noise from clutch - 97 Civic LX 1.6L non VTEC

I have a several questions that I would appreciate input on.

I think the noise is probably coming from what we use to call the throw out
bearing so I'm thinking it needs a clutch kit installed. The noise changes
when the clutch pedal is depressed (louder).

My 20 year old son suggested we do the work ourselves. It's his car and he
seems to think that the $450 labor quote is more than he wants to pay. He is
no mechanic and I've got no experience with front wheel drive power trains.
However, the thought of us spending some bonding time (hopefully)together
sounds apealing. Oh, yeah, I'm a computer guy; not a mechanic but I do have
a floor jack, stands, creeper, etc.

How difficult a task is this? In my younger days, I did put a clutch in a
'80 Z28 and a 67 289 mustang.
Are there special tools required?
Any parts required/recommended other than the clutch kit?
Can you recommend a decent repair manual that would walk us through the
steps?
He spotted a $89 clutch kit on http://dialaclutch.com . I'm leary of such a
low priced part. Others are charging two times this amount for OEM quality
clutch kits. Anyone have input on this and or experience with
http://dialaclutch.com?

Thanks

Lynn wrote:
> Can you recommend a decent repair manual that would walk us through the
> steps?

Best $69 you'll ever spend if you want to do your own repairs would be
the standard shop manual from http://helminc.com. Sure was the best $$ I
ever spent when I started doing much of my own work last year.

> He spotted a $89 clutch kit on http://dialaclutch.com . I'm leary of such a
> low priced part. Others are charging two times this amount for OEM quality
> clutch kits. Anyone have input on this and or experience with
> http://dialaclutch.com?

I prefer OEM on core items, especially for something that you have to
remove your tranny to get to--if that's what it is. Remember that you
really don't want it to fall apart when you're hurtling down the highway
or crossing an intersection, and avoid cheap materials.

Best OEM prices are from the mail order places--I use Majestic
(http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com) and am inclined to continue
because their service is excellent, but the diagrams are sharper at
http://www.slhondaparts.com. Don't buy from your local dealer unless
you're in a bind or just want to spend 50-100% more. ;-)

Thanks for the reply. My new Helminc shop manual is on its' way.

I noticed another post discussing the difficulty of navigating the Majestic
Web site. I also struggled to the point I coudn't tell if they sold clutches
or not. It appear that they only sold about 7 different items! This can't be
right. I even fired up my crappy IE browser to see if it was a Firefox
compatability issue but still no luck with their site.

Thanks again

"Abeness" > wrote in message
...
> Lynn wrote:
> > Can you recommend a decent repair manual that would walk us through the
> > steps?
>
> Best $69 you'll ever spend if you want to do your own repairs would be
> the standard shop manual from http://helminc.com. Sure was the best $$ I
> ever spent when I started doing much of my own work last year.
>
> > He spotted a $89 clutch kit on http://dialaclutch.com . I'm leary of
such a
> > low priced part. Others are charging two times this amount for OEM
quality
> > clutch kits. Anyone have input on this and or experience with
> > http://dialaclutch.com?
>
> I prefer OEM on core items, especially for something that you have to
> remove your tranny to get to--if that's what it is. Remember that you
> really don't want it to fall apart when you're hurtling down the highway
> or crossing an intersection, and avoid cheap materials.
>
> Best OEM prices are from the mail order places--I use Majestic
> (http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com) and am inclined to continue
> because their service is excellent, but the diagrams are sharper at
> http://www.slhondaparts.com. Don't buy from your local dealer unless
> you're in a bind or just want to spend 50-100% more. ;-)

Lynn wrote:
> I noticed another post discussing the difficulty of navigating the Majestic
> Web site. I also struggled to the point I coudn't tell if they sold clutches
> or not. It appear that they only sold about 7 different items! This can't be
> right. I even fired up my crappy IE browser to see if it was a Firefox
> compatability issue but still no luck with their site.

That's weird. Thought I'd send you the direct link for your vehicle but
it does seem screwed up for your year/model (it's fine for mine, 94
Civic EX ABS KA-5MT). I'd give them a call to let them know.
800-341-4113, or try another source. See Tegger's FAQ entry for options:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/online-parts.html . (See the bottom of
the page.)

try manchester honda,

www.manhonda.com

decent site, low prices.