Clutch drag passat

[Eugene]

I recently purchased a VW passat TDI 130bhp 2003. It has been difficult to engage reverse and first gear. I took it to my local garage and have been told that my clutch requires replacing which is fair enough.However
my mechanic has also advised me that I should also change the fly wheel
as this is a known problem as well.Is there anyone who has
experienced this problem and what was the outcome. My Engine type is AWX.
Thanks

[Huweth]

Clutch failure, together with the flywheel is a common fault. It is normally associated with juddering when pulling off, especially on hills etc...
When it does go, it's worth changing the whole lot as both parts can be defective. However, I wouldn't neccesarily expect it to cause it to be difficult to engage gears. While he may be right, you could consider asking an independant VW garage for a second opinion that might be a lot cheaper.

[Eugene]

Hi Huweth, I have had the car to two garages and the advice given was the same from both to replace the lot. Strangely I can drive the car some days and there isn't a problem with the gear selection. I understand a replacement clutch kit and fly wheel is quite expensive not to mention the labour involved. Rgds

[Lex Luthor]

Try bleeding the clutch slave cylinder before you spash out big bucks...

[Eugene]

Thanks for info Lex Luthor, why do you suggest this as a solution just to give you a little more background to the problem, the gear selection
difficulty only occurs in reverse and first gear from a stationary position.
When the car is rolling changing up and down the gears is generally ok

How do you bleed the clutch slave cylinder or where is it located on the
car. From where do you top up the fluid level after bleeding.

Sorry I am not technically strong on cars.
Thanks

[Lex Luthor]

the gear selection difficulty only occurs in reverse and first gear from a stationary position.
When the car is rolling changing up and down the gears is generally ok

That's classic clutch drag

How do you bleed the clutch slave cylinder or where is it located on the car. From where do you top up the fluid level after bleeding.

The clutch is fed from the brake reservoir.
The slave cylinder is on top of the gearbox at the engine end and can be reached if you unfasten the coolant expansion tank and move it out of the way.
Bleed it as you would brakes. Do a search on bleeding brakes if you need to.