Strange clutch issues

[Will Raymond]

Hi guys,

Have owned an 02 GT TDi 130 for just over a year. Cambelt done by independent VAG mechanic with genuine parts last year, serviced last year and have just serviced again with quality parts and the correct oil etc. All in fairly good nick and pulls well without any weird noises etc.

The only issue is an intermittent slipping clutch which is confusing the hell out of me! For about the last 6/8 months it has been slipping every now and again under load but has not got any worse which I assumed if it was the clutch plate going it would have gone by now. Equally if it was gearbox seal or engine seal leaking and a bit of oil getting onto the clutch it would have gone completely. I think the DMF is starting to chatter (noise changes with clutch depressed) so could it be related to this?

Just seems so odd that it is so intermittent. When the car is cold and you drive briskly from the off it doesn't slip but when its warmed up and you floor it in 3rd/4th gear from a decent speed it slips sometimes and then recovers and drives fine.

Any ideas?

I don't want to have to pay for the clutch to be taken out and replaced if it's something else...

[niall campbell]

you don't mention your mileage on the car

the noise changing gear could be your thrust bearing, can you hear it in neutral and engine ticking over ? Does it change note when you press the clutch all the way down ?

Noise could be springs on clutch also

does your car have a clutch cable or hydraulic fluid ?

[Will Raymond]

you don't mention your mileage on the car

the noise changing gear could be your thrust bearing, can you hear it in neutral and engine ticking over ? Does it change note when you press the clutch all the way down ?

Noise could be springs on clutch also

does your car have a clutch cable or hydraulic fluid ?

Sorry forgot to mention the mileage - 185k. A very patchy service history with nothing prior to a year before i bought the car. Possibly the original clutch?

It's not a noise when changing gear but a noise when idling which changes when the clutch pedal is depressed, I assumed it was the DMF starting to chatter.

Clutch is hydraulic. I was going to change the brake fluid which I believe the clutch runs on as I have no record of that being changed. Could it be old brake fluid causing the slave cylinder to stick and not release fully?

[niall campbell]

could be the slave cylinder leaking if its internal in the bellhousing ............................... which you want to change if you change clutch, if internal

At 185K I would change the clutch , probally nearly worn out, rattling springs, down to rivets etc.

Usually if ticking over and you hear a rattle/ noise , then fully depressing clutch changes the noise, its the thrust bearing

[niall campbell]

with my A6, I have to drive the car silky smooth. Sometimes clutch judders for no real reason, sometimes after towing my horsebox ......................... I have years of towing experience............... then after a couple of days it clears itself.


You may be finding this is what is happening, mine doesn't slip, just its juddery


Park the car on a steep hill. Put the car in 3rd gear and try to pull away. The car should stall. If it revs up but doesn't go anywhere, the clutch is slipping. Its easier to do than explain

[Rob69]

Agree with niall here, sounds like dmf and clutch due for replacement at that age and mileage.

[cameron1]

Agree, as already mentioned by other members, you best of replacing the whole clutch kit including flywheel. You can buy an LUK clutch & DMF for around £250

Oh, and make sure you don't forget to renew the clutch release bearing sleeve, under a fiver.