'02 EX w/ 47k miles. engine off (or on), press in the clutch pedal and I get a squeaky noise. i figured it would just be a linkage joint so had the spouse press the pedal while i listened. the sound appears to come from the front right part of the engine. i figured out it's a hydraulic clutch and it looks like it enters at this point. I see a large rubber boot. is the culprit under this boot, and is it safe to pull it back? i think i might wait until the next oil change so i can get at this from the bottom (it's a tight fit from the top).

thanks

 

Pull the rubber boot open & have a look. The piston rod from theslave cylinder pushes against a ball/socket thing & you can grease that.

Theres another ball/socket where the throw-out lever hinges, you might not be able to reach that unless you remove the tranny.

The last thing is the throw-out bearing sliding in & out. If thats the noise you really do have to remove the tranny.