Misaligned clutch cylinder

[Vyse]

Hello. Unfortunately my knowledge of car clutches isn't that great. So here goes.

Does anyone know what effect a misaligned clutch master cylinder has on the clutch itself. With it being misaligned are gear changes more difficult, is there less separation of the clutch? Also if it is misaligned which part of the cylinder is misaligned?

Thanks

[stevieturbo]

Vague question and exactly which part is misaligned ?

And by how much ?

[S0 What]

You can't misalligns an hydrolic cylinder ?
if you meen it has air in it then the clutch will not throw out as far and the gears will probably crunch (usually 1st and reverse).

[Vyse]

I don't know the part that is misaligned.

Essentially my problem can be found in this document.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0VisHAy__a4SVFDNE...

When you press the clutch down you get a really loud click (not the cruise control switch) when the pedal is about 80%. The car was taken to the Honda dealer and they said that the clutch master cylinder was misaligned and that they had realigned it. The fix worked, all for about 15 days. Now the click is reoccurring.

[stevieturbo]

Vyse said:

I don't know the part that is misaligned.

Essentially my problem can be found in this document.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0VisHAy__a4SVFDNE...

When you press the clutch down you get a really loud click (not the cruise control switch) when the pedal is about 80%. The car was taken to the Honda dealer and they said that the clutch master cylinder was misaligned and that they had realigned it. The fix worked, all for about 15 days. Now the click is reoccurring.

Obviously an inherent fault in the design somewhere, not one Ive ever come across.

If you took it to the Honda dealer to fix the noise, and they have not done so. Take it back. You paid for a specific task and they have not carried out that repair.

And make a stink about it or they'll try and charge more money.

I'm assuming it is no longer warranty work ?

[Vyse]

Funny thing is my car is still under warranty. But they still charged for the original re-alignment.

[Locknut]

The answers seem to be in the linked document. It seems to me from what has been written that either step 2 or step 3 (or both) apply in this case. That means that you should have got a new pedal assembly or a new master cylinder or both. The realignment should only be done after fitting new parts. It also seems to be a warranty job.

[Auntieroll]

Just give Honda customer service a ring and outline your experiences with your car, should guarantee a speedy solution to your problem. The dealer could be be trying to pull a fast one IMO.

[stevieturbo]

Vyse said:

Funny thing is my car is still under warranty. But they still charged for the original re-alignment.

If it's still under Honda warranty, I would definitely be contacting Honda UK and explaining that a dealer has charged you for not only a warranty repair, but one with an actual bulletin detailing a known problem.

That is totally out of order.

If it's a used car warranty and non dealer....it might be a little trickier.

[Sardonicus]

stevieturbo said:

If it's still under Honda warranty, I would definitely be contacting Honda UK and explaining that a dealer has charged you for not only a warranty repair, but one with an actual bulletin detailing a known problem.

That is totally out of order.

If it's a used car warranty and non dealer....it might be a little trickier.

+1 cut out the middle man Honda UK will be very accommodating especially if this is a known issue although I cant see how although since Honda have built cars outside of Japan st like this happens now fortunately when I was at a dealership 95% of the range was pukka japan built and quality controlled with no contamination from none japanese components

[Vyse]

I actually disputed the charge with Honda Uk. They didn't want to know as it was a repair and not a replacement, which is utter tosh. Does actually say anything about repair or replacement in my T&Cs.

Basically Honda UK said if its a replacement part they will pay, if not the customer pays.

[Auntieroll]

I would kick up an awful fuss if I were you.(assuming your VIN numbers fall in the range mentioned in the service /warranty bulletin relating to the problem)even if they don't there is obviously a design/manufacturing FAULT and manufacturers like to keep those as close to their chests as possible.

Post on the Honda forum on here and ask whether you are the only affected customer who has received this shoddy treatment for a known FAULT, someone from Honda is almost certain to have a glance at it from time to time

I would send a strongly worded email to Honda UK outlining the FAULTY nature of your new Honda, copy this to your local paper,there are also the consumer rights shows on TV, they love to bash companies ,especially multi-nationals, when things like this occur ,basically get it into the public domain and create as much adverse publicity as you can possibly manage.
If your Honda dealer is a member of any of the motor industry standards organisations ie Motor Agents Association, RMI,inform these organisations of your plight and be a royal PIA to HMUK.

HMUK will be a member of SMMT, inform them .

HMUK and its dealers need to maintain a good reputation in order to sell vehicles, any justifiable complaint which is unresolved needs to be highlighted.
This is a real pain to you, I know ,but if you want it sorted... SHOUT and make them hear. they took your money and have not supplied you with satisfactory goods.
You shouldn't have to do these things so make it as awkward as possible for HM.

[stevieturbo]

Vyse said:

I actually disputed the charge with Honda Uk. They didn't want to know as it was a repair and not a replacement, which is utter tosh. Does actually say anything about repair or replacement in my T&Cs.

Basically Honda UK said if its a replacement part they will pay, if not the customer pays.

Repair or replacement is irrelevant.

You just want the problem fixed regardless of how they achieve it. They have not done this and are aware of an inbuilt defect on the cars.

If a repair means they need to replace the entire pedal assembly, that is their problem.

But you mention terms and conditions.

So again, is this a Honda warranty on a new vehicle, or a warranty on a used vehicle, no longer within the normal 3 year etc or whatever they offer ?

[Vyse]

Its on a Honda 12 month used car warranty, warranty started at the end of January.

[stevieturbo]

Vyse said:

Its on a Honda 12 month used car warranty, warranty started at the end of January.

Any used car warranty wont be as comprehensive as a new car.

A resolution might be a bit trickier in this case.

But as this is a known problem, I still dont see how they are saying it is a break and repair that the owner should fit the bill for.

[Vyse]

Ill take it back, but Ill be speaking to the service manager instead this time.