How to Adjust the Clutch in a Honda CR-V

The clutch of the CR-V is hydraulic, but there are a few things you can do to adjust it so it engages at the point you wish. If, however, the clutch still does not perform as you wish, there may be other issues to explore.

Look beneath the hood in the back left of the Honda CR-V's reservoir. If the level of the reservoir is low, then you should refill it to the recommended height. Step on the clutch pedal a few times to reestablish pressure in the lines.

Use a tape measure to check the clutch pedal for the pedal height, the stroke, the free play, the pedal play and the height of the disengagement from the floor. The pedal height should be 7.20 inches, the stroke should be 5.31 to 5.71 inches, the free play recommendation between 0.28 and 0.87, the pedal play should be within 0.04 to 0.035 and the height of the disengagement should be 2.83 inches.

Adjust the stroke of the clutch pedal by loosening the lock nut that is the bottom of two on the clutch pedal, and then turn the adjusting bolt until it no longer has any contact with the pedal. Loosen the lock nut that is located on the push rod (found on the top and the side of the pedal). Adjust the pedal until you get the specified stroke length as well as height. Tighten the locknut on the push rod when you're done with the adjustments of the pedal's stroke and height. Tighten the adjusting bolt on the pedal until it touches the pedal again, then turn it ¾ to a full turn more and re-tighten the locknut.

Change the height of the pedal by loosening the second and highest locknut on the clutch pedal, then measure the height of the pedal from the floor when you press it completely down. Adjust the position of the clutch interlock switch until the CR-V will start when the clutch is in this position. Tighten the lock nut.

Bleed the system of the CR-V to remove any air bubbles, as they will adversely affect the clutch's performance. Go to the slave cylinder, which is located on clutch housing. Attach a hose to the slave cylinder's bleeder screw, and put the other end of the hose in a container of clutch fluid. Have someone pump the clutch pedal until you see no more air bubbles in the container. Replace the clutch fluid until the level of the reservoir us at the recommended level.

Inspect the components of the clutch if adjusting the pedal, bleeding the system or filling the reservoir do not change the performance of the CR-V clutch. Check the diaphragm springs and the pressure plate as well as the flywheel. Each of these components can wear thanks to the friction they experience. If any are warped or worn, they should be replaced.