I have a 97 Accord 5-speed with 91k miles. Sometimes when I release the clutch it engages (grabs) just off the floor - this is not only annoying but makes me look like a rookie. I suspect there's some kind of problem in the hydraulic linkage. Any ideas what this could be? Also is this something that could fail completely so that the clutch does not disengage at all?

 

notice any leaks.....you could try bleeding it to start, but you might have to get a slave cylinder...it's getting air in the system somwhere.....

 

No leaks visible anywhere and the clutch reservoir is right up to the top. Is the slave cylinder also known as the release cylinder?

 

i've only heard slave cylinder here, but have you done anything that could've trapped air in the line.....any tranny work or whatever.....has it went a lil low on fluid lately......i'd try bleeding it at the slave cylinder and go from there....

 

Release cylinder - sounds like that means the slave cylinder...

But actually, your problem sounds more like the master cylinder. If the slave were leaking, you'd be able to see it & the fluid level would drop.

When master-cylinder piston seals leak, the fluid doesn't leak OUT, it just bypasses the seals. When this happens to your brake master your pedal sinks while you're stopped. On a clutch, it slowly engages your clutch while you hold the pedal down.

 

The clutch master cylinder can leak externally, and it usually ends up on the driver's floor board.