Mushy/sloppy gear change.... when hot outside

[IntriguedUser]

Accord 2.4 (2005)

When temperature outside rises, usually above 18/19 degrees (even worse if its direct sunlight, as opposed to being hot but withan overcast), my gear change becomes mushy, especially second gear, it feels like there's no click into gear, it just goes straight in and feels like a pillow.

Things I've tried/had done

- clutch fluid change and bleed
- gearbox oil change

Things to note

- The clutch is very STIFF and apparently worn, although not slipping, in traffic and hot weather it just doesn't feel right.

- No leaks from slave or master cylinder

- if it rains and temperature drops it feels fine again (could it be moisture related?)

Any suggestions? Clutch replacement will be £500, I'm wondering whether I have an internal issue with my master and/or slave cylinder

I did see a test of pouring cold water on the CMC once its hot to see if it fixes it...

Any ideas?

[Krikkit]

Not sure if it's a cable or rod-actuated gearshift, but I'd suggest some kind of rubber component in the shifter is knackered and sloppy. If it's fine when the engine/gearbox is fully up to temp but the ambient temperature is low, it's not a gearbox issue.

[IntriguedUser]

Krikkit said:

Not sure if it's a cable or rod-actuated gearshift, but I'd suggest some kind of rubber component in the shifter is knackered and sloppy. If it's fine when the engine/gearbox is fully up to temp but the ambient temperature is low, it's not a gearbox issue.

I will note this for my Honda mechanic, you're right, doesn't matter if been driving for hours, its still fine as long as its cool outside, its definitely related to outside temperatures.

[IntriguedUser]

Anyone?

Clutch is going to cost me £500, WITHOUT the flywheel
Master and slave replacement all in £270

I could be spending the best part of £1000, not to mention the control arm bushes are worn!

I guess winter is coming, car is still drive-able, except in warmer weather so I could hold on for now

[GreenV8S]

IntriguedUser said:

Anyone?

Clutch is going to cost me £500, WITHOUT the flywheel
Master and slave replacement all in £270

The responses aren't suggesting you do any of that though, are they?

If it was me, I'd be looking for reasons why the behaviour is so sensitive to ambiant temperature. For example, could it be the engine cooling fan circulating air under the bonnet and causing hot air off the exhaust to blow over part of the gear change linkage? If you can find any candidates that you can get a direct line of sight on, an infrared thermometer might let you spot a component with a significant temperature difference when the problem happens.