Clutch pedal doesnt come up

[12th]

I had this problem a coupe of years ago - ended up changing master and slave cylinders, but to no avail.

It was cured by changing the clutch fluid for one with a higher boiling point and has never recurred. A cheap and simple fix.

[chiru]

I’m pleased to hear that. Mine improved by replacing the return hose but it’s not yet perfect. I have fluid ready to go into the car but I’ve not go around to it yet. I had hoped to post back here that I found how to cure the problem, now I hope that I can second your findings

[12th]

I read about it in an evo piece on buying a Focus and it perfectly matched what I was getting. Recommendation was Dot 5.1 fluid IIRC, and Bob was very definitely my uncle. Good luck!

[chiru]

It would make sense. My fluid predates my ownership of the car so I’ve no idea what it is. If I drive it hard, the brakes see hard use and then the clutch misbehaves. If I drive normally, the clutch is absolutely normal.
I’ll report back once I’ve changed the fluid and given the car a good thrashing!

[RS4JAY]

Mines in getting everything done now, including a full fluid change - clutch, brakes, gearbox, diff, engine etc... . My car is now getting difficult to change gear. In my experience that’s the first symptoms of the clutch going. Mileage is near 100k now.

[12th]

My clutch was done a year or so ago. It kept getting longer* and stiffer - I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere...

*Needed pressing all the way to the floor (and beyond) to release each gear.

[RS4JAY]

Well I’m happy to report, that’s the new clutch, flywheel, slave & parts form rob fitted. And it’s like driving a different car. Very happy.

Although done a major service at the same time, car drives amazing. Cheeky pre cat delete also, only seemed right since the were off the car anyway.

Although, dam thing has just cost me near £3500


Next up some new rubber.

[Covkiller]

The RS4 is a true performance car and needs that sort of spend to keep it on top form. You now have the piece of mind that a major element has been fixed and the car is reliable. As you say it's like driving a different car. Well done and enjoy the drive.