Clutch pedal, has anyone got to the bottom of problem

[Gavinrs4]

I know this question has been asked before but when I read through the answers I cannot get to the bottom of it as there has been different solutions. I only have to show it to the redline once and the clutch pedal goes to the floor then raises about an inch or so until it cools and returns up. The clutch doesn't slip or feel on its way out. Thanks and please go easy on me as this is my first forum post. Thanks
And also is there any groups in manchester area that meet up?

[Wavey Dynamicist]

Same problem here.. No word on a 100% fix other than full clutch assembly replacement..

Very strange problem everything i expect that would fix it has been proven to be hit and miss.. I'm tending to think it's due to manufacturing tolerances, so many variables that sometimes fix and sometimes don't..

[vestax32]

New clutch, simple.

[TonyHayers]

New clutch, simple.

Not true. I had brand new clutch and pressure plate. 2 weeks later first occurrence of sticky clutch.

[jaysrs4]

New clutch, simple.

Not true. I had brand new clutch and pressure plate. 2 weeks later first occurrence of sticky clutch.

Ok so what if you go into a dealer and ask them to cure the problem. If they replace bits that don't cure it, what's the story with paying them for work carried out unnecessarily?

[TonyHayers]

Jay I'm not sure if anyone would guarantee to cure a problem specifically, they'd probably limit any guarantee to their workmanship and the parts fitted.

[TonyHayers]

I'm planning on replacing all the clutch hydraulics inc pipes and sleeves etc. My feeling is that there are possibly a number of subtly different symptoms and factors involved - this would explain why two owners with *seemingly* the same problem can implement the same fixes and achieve varying results.

[irishmike]

On mine I had a full fulid flush and replace. That didn't work.
They then replaced all the hydraulics. Pipes, master and slave cylinder.

Not been an issue since.

[jaysrs4]

It has to be heat or vacuum related. There's no other reason - most people report this issue after 'spirited' driving.

However I don't think it even takes a good caining, only a couple whips round to 8.5k and the pedal begins to get a bit sticky.

[Gavinrs4]

Thanks guys, it is a strange one for sure. A couple of my friends who are mechanics feel as if it's something to do with the hydraulics. It's a shame as not had the car long and want to get it sorted, I don't mind buying a new clutch kit and flywheel etc. just want it right.
Apart from that, the car is ace and much better than I though it was going to be.

[PetrolDave]

We've been going round this loop several times on here over the nearly 8 years I've had my RS4, and the conclusion thus far is.... nobody knows (as they say on QI).

Not every owner suffers from the problem.
Things that cure it for some, have no effect for others.

I've had it happen a couple of times - both after doing a high rev launch and I had to hook my foot under the clutch pedal and pull it up to fully engage the clutch - which to me sounds like either the clutch is being held partially disengaged by fluid not returning (Audi's suggested mechanism) and/or the clutch plates sticking together and/or the return spring not being strong enough (the clutch pedal on the RS4 is much lighter than on a Renault 5 GT Turbo I owned many years ago...).

[ArthurPE]

imo it's the friction of the throw out bearing on the guide bushing
the tolerance shrinks when hot and it binds (dust and debris may contribute)
clearancing and polishing may help
the type of return mechanism is a 2 stage (to make the clutch easier to operate)
but on the return a spring has to pull it through a 'knuckle' or point of higher resistance before the resistance gets lower
this is the point it gets stuck, a slight pull gets it over this point
a stronger spring may help
some vette guys have eliminated a spring and they say it fixes it (although the clutch gets a bit stiffer)

you can reproduce it pretty consistently
car warmed up and stationary
rev engine up and down a few times with clutch depressed
release and depress, should stick

[wrekka]

Do people still have this problem who have fitted sachs or loba clutches?

[PetrolDave]

imo it's the friction of the throw out bearing on the guide bushing
the tolerance shrinks when hot and it binds (dust and debris may contribute)

I remember someone having the guide bushing checked and finding this - was that you Arthur?

[Gavla]

Do people still have this problem who have fitted sachs or loba clutches?

I decided to go for an upgrade to a LOBA 55ONM Stage 1 and I've had no similar issues yet....but then I have only done 3K on it.

The only thing you notice with this clutch is sometimes there is chatter at low revs but you get used to it and can easily drive round it...