Heavy Clutch on quick change?

[Saint]

Hi Guys,

Been meaning to ask the dealer about this but just not had any time recently. My car went in for the TMC and at the same time, they upgraded my car software. I am not sure if this caused the problem or the problem was there before, but when I am in quick change mode and tramp down on the clutch, it gets extremely hard. This is quite disconcerting when you are trying to overtake and need to clear 2 gears only to have the clutch become extremely heavy.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any idea what could be causing it?

Thanks.

[sykotoy]

you mean like 5th to third?

[Saint]

No, not necessarily ... it happens on any gear change. What seems to trigger it is how hard and how fast you depress the clutch. The faster and harder you do it, then harder it becomes ...

[alex_123_fra]

No, not necessarily ... it happens on any gear change. What seems to trigger it is how hard and how fast you depress the clutch. The faster and harder you do it, then harder it becomes ...

Saint, sorry to hear about your clutch issue. I hope it is not this but on the earlier cars there is a known issue with the clutch vacuum assist line which controls clutch actuation. As the line collapses, it squeezes off the vacuum at the same time as you're depressing the pedal. This causes the pedal to go stiff.

You can test for the problem by letting the car sit at idle and then press the clutch repeatedly as fast as you can. If the pedal stiffens, you have the issue.

I would avoid driving too spiritedly unless you get audi to check it and ensure your car has the more updated vacuum line. If this isn't the problem, it would be interesting if you report back with details.

Best of luck.

Alex

[RI_RS4]

I'd second Alex. Sounds like the clutch vacuum line collapsing.


To test, put your car in neutral and depress your clutch multiple times as fast as you can. If it stiffens, you have the problem.

[sykotoy]

can this problem be fixed under warrenty?

[alex_123_fra]

can this problem be fixed under warrenty?

Sykotoy, if the issue is with the vacuum line, the dealer has to fix it under warranty with the updated one. This isn't a "wear and tear" issue as audi already know.

[Saint]

Guys, thanks for the heads up. You've got me worried now. Must get on to the dealer asap. I have tried this test previously and it consistently happens.

[Saint]

Guys, took it to the dealer and confirmed that this was the problem. They have sorted it out under warranty and it drives fantastic again. I printed out this thread and left it in the car just so that they were clear on what to do.

Thanks for your help!!!!

Much appreciated.

S.

[audijohn]

Guys, took it to the dealer and confirmed that this was the problem. They have sorted it out under warranty and it drives fantastic again. I printed out this thread and left it in the car just so that they were clear on what to do.

Thanks for your help!!!!

Much appreciated.

S.

Saint, the guys on here are SOOOO helpful, I have had ALL my questions answered and I now in tern help answer others questions, where would we be without these great forums.

[alex_123_fra]

Glad we could help Saint. Enjoy the car

I agree with John, this forum is great and everyone shares knowledge so readily. I really don't know what people did pre-internet era. The dealers must have been quite a lot busier!