Clutch issues!

[daniel1920]

Hi All,

Posted this in VAG topics, but I guess it it can go in general gassing because its a transmission problem rather than a VAG problem!
Looking for some advice with a clutch/ gearbox problem I have. The cars an 2005 A3 3.2 Manual (53k miles).

I was leaving the motorway the other day slowing down on the off ramp. Coming up to a red light I press the clutch (in 6th) ready to stop. Instantly pressing the pedal I knew it didn't feel right, and then wouldn't go into gear. But the symptoms are a bit less straight forward.

So...Stationary I can press clutch and go into any gear. I can also pull away in 3rd so feels like full bite on the clutch even though the pedal feels light and spongy. Once moving I can only get in and out of gear by matching revs and feels like there is some release of the clutch but not full release (motorway in 6th, 2500rpm press clutch and the revs don't drop off).

Any advice or experience with you guys with this issue? The vag specialist I spoke to suspects freeplay in the input shaft to the box, but seems strange to me this would happened on one press of the clutch. Cheers for reading the essay guys and fingers crossed this stays away from 4 digit repairs!!!

[Mr2Mike]

Is it a hydraulic clutch? If so have you checked the fluid level? Could also be something like a bracket for the slave or cable (if fitted) has fractured and is bending under load using up most of the travel.

[daniel1920]

Yeah hydraulic clutch, shares the resivior with the brakes but the level isn't dropping. The slave in inside the clutch housing so still have to open it up to see that.

[strath44]

Hi after similar experience with a golf I would suggest going by your mileage and engine size,
that the clutch is on the way out.
I'm not sure if that car has it but on some VAG units you can reset the selector cables / mechanism at the gearbox, pretty straight forward and may help if possible.
But as the pedal feels funny then again prob points to the clutch and or a faulty release bearing which on this car is hydraulic.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=audi+a3+3.2+clut...

You might as well do the clutch if the box needs dropped and the bearing is pretty cheap. Make sure you research clutches as there are a few know weak ones, I used Sachs last time. I would avoid replacing the dual mass with a single plate style one as IMO they are not as smooth and create more noise.

[daniel1920]

Can get the OEM clutch kit, so all parts for ~£200, so if its getting opened up Ill do the full set. Ill have a look at the input shaft while its open because I can understand if the clutch is pressing into it and the first few mm is just moving the shaft it won't release the gears.
GERMAN RELIABILITY!! Biggest con around

[strath44]

Your going to hate me for saying this but you might as well do the flywheel at the same time if you have the money.

Are you doing the work?

[strath44]

Your going to hate me for saying this but you might as well do the flywheel at the same time if you have the money.

Are you doing the work?