Moaning clutch

[SebRogers]

My 130tdi A4 Avant has recently developed an intermittent moan when I pull away in 1st. It's a bit like the noise in these videos (but not as loud or pronounced and at a lower pitch):

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Interior-clutch-noice_640909.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Exterior-clutch-Noise_640908.htm

The noise is always the same pitch regardless of engine revs. It mostly happens when the clutch is under a bit of load (hill start etc.), but sometimes does it even pulling away from idle revs on the flat. Can happen letting the clutch out in 2nd when the car is already rolling, too (eg having just gone over a speed bump). Doesn't happen under any other circumstances, clutch feels strong and progressive and gear changes are all fine. No other rumbles / grinding / other noises. The clutch and flywheel were replaced about 10,000 miles ago with OEM units and have given no other problems.

I mentioned it to the head tech at the indie garage that looks after my car when it was in for some other work the other week, but of course on that day it wasn't playing ball and there was nothing to hear. He did say it sounded like something to do with the clutch, though.

Any ideas? I can probably live with it if I have to, though it'd be nice if it wasn't (intermittently) noisy.

Thanks in advance :beerchug:

[SebRogers]

Bump.

Anyone?

[RickT]

Hi there,

Mine has done it for the last 40k miles, the noise you near is the release bearing, or.. in my case the clutch plate rivets touching the flywheel when under hard load.

It will also make the noise if you drop from say 40mph to 2nd gear gear when the clutch engages.. (ona petrol, maybe 3rd in a diesel.)

I just learn't how to drive the car without it making the noise, ie not holding on the clutch for any period of time and not slipping the clutch from start.

But if the clutch was only replaced 10k ago, did it have a full clutch kit and how high or low is the clutch? mine is at the VERY top, like driving a bus! My clutch has done 140k miles now from new.

Cheers

Rick

[SebRogers]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the reply.

Yep, full clutch kit AFAIK (I'll check when it has its next service, due in about 3 months). That includes the release bearing, doesn't it? Bite point is pretty low in the pedal travel - about where it should be, I reckon.

A couple of things puzzle me about it. One, it mostly doesn't make the noise (but when it does it's pretty obvious). And two, there's nothing else about the way the clutch works that suggests anything's wrong. Er, and three, I'm not hard on clutches. The one on my tdi Octy did 120,000 miles from new with no issues.

Still, at least I'm not alone :)