clutch feel

[PlatinumTurboS]

I've done the searches, so I kinda know where to go, but wanted some updated takes on it!

I've a 2003 TS w/ 73k miles on it. This morning I hopped in to go to work and there was very little resistance in the first 2/3 of pedal travel - and then I'd hit resistance in the clutch feel. I thought, "Hmm, that's odd..." but had to get to work, so I drove. I hop right on the freeway, so I have the chance to notice slipping and things -- ZERO SLIP. Hit the gas and it goes.

So when I get off the freeway pedal feel has improved a bit, and then when I park at work, I pump the pedal a bit and I can build up the pressure... So I'm thinking a leak in the line maybe? Or the master/slave cylinders acting up. Or could it be something as simple as needed a fluid change/bleed?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've read on the forums that clutch replacement/repair is stupid expensive. Not something my wallet can handle at the moment... Thanks guys!

[jason m]

Check the fluid level first. I would bet one of the cyls is going bad. I would change both the master and slave clutch cylinders. You can buy them aftermarket and DIY. Its an easy job if you pay attention to what you are doing.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Check your brake fluid. The clutch and brakes work off the same reservoir. Might be low on fluid.

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by jason m

I would change both the master and slave clutch cylinders. You can buy them aftermarket and DIY. Its an easy job if you pay attention to what you are doing.

Slave cylinder is NOT an easy job on a 6 speed Turbo S. It requires removal of the transmission.

Originally Posted by 2004NBTURBOS

Check your brake fluid. The clutch and brakes work off the same reservoir. Might be low on fluid.

Ditto this, possibly try bleeding it as well. My suspicion however is a failing slave cylinder. The master cylinders on these rarely give problems.

[PlatinumTurboS]

Thanks for the quick response guys. Good to know where to go. I'll check the brake fluid tonight when I get home. Do I need the newer DOT 4 fluid, or is DOT 3 okay?

Also, if they have to get into the tranny anyway (as I've read and DZLBUG confirmed) do I just go the whole way and change the clutch out while they're in there? Seems silly not to...

[PlatinumTurboS]

Figured an update is in order... I'm still having issue with my clutch!

Twice I've taken it into the dealer that is about 2 miles from my place. They had it for a day the first time and two days the second. They looked it over, drove it around, and said they "couldn't find anything, feels good" each time! The one said "well maybe it is the cold" -- let's be real, it is kept in a well-insulated garage that doesn't dip below 40º. In the past winters where it was parked outside it didn't do this why?

To date, here's the issue:

1) clutch itself is fine. no slipping, no high revving while car goes nowhere, nothing. Clutch is great. Fluid looks like it is where it should be.

2) after having sat for extended period (4+ hours) the pedal has hardly any pressure in it. The first 3/4 of pedal travel is just free, nothing. Then when I hit the area where the clutch normally engages/disengages it is hard. Oh, that and I have to press the pedal to the floor for there to be and disengagement. If I start to lift up on the clutch just a little bit, the clutch engages.

3) this is new today, after I release the clutch, it goes about halfway up its travel, stops for a second or two, then WHAM zooms up to the top.

I'm at my wits end. I'm going to take it to another dealer downtown where I work, maybe they're a bit more with it than mine...

[2004NBTURBOS]

My guess is the slave cylinder,this is only a guess. But the symptoms seem related. Tell us what the other shop has to say.

[PlatinumTurboS]

So TS is back in action. We took him to the independent VW shop we used to go to before we moved (40 min away) and they patched him up. The slave cylinder did go, and since VW designers are so intelligent in placement of the slave, it took the clutch and flywheel with it when it slathered them in fluid and baked them...

So, after 4 days in the shop to the tune of $1,278 I now have a new slave, clutch, flywheel, and all the trimmings...