Creak/squeak at bottom of clutch travel?

[raymo19]

I'm experiencing an intermittent creak/squeak at the bottom of the clutch pedal's travel. Operation of the clutch seems unaffected. Fluid level is fine.

Would this be a symptom of loss of lubrication or wear on the rod in the slave cylinder? Or is there someplace to lube the pedal itself? Or maybe something else?

[repiv]

There are a few things that could squeak when you operate the clutch pedal.
-the actual pedal pivot area could use a little silicone squirt.
-There are 2 switches that get moved when the pedal moves. One is the cruise control defeat switch and the other is the clutch/starter interlock. Give those a squirt, too.
(In fact, give a good squirt to anything you see near the top of the clutch pedal that's seems attached to it. This includes the rod that goes into the firewall. Put newspapers down so the silicone dripping won't get into your carpets, not that this will harm anything.)

Now, if you have something inside your clutch master cylinder that is squeaking, I'm afraid there isn't much you can do. There's a couple of seals, clips and retainers in there that "could" cause a squeak but you'd have to take the MC apart to get at those and you may as well buy a complete new assembly if the squeak really bothers you.
Then there's a possibility that the squeak is coming from the slave cylinder area. Other than pulling the rubber boot off and giving the ball and socket a bit of grease, there's not much you can do about the slave cylinder either.
Worst case scenario would be the throw out bearing is squeaking as it moves on the splines of the tranny shaft. Again, not much you can do with this until the pedal travel starts to get sticky. Then you'll have to take the tranny off to lube those splines up. Sometimes, when a clutch job is done, this part is neglected and it comes back to haunt you.
Start with the silicone spray on the pedal parts.

[raymo19]

Thanks. I'll start with the pedal parts first and go from there. I neglected to mention that I can feel the creak with my foot if that makes any difference.

[repiv]

Thanks. I'll start with the pedal parts first and go from there. I neglected to mention that I can feel the creak with my foot if that makes any difference.

I hope your foot is overly sensitive because if not, that would suggest to me that something is sticking (reference back to my comments on the master, slave and/or TO bearing). Keep your fingers crossed that the spray will resolve this. If something is sticking, it will likely get worse (noise wise and feel wise). Keep an eye on your clutch fluid level in the little reservoir.

[desmo4]

I had the same issue and I lubed all the pivot points with molycote. Which a molybdenum based lubricant.

Jonathan

[raymo19]

Well it's not in the pedal. I squirted all the pedal parts with silicone and it's smoother but there's still an occasional creak at the last 1/2" of the pedal travel either up or down. I had the better half push the pedal up and down while I leaned in the engine bay and the sound is definitely more pronounced on that side of the firewall.

I spoke with the owner of the shop that put the clutch in and I'm going to let them sort it out. Their work is guaranteed (supposedly) so I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again.

[repiv]

Sorry to hear this. Looks like further investigation is necessary and perhaps some expenditure of funds will be required unless the fault is with the clutch installation. I'm thinking in terms of the slave cylinder ball (release fork) and socket (end of plunger) or TO bearing spline grease. Here you can see how rusty it can get:
http://thumb15.webshots.net/t/59/559/7/98/8/2666798080025981935GfbNZC_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2666798080025981935GfbNZC)
And the slave/release fork ball and socket can get a bit pitted.

[raymo19]

I'm guessing slave cylinder by the sound but we'll see. I'l go by the shop Monday and we'll have a look. They've usually got some pretty interesting specimens there and just got a new dyno.

Nice color choice on the Fit.:D

[repiv]

Nice color choice on the Fit.:D

It's my wife's choice. She wants to keep me indentured for the rest of my life keeping it clean and shiny. :washwax:

[raymo19]

We've got 3 black cars. Well the PT Criuser that stays outside is more of a gray right now.:laugh:

I try not to obsess about it too much but the S2000 does tend to get a bit better care than the rest.

[raymo19]

I just got back from the shop and their consensus is the master cylinder. As it's just an annoyance at this point I'm just going to keep an eye on the fluid level and check periodically for leaks on the cabin side of the firewall.

I'm going to have another go at lubing the pedal parts as that did seem to help a bit.

[repiv]

I just got back from the shop and their consensus is the master cylinder. As it's just an annoyance at this point I'm just going to keep an eye on the fluid level and check periodically for leaks on the cabin side of the firewall.

I'm going to have another go at lubing the pedal parts as that did seem to help a bit.

Keep in mind that a leak that gets past the first seal may not get past the second seal and thus, would not show up outside of the master cylinder. If the level goes down and you see no evidence of fluid in the footwell, this is what is likely happening.