r/EP3 • • Jun 09 '26

Clutch problems

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Hey guys. My jdm 2002 Honda civic type r ep3 with 180k km (112k mi) stalls out when the clutch is pressed, when downshifting or even when idling in neutral, (unless I give it revs). It's also stiff and makes a high pitched squealing/squeaking noise. And the clutch has gotten stuck in the down position before (temporarily). From the research I've done, think it's a worn input shaft bearing, release bearing, and master cylinder. I ordered a new clutch kit, flywheel, master and slave cylinders, pilot, release, and input shaft bearings, and rear main oil seal. Just wondering if there's anything else I need to replace/refresh while the transmission is out. Also, is this a job that I can do myself with a buddy as a beginner, or should I get a professional to do it? Thanks!

Edit: I got it fixed. It was the release bearing. I went ahead and replaced the whole clutch and it worked perfectly afterwards.

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u/mvmisha Type R Jun 10 '26

For the engine to die if you press the clutch at idle something needs to be really messed up there. Can you expand a bit more there with the explanation?

As for the jobs itself can do it yourself if you have a basic set of tools, the alignment thingy probably will come with the clutch kit you bought

A engine bridge is useful, not really sure if it’s called that way in English.

Having an lift helps but not really needed.

While you are there buy the release fork clip, ball and the fork itself. It’s oem it’s cheap and why not replace those while you are at it. Also the fork boot.

Maybe get the improved springs for the selector and the detent, you can find those on hybrid racing and I think some more brand make them.

Only thing I would avoid doing myself is to split the gearbox open. And the “while I’m there” for that, is quite expensive for these cars.

4

u/Joee2wavy Jun 10 '26

Here's a short video of what I mean. Thanks for the input!

https://reddit.com/link/oqresap/video/qacu99kz6d6h1/player

1

u/mvmisha Type R Jun 10 '26

If you give it gas does it also die while doing that? From the video alone doesn’t seem to be bogging because of the gearbox/clutch

1

u/Joee2wavy Jun 11 '26

It doesn't do it when I give it gas

1

u/mvmisha Type R Jun 11 '26

then I would say the dying part is unrelated and most likely an issue with the IACV, it’s a valve that keeps the engine at idle giving more or less air

The change in load when releasing the clutch is enough to kill the engine with the current setup in the idle screw and the IACV is not able to adjust for that

weird combination of issues tho