Bleeding clutch and changing tranny fluid

[Pimpn98]

So last night I grinded 2nd gear pretty hard, and today just driving normal, 3rd grinded a little bit with the clutch all the way in. The reservoir for the clutch looks full, and don't see any leaks, but I'll look into that later. But the fluid looks dirty as hell, and was wondering what the best way to bleed and get most of the old fluid out was. Should I just use any dot 3 brake fluid, anyone have recomendations, and how much will I need to refill it? Also, I'm thinking about picking up some honda mtf and changing my tranny fluid. How much will I need, and should I substitute some for synchromesh?

[BD]

If you've kept up with the tranny fluid and used Honda MTF for the duration of the trannys life, I'd stick with it (you need 2 quarts).

For the clutch, you just bleed the fluid out like with brakes (from the nipple on the slave cylinder), making sure you refill the reservoir before it empties completely. Very simple and will make your clutch more consistent. I've always used Prestone Synthetic DOT3 in my brakes and clutch and it's done it's job well (well under 12 oz for the clutch).

To bleed, you have someone push the clutch to the floor and you crack the bleeder nipple on the slave cyl. and let some come out, shut nipple and have the person pull the clutch back out and do it over again. Make sure you keep your eye on the reservoir. Eventually you will see the fluid coming out much cleaner than initially. Also keep the bottom of the vinyl tubing submerged in brake fluid to make a 'check' valve.

If you change the clutch fluid and your problem doesn't go away, your synchros may be going, so maybe you will need the synchromesh, so I'd do the clutch fluid first so you know what tranny fluid you need.

[Pimpn98]

Originally Posted by BD

If you've kept up with the tranny fluid and used Honda MTF for the duration of the trannys life, I'd stick with it (you need 2 quarts).

For the clutch, you just bleed the fluid out like with brakes (from the nipple on the slave cylinder), making sure you refill the reservoir before it empties completely. Very simple and will make your clutch more consistent. I've always used Prestone Synthetic DOT3 in my brakes and clutch and it's done it's job well (well under 12 oz for the clutch).

To bleed, you have someone push the clutch to the floor and you crack the bleeder nipple on the slave cyl. and let some come out, shut nipple and have the person pull the clutch back out and do it over again. Make sure you keep your eye on the reservoir. Eventually you will see the fluid coming out much cleaner than initially. Also keep the bottom of the vinyl tubing submerged in brake fluid to make a 'check' valve.

If you change the clutch fluid and your problem doesn't go away, your synchros may be going, so maybe you will need the synchromesh, so I'd do the clutch fluid first so you know what tranny fluid you need.

appreciate it. I have had the car for a year now and have no clue wether or not the tranny fluid has ever been changed. Just hit 102K miles, so I figure it's not going to help, and should make the shifts a little smoother anyways. anyone else have any tips or anything for me to keep in mind, let me know. It's a 98 civic dx if that helps.

[BD]

I have a 98 DX with 101k on it and I just did a ton of stuff to it. Brake fluid, tranny fluid, clutch fluid, timing belt, water pump, plugs, wires, cap rotor etc.....yeah it's an expensive mileage to be at, but hey it'll last another 100k if you play your cards right.

I definitely noticed it shifting smoother when I put fresh Honda MTF in it. Though I don't shift too quickly anymore so with rev matching it doesn't matter. Anyways, hope things work out.

I know Speedjunky will tell you that GM Synchromesh is better than the blood of Jesus but I'd use that as a last resort.