Clutch misalignement?

[stussyman]

Evening,

Not being a mechanic or an engineer, I'm looking for some help.

I have a 2011 Audi A4 Black Edition (2.0TDI). The car was bought brand new in March this year on an '11 plate.

3 weeks ago I experienced the clutch slipping in 3rd gear under full load from approx. 2000 rpm. Over the next week or so I experienced clutch slip in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and ultimately 6th gear. The car is fitted with an electronic handbrake and also the start stop function. I have had issues with both functions over a period of time and with both functions being electronically connected to the clutch, I presumed there was a clutch related problem.

The car was put into an Audi garage and I was told after a road test that it needed a new clutch. The car has 4000 miles on the clock since new.

Having still not got the car back after 5 days, I have been told that the reason for the clutch replacement is that the original clutch had excessive wear. I questioned this and have been told this is a result of a misaligned clutch at the point of build.

My question being, is this a valid (plausible) reason and if so, how is it possible to have a misaligned clutch.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Pumaracing]

There's no such thing as a misaligned clutch. You fit the clutch, do the bolts up and that's the job done. The friction plate can move a bit, a few thou maybe on its spline but the clutch cover is dowelled to the flywheel and can't go anywhere else. They speak with forked tongues.

[Steve_D]

Pumaracing said:

......They speak with forked tongues.

They do indeed.

Steve

[seagrey]

If its the type with a self adjusting cover then its quite possible that the ratchet mechanism has `jumped` prematurely.

the clutch will still work but will wear rapidly.

[stussyman]

Thanks for the responses, this is what I thought too. Still waiting on a call back, they're not exactly covering themselves in glory.

I'll update the post when I finally get the car back and I've seen the report.

Thanks.

[stussyman]

Just for the record, got the car back and was told that it was the release bearing that was faulty and they replaced the clutch kit, release bearing and lever.
At least it's sorted....
Cheers.