1991servman.pdf and look at pages 13-9 and 13-10. On Page 13-10 look at parts #1 and #2 in the blow-up picture. This is the pivot the fork rides in.

This is what you can try. Remove the slave cylinder, you will be able to pull the shift fork out maybe an inch of so (it snaps in and out on a pivot pin). Once out of position the fork is released from it's pivot. You MAY be able to put a little grease on the pivot pin of the fork with the trans in. MORE IS NOT BETTER, so do not go crazy with the grease.

Frankly, never tried it. Good Luck

If you do this and it still sqeaks, turn the radio up , since it will be "a crazy waste of time!!"

HTH,
LarryB