No, the clutch master cylinder has never been replaced--it probably
could use a fluid flush, though. Am I right about the possibilities
here? If it is the release bearing, I'd probably just have to wait
until I have a better reason to pull the transmission right? I guess I
am hoping it is something simple like re-greasing the connection
between the clutch slave cylinder and the release fork, or maybe
adjusting the clutch pedal. By the way, when the Helms manual just says
"grease", what kind of grease do they mean exactly?

"Greg" <centaur99@gmail.com> wrote in news:1156913516.118887.14850
@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

Has the clutch master cylinder been replaced recently?

Hello- My 2000 Civic Si is makes a squeaking/chirping noise when the
engine is running. I can make the noise go away by putting a very small
amount of weight on the clutch pedal. I can also make the noise go away
if I gently push in on the boot that covers the joint between the
clutch slave cylinder and the clutch fork. I know it has something to
do with the slave cylinder, release fork, and/or throw-out bearing, but
I can't tell using my ear where the noise is coming from.

After doing some searches and looking at the service manual, it seems
it is either the throw-out bearing going bad, or the clutch pedal is
out of spec such that there is a small gap between the the slave piston
and the fork, or perhaps the slave cylinder piston head needs grease
(although the boot looks ok?).

Is this something I should be concerned about, other than the annoyance
of the chirping sound? Thanks in advance.