I have 2000 plus miles on the car now. When I come out of 2nd going into 3rd gear, I feel a gritty feeling. What gives? Does that mean that the clutch is going to go out? I've heard that the clutches are the weakest part of the car. The other day, I accidentally did a somewhat hard launch. Had the radio up and really wasn't paying attention the the RPM's as I was reving the motor. Let the clutch go, and to my major surprise...... the car took off like a bat out of hell. Scared the SH*T out of me . Never had I experienced that! But when I arrived at McDonald's drive thru, all I smelled was clutch material . And boy was it strong. How hard is it to replace the clutch? Does the tranny need to be dropped? I know the car is still under warranty. But if I take it to the dealer, they are only going to put that same crappy clutch back in it. But if I do it myself, I can add a nice 4, or 6 puck high performance clutch.

Feedback really appreciated.
Thanx in advance.

 

ok try adjusting the clutch pedal....trust me i did it on mine and it helps so much...now all my gears goes in like butter...i use to have trouble getting out of 4th gear @ 7000rpm, after the pedal adjustment it went away...

theres about a half inch slack on the stock pedal...do that then come back...

 

I would never adjust the pedal for engagement. I did that once on a car I used to own. Tore up the clutch much faster that way. Took it to the dealer and they said who in the he-ll did this. Also said to never mess with it period. Now this was the dealer so they may be very conservative but just my .02. It may be your 3rd to 4th syncro thats going bad. That would make it grind.

 

Sounds like that makes sense. The clutch got broken in, Now readjusting would probably fix it. Next question.... How do one adjust the pedal? Can it be done by myself? Do I have to bleed the system?

Let me know, and thanks again.

 

well this time, u dont adjust the pedal for engagement....u for it for better disenagement....it seems alot of evo owners w. stock clutch have little grines and such...it happended to me too...i was like wth..i drive my car right from the day it left the dealer and it still does it...

i tried taken out the pill, braided line...i still get the ****ty feel when shifting sometimes.....the i read a post on here, someone had mentioned it..so i tried it and well..like i said w. the new tranny fluid and the adjustment all my gears and so smooth now..

when u adjust the clutch pedal, ure only adjusting the master cyclinder....take a flashlight and take a look under the pedal area...just press the pedal w. ur hand....the 1st half inch or so..the spring on the pedal put tension on it...after that when it starts to push the master cyclinder then the pedal gets heavier,

all u gotta do is us a 12mm wrench and adjust the rod to engage the master cyc. right away when u press the pedal..instead of the spring...that means the clutch will have more room to disengage, and u'll have a constant solid feel through out...

u do need to get use to it though...i had to..took a couple of days...but after the adjustment.. no more 1st gear probs or any gear...and my 4th gear @ 7000rpm WOT shifts to 5fth like its suppost to...

also change the tranny fluid...i use the gm synchromesh...very good stuff...

oh yeah...yoko dont start messing around w. this if u dont know what ure doing..it could make things worse..

loosen the 12mm lock nut...turn it clock wise to loosen it

after that turn the rod clock wise also...it will start to push out alittle just play w. the pedal as u do it...little at a time..when u get it right tighten the lock nut and ure set....i hope this helps or else u might indeed burned ur clutch...

 

So the 12mm bolt is up/under the dash by the floor or by the pedal assembly? So I loosen the bolt and press the play out of the pedal? Don't worry, I'm a lightweight mechanic, just never played around with manual trannys before, let alone import cars. Use to try and stay away from front/wheel drive cars. But try me one more time. I may go out there right now and mess with it, that's if I find my flashlight. It' kinda dark here now. But I really don't like that feeling . Get right back to me if you can...... Thanx again

 

ok tell me this 1st...when u press on ur clutch pedal..does the 1st half inch or so is kinda light, then it becomes really hard...? do this w. ur hand...u can feel it better w. it..than ur feet...let me know

 

Yes it does feel springy the first 1/2 to 1 inch, then gets hard to push. But I just went out there saw what you where talking about with the nut and the push bar. I then turned the screw clockwise and adjusted it in toward the engine. Backed out the drive and felt much much better. I'm about to run across town and see how it is, will get back to you in about an hour

Thanx again

 

I went on that test run last night. And it felt a little better. But as far as engagement, that was great. But still can't wait to put in a better clutch assembly.

Thanx for all your help.