Clutch failure after water wading in 2013 Honda City: Lessons to learn

This is being reported here so that readers could keep a watch out and prevent similar potential incidents.

BHPian vigsom recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Case reported

Water wading leading to noise from the clutch release bearing, resulting in bearing failure and clutch burnout after a few months - this is being reported here so that readers could keep a watch out and prevent similar potential incidents

Details of the car

1. 2013 Honda City
2. Kms done 1,85,000
3. Maintenance- regular
4. First clutch set replaced at 1,40,000km at Honda Authorised Service
4. Major issues faced till date - overheating episode reported here, damaged radiator cap similar to what was reported here, plus a clutch burnout reported in this post

Symptoms of the latest episode

1. The clutch release bearing was reported making noise since a few months ago, after the car had apparently seen some water wading due to a sudden downpour/roads flooding
2. A couple of days back, the chauffeur of the car reported difficulty in engaging gears at a traffic signal, and somehow managed to slot the car in gear and make it to the office parking

Observations

After shutting the car off, this is what was seen

https://youtube.com/shorts/ANljVzUiyb0?feature=shared

Actions taken

1. While the car started and the gear was engaged albeit with some difficulty, I recommended the car be towed to a workshop. Luckily, the tow vehicle was parked in the same compound and was available instantly
2. Gearbox was removed at the workshop and the release bearing was found a goner
3. Clutch set had some burn marks but the disc looked quite fine, although worn out
4. Clutch set (Cover, disc and release bearing was replaced)

Lessons

If the release bearing makes noise (heard when the clutch pedal is depressed, but disappears when the clutch pedal is released), have it replaced at the earliest to prevent a potential embarrassing situation. I have seen cars with noisy release bearings go on for several years without a failure, but here, bumper to bumper traffic conditions everyday dealt the death blow.

As is state of the clutch cover and disc after the gearbox was removed

Metal shavings in the bell housing

Release bearing totally "released"; the other bearing, I think, is the clutch pilot bearing (some call it the flywheel bearing)

The clutch disc - did have some residual life but a new set was put in

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