10,000 miles ago (at my 60,000 mile service) my Honda dealer noticed a "small leak" from my clutch master cylinder and suggested it be replaced in the "near future" for approximately $285.00, including tax. Now at 70,000 miles, I have yet to replace the cylinder.

At this point though, my clutch does seem to feel a little stiffer than it did in the past, causing me to think that it is really now time to replace the cylinder. That said, I also plan on selling the car in October. (I really don't want to, but I now need a 4-seater and a 4WD.)

Any thoughts on what will happen if I don't replace the cylinder soon? I obviously don't want to spend $285.00 when I'm going to trade the car in so soon, but I'm also afraid that bigger dangers may result from not replacing it. Inoperable clutch pedal? Ruined clutch?

Note: if I look at the cylinder where it protrudes through the firewall into the cabin, it does not really seem abnormally leaky, perhaps only a little. I don't know if it's leaking from the other end, etc.

Any advice would be really appreciated...

 

Inoperable clutch pedal. If the master cyl bursts, all of the flud will drain out of it and youre going to be lacking the pressure to activate the clutch. If youre mechanically inclined change it yourself. I did and it was pretty easy. Also I recomend changing the slave cyl at the same time since youre going to have to bleed the system.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Is there any way to tell when I am almost at an inoperable clutch pedal?

 

Just keep checking your fluid and make sure there is ALWAYS flud in it. As far as when the cluch is going to be inoperable I guess its hard to tell but I think a good tell tale sign would be where there is A LOT of fluid coming through the firewall.

 

OK, this last question is going to show how stupid I am, but how do I check the clutch fluid?

I know, I don't deserve to drive a Prelude. Maybe it's a good thing I'm selling it ...

 

If youre standing in front of the car facing the engine, look in the top right corner where you will notice 2 resevoirs. The big one is for the brakes and the smaller one is for the clutch.

 

THANK YOU ...

You've been a HUGE help. I really appreciate your time.

 

No problem, By the way its takes DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID.