PD100 clutch slipping-what now vr6 kit?please advise on what to buy

HI there,

Got a slipping clutch, car is stock(mk4 tdi pd100 2003 atd engine) and has done 130k miles...Reading on various websites I saw this conversion kit witch can be used(vr6 clutch and g60 flywheel) is that a good choice?(seems to be the cheapest) or should i go for a sachs clutch standard replacement(meaning to keep the dmf)....

Please advise
Alin

Alin,

I am potentially in a similar situation (i.e. may have to replace clutch/flywheel on an ASZ: PD 130), and was considering the Solid/Single mass flywheel (SMF) conversion.
However, reading various opinions from a range of posts, overall I was detered from the SMF route.

While the SMF is cheaper, lighter and provides faster acceleration, the SMF doesn't dampen engine vibration (notably when idling) to the transmission and cabin.
From my understanding, the SMF conversion seems to trade speed/acceleration against noise/comfort and possible gearbox protection.

Though I haven't tried the SMF conversion on a Golf Mk4 myself, the Golf MK3 TDI I previously drove was SMF equipped, so I can appreciate the differences.
With the MK3 TDI gear changes and clutch operations would have to be performed more carefully/smoothly, to avoid gear change jolt and vibration.

The above is purely my understanding from other MK4 SMF driver's experiences. Personally, I would stick with the DMF.

A question that I have is which DMF/clutch kit and Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) manufacturer to choose ?

• Sachs (OEM)
• LuK (OEM)
• Valeo ?

TR7

Personally, I would stay with a DMF. I have done SMF conversions on petrol engines and they have been fine, I have driven diesels with SMF conversions and you can feel the difference. With a 100PD I would just fit a straight LUK or Sachs rep set and a new release bearing. Where the 6 speed is concerned I tend to use a Sachs if I can get one or LUK if not and I buy a genuine release bearings as they only cost a few pounds more then aftermarket and come with a two year parts and labour warranty.

Thanks for that reply Crasher.

I did obtain a VW Dealer price quote for a genuine VAG DMF/clutch kit (possibly VW branded Sachs), and was astonished to find GSF/ECP selling these for close to half the price of the VW Dealer Retail Parts department !

Most likely, the TPS prices are much more competitive. Why VW retail prices are so high, is another subject altogether !

Three quick questions please Crasher;

1) Would I be correct in understanding that Luk flywheels can't be used alongside Sachs clutch kits and vice versa ?

2) Does this also apply to release bearings/CSCs ?

3) Finally, is the Sachs DMF/clutch combination better than the Luk combination and why (is this related to maximum clutch torque/clamping pressure) ?

Thanks,
TR7

I don’t buy genuine clutch kits, they are way too expensive. The release bearing genuine is not expensive.

In most cases, you cannot mix LUK and Sachs kits but why would you want to? You just but a kit from one manufacturer as you should always replace the flywheel, it is madness not to. The RB is not manufacturer specific. Some say one is better than the other, I have no problems with either as long as they are not abused.

Considering that my clutch is slipping and has done 130k miles would I have to buy the dmf as well?

Thanks

There is no way I would fit a new clutch to an old DMF, it would be stupid of me.

I see,

I think I found a way in between ecs stage 1 conversion kit...dmf to smf but the flywheel is heavier(20,5 lbs) compared to 14 lbs,and that allows me to save some money and change everything including flywheel...to me going down the dmg and stoch clutch set it seems a bit expensive considering how much is the car worth on the market...tho I do love my golf :)

Do you think the heavier flywheel will do the job?

Thanks

P.s.As you can see multiple probs :)

I don't like SMF conversions on diesels.