Developed a wacky clutch problem

[deansheehan]

Car is at 1050 miles and has developed a clutch problem. I'm assuming it is something wrong on the hydrolic side but any suggestions would be useful.

Clutch gets harder as the car gets faster (approximate relationship) and peddle is also very slow to return. Seems to get harder the quicker you cycle the clutch as well.

Shame, but gonna have to ring Audi tomorrow and get them to pick it up and sort it out.

cheers,
- Dean

[harry]

seems you aint the first Dean:-

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=53724

[deansheehan]

Thanks for pointing that out, should have searched myself.

I'll let the forum know what happens, will speak with dealer tomorrow.

cheers,
- Dean

[harry]

Please do Dean. It'd be good to know the outcome cos Nas didn't get back with any more info - unless of course its the same Nas thats servin some time at Her Majesty's pleasure for dangerous driving.....

[nas2]

It'd be good to know the outcome cos Nas didn't get back with any more info -

Sorry i didnt get back to you mate..... its only cos ive just got my car back on friday after 4/5 weeks. its been sittin in bedford audi and they couldnt eliminate the problem. Firstly they changed the clutch master cylinder, then the slave cylinder and still no cure. So then they decided to take the gearbox out and changed the clutch plate, pressure plate and flywheel cos all this had been affected by the sticking clutch. Still no cure. in the end they found the problem which seemed to be a clutch hydraulic pipe which must have been manufactured wrong from factory and was restricting the flow, thus the sticky pedal.

[deansheehan]

Nas,

Sorry to hear your car's been off the road for that long. Anyway, you have your baby back now - go and enjoy.

No problem on way to station yesterday but on way back it showed up again. Hate to say it mate but I'm glad you went through this problem first and have sorted it - hopefully I can jujst tell my local dealer what the problem is and save the long investigation.

cheers,
- Dean

[nas2]

if you have any problems with your dealer, tell them to contact bedford audi on 01234 320033. Ask for Richard from service and say that you have the same problem as Nas and he should advise you or your local dealer.

Nas

[deansheehan]

Nas,

Thanks for the contact details. I contacted Audi Huntingdon this morning and they should be speaking to Richard soon.

I was just playing with it this week trying to work out what the characteristics of the problem were before I spoke with Audi but last night it gave me such a fright when the clutch didn't return at about 50pmh under hard acceleration - I ended up kangarooing the car which at that speed is pretty unsettling

Although it it definately hydraulic related, something doesn't quite add up in my mind with what I am seeing and it being a problem with the hydraulic pipe being sligthly too restrictive. I can't see how the problem would develop over time because I've driven 1000 miles happily and now this week it is suddenly a royal pain in the...I have considered that the ambient temp is warmer at the moment but we had a pretty hot spell about 3 weeks ago and it didn't show up then.

cheers,
- Dean

[simple1]

May be related to heat....degradation of oil or many other factors........just my two pence worth....

[deansheehan]

Right, turns out the problem is a Vacuum Pipe that is matalicised rubber, or rubberised metal, that forms part of the clutch assistance. The pipe isn't strong enough in construction to withstand the vacuum that forms and it collapses temporarily and that causes the clutch not to return quickly.

I guess the pipe weakens slightly, does it once and that weakens it more so it does it easier next time...

The part is on order and will be 7-10 days so they tell me. Have to drive it v.carefully at the moment because it is really hard to blend the clutch.

When I know more, I'll tell you.

- Dean

[nas2]

Dean trust me , the problem is exactly the same as what i occured. Bedford changed everything on the car and were confused too. my clutch sometimes was fine and sometimes used to stay down pop up slowly and the next day would be perfect. it would go heavy on and off.

Nas

[deansheehan]

Nas,

I totally agree it is the same problem and my service technician called yours and that's where I have the information from. Thought I would just try and report it to the forum as accurately as I could for others.

Diffently this pipe not being able to withstand the pressure (-ve) it is under. Wonder whether it will eventually fail/show for all owners or if it is just a small percentage of these pipes that are under spec in some way.

I know you were saying it was too small I think but I was told it was too weak. In either case it is bad but the good news is, through the lenghty investigation they went through on your car, they now understand the problem and can fix it easy once they have the part.

Hope you are managing to enjoy yours now.

cheers,
- Dean

[Kringle]

I have roughly 100,000 km now and have a similar prob showing up and slowly getting worse. First thought it might be clutch but there has never been a hint of slip. Most noticeable when downshifting which then results in high RPM. This would be a high vacuum condition and therefore the pipe is likely collapsing. Cutch pops up although with a delay. Thanks so much for writing this up guys. You saved me from what would likely be quite a hunt. Luckily I am still on extended warranty. I hope this is covered but I think it should be as it is not a wear item. Thanks again!! My guys is this failure will likely show up more frequently with passing years as all materials fatigue and if there was minimal margin to start with then it will go sooner or later.

[vestax32]

I think you will find the vast majority of cases require a new clutch, worn pressure plate. The return pipe fix rarely works.

[Kringle]

Maybe so but I would expect some clutch slip. 100k (km) seems a bit low to wear out a pressure plate. Friction material of course could easily be worn but that would result in slip don't you think?