For now, all I want to do is get my hand on the slave's boot so I can squeeze it and see if any fluid leaks out of it. If I just remove the oil filter, will my hand fit in there, or can I get at it from underneath?

I suspect a leak because there is fluid missing from the reservoir, and every now and then I can't shift, usually when I first start the car in the morning. Most of the time, though, the car shifts fine.

Also, my clutch engages quite low to the floor compared to other cars, such as my Fit and Miatas. Is this normal?

 

I found it easiest to remove the UIM but I have a S2 gearbox in my S1 and that limits space around the slave cylinder. It's pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it. I can have mine off in under 10 minutes without rushing.

Does the engagement point change at all? I flushed and bled mine after I noticed that the engagement point was just off the floor after sitting overnight but would slowly come back up as I the car warmed up again.

 

I never had a problem getting to it from under the car. I replaced and bled mine without having to take anything else off or apart.

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It was pretty easy to access from below. Didn't find any leaks.

 

When I replaced my slave I jacked up the front end and got to it. It helps with two people and you need a right angel bracket extension for the person under.

 

Good to know you can get at it from underneath!

Are these cars as prone as the RX-7's to eating up slave cylinders? In my FB I used to carry around a spare slave cylinder and the tools to replace it, since it is a very common failure. I once drove 40 miles without a slave cylinder until I finally was forced to stop and get it towed home. Fun times...

 

No, they rarely fail.