02 Elantra GT 5-speed clutch question - sticky clutch

Hi all -

My 02 Elantra GT has around 75000 miles on it, and since June I have
been driving around 400 miles a week to my new job (80 miles
round-trip, mostly 2-lane highway). Stock except for K&N air filter,
all maintenance up-to-date (water pump, timing belt changed per specs,
new tires and battery 2 weeks ago).

Lately, I've noticed a bit more difficulty shifting into various gears,
and I have also noticed what some would call 'stiction' in the clutch
pedal (kind of a resistance like you would get on the head shocks of a
motorcycle or mountain bike suspension fork with pneumatic tubes).
Nothing too alarming, and certainly no issues shifting that would cause
me to suspect a transmission problem, but I would like the community's
opinion on the sticky clutch. Something to worry about?

Thanks -

MM

 

Do you know if your clutch is cable actuated or hydraulically actuated?


Matt

 

I believe it is hydraulically actuated, but I only have that on memory,
not actual fact.

Anyone got a definite answer?

thanks.

 

my '01 elantra is hydraulic, (I'm certain, because hyundaitech guided me
through changing the master cylinder)


have you changed the oil in the transaxle? fairly simple to do yourself.
not sure if it could be the root of your difficulty, but couldn't hurt if it
hasn't been done.

 

Haven't changed the oil in the transaxle, was definitely on my list of
to-dos when the weather warms up enough to work in an unheated garage.
Any good instructions on how to do it besides what is in the manual
that came with the car?

thanks.

 

It's a easy job. The only thing that's critical is that you use the
correct oil, which is GL-4. I've had good luck with Redline MT-90
synthetic. DO NOT use GL-5 oil (the most commonly available type in
stores) in an Elantra transmission, it will ruin the synchronizers!

 

Good advice, and the reason to continue reading these groups. Thanks,
and I'll let you know how it turns out when I change the transaxle oil.