Questions and Answers

Acura Integra Clutching Out Q. Yesterday I started to pull out of the driveway and as I released my clutch pedal I heard a loud ker chunk. I can change my gears by ear and the clutch does engage enough to semi stop at a light. But when I stop and try to go into reverse while the car is running it won't. I end up turning the car off putting it into gear (reverse) and backing up finally.

I have a 1989 Acura Integra with a lot of miles on it. I have no problems changing gears as long as I am at the right rpm when I change them. But if my wife drives they won't go into gear. She also can't drive unless the car sounds like it is racing into gears :) Do you think I just need my clutch replaced? Or transmission? Thank you, Thomas

A. It sounds to me like you have a clutch problem. It could be worn out, or the clutch hydraulic system has a problem. I would watch the clutch slave cylinder on the transmission and make sure it is moving the clutch release fork fully. If it is, then chances are good the clutch is worn out.

If the clutch slave cylinder doesn't move, the clutch master cylinder or clutch slave cylinder may be bad or the hydraulic fluid has leaked out.

If the clutch and clutch release are okay, then the problem is inside the transmission.