Clutch doesn't feel right?

[JayA3sline]

Afternoon all

Okay, new issue that is causing me some concern now- when does it stop? Geez!

I know we all get to know our cars inside out to the point where we know how it responds, reacts etc etc - well I first notcied that putting the car into reverse or 1st gear is slightly more difficult than before, it use to just go into gear without any thought at all, but now I have to kind of push the clutch pedal twice before it will engage properly, first time I push down on it an go to put it into 1st for example it seems as though it just gets blocked an wont engage, hence I need to release an push the clutch in again before it'll engage - does this soud familiar to anyone?

Also now between gear changes when I'm driving (especially in the low gears) there's a lot of suddering as the foot pedal almost seems as though I hvent got much play on it as before. Am I just being paranoid now I'm aware of the change?

My cars a 2006 2.0 TFSI Quattro with approx 55k miles- I don't really drive it hard so surely my driving style an age/mileage shouldn't mean it's on it's way out should it? Especially as I've seen the price for a new Quattro clutch £850 Audi. May need to check into that good car scheme sooner than I wanted too.

Thanks in advance for any opinions

[JayA3sline]

Just another thought: I had my car have a major service not that long ago (within a month) could it be that they tightened it up? Is this possible - i have no idea, someone mentioned it at work. But it made me think that it has felt odd since ive had the car back but didnt really think about it.

Any suggestions

[Alan02]

Sounds like the clutch isnt clearing the flywheel, causing drive to be transmitted even when pedal depressed. Check for any fluid leaks at Clutch Master Cylinder, up by pedal, and Slave Cylinder at Gearbox. If none visible, try bleeding the clutch first. See how it feels afterwards.
Any `Pulsing` of the clutch pedal when pressed means `box out... Release bearing, or, clutch fault.

[alankru]

I know we all get to know our cars inside out to the point where we know how it responds, reacts etc etc - well I first notcied that putting the car into reverse or 1st gear is slightly more difficult than before, it use to just go into gear without any thought at all, but now I have to kind of push the clutch pedal twice before it will engage properly, first time I push down on it an go to put it into 1st for example it seems as though it just gets blocked an wont engage, hence I need to release an push the clutch in again before it'll engage - does this soud familiar to anyone?

Yes; I have the same problem. Reverse always grinds unless I put it into gear slowly. Sometimes reverse doesn't want to engage fully unless I release the clutch and try again. 1st and 4th gear are intermittently troublesome with complete blocking of the gear. With 1st gear I release the clutch and try again (no problem when static; can be a pain preparing to come out of junctions sometimes), 4th gear I can usually get to go in by holding it in position until it slots in itself. 3rd has always been a bit clunky (but engages ok) and today it wasn't very smooth.

I find it a real pain and I'm disappointed by the problem as I have found that it can be a bit of a safety issue if I approach a roundabout in 4th. I've had Audi, local VAG specialist and another specialist mechanic look at the problem and as it is intermittent it doesn't do it when they look at the problem. However, last winter I had the gearbox oil changed to another type as this is apparently a known issue (all 3 mechanics have told me this). This change of oil didn't make a difference at first, but this summer the gearbox was lovely (on the old gearbox oil, it didn't matter how warm the gearbox or ambient temperature was). Sadly though, on this new oil, the problem seems to be coming back again with the colder weather.

The dual mass flywheel and clutch were replaced in April 2009 by the previous owner. I don't recall getting shuddering of the clutch pedal but as I have had this problem since ownership I might not notice it.

I know I've got a different car to you in that I've got a diesel and no quattro but I would be interested on how you get on. When it becomes a persistent problem again I may ask my mechanic again along the lines that Alan02 has mentioned. So far my problem seems to indicate a synchromesh issue, but it would be too expensive to look into if it is.

[JayA3sline]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I'm still unsure what to do, I mean do I go to Audi an ask them that my clutch doesn't seem right, let them do a synopsis an then find repairs elsewhere cheaper. Or do I go I to a big standard garage an ask them to have a look. As I've read previously it could be a much simpler fix than a new clutch. I just know auid will give me that bull about it an can see the issue still occurring.

But on the other side I don't want to keep driving my vehicle an wait for it to pop, then I will be screwed. Any ideas how someone else would approach this matter?

[alankru]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I'm still unsure what to do, I mean do I go to Audi an ask them that my clutch doesn't seem right, let them do a synopsis an then find repairs elsewhere cheaper. Or do I go I to a big standard garage an ask them to have a look. As I've read previously it could be a much simpler fix than a new clutch. I just know auid will give me that bull about it an can see the issue still occurring.

But on the other side I don't want to keep driving my vehicle an wait for it to pop, then I will be screwed. Any ideas how someone else would approach this matter?

I know that you have had problems with Audi. Have you been able to find a recommended VAG specialist locally?

[JayA3sline]

From a previous thread about my major service someone mentioned about a good garage scheme, and there's a few locally that had good reviews but no I haven't looked for VAG specialists - forgot about that bit in all honesty. Yeah Audi not my best mates put it that way, albeit their branch is moving closer to me!

[alankru]

From a previous thread about my major service someone mentioned about a good garage scheme, and there's a few locally that had good reviews but no I haven't looked for VAG specialists - forgot about that bit in all honesty. Yeah Audi not my best mates put it that way, albeit their branch is moving closer to me!

Yeah, not mine either sadly. I read that Maidstone is moving to a new million pound building!
I think that a VAG specialist would be ideal (especially if someone can recommend you a good one) because they are more likely to know things like they all told me about the gearbox oil.

Like I mentioned in a previous thread, there are 3 independent VAG specialists in my area (spoilt for choice!) and my friend recommended one to me. I took it for a service there (and subsequent work) and the difference in the service my car received is very encouraging (they took particular care over my car - eg. cleaned the engine bay - and took pride in their work).