B7 RS4 gear engagement problem

[finnian1989]

I recently purchased a b7 rs4 circa 80,000 miles. Recently I noticed when driving the clutch pedal wasn’t returning fully once depressed and a new gear selected. It swiftly moved on from this to the clutch pedal going very light and not selecting any gears.

Has anyone else had this issue? If so is it caused by the clutch hydraulics, the clutch itself or both units requiring replacing?

Any experience much appreciated!

[AudiSport]

Had the same issue on an S5 I recently bought. They suspected it was a hydrolic fault but as most of the cost is labour removing the gearbox I had a whole new clutch plus a few extra bits replaced for £1,500. Considerably more for an RS4 I’m sure. No doubt someone far more knowledgable like DR G will be along soon to give some accurate costs. Good luck!

[finnian1989]

Ah, thanks for the heads up. Had thought it might be possible to just replace the slave/master. Is this an engine out job on the b7 then?

[AudiSport]

I’m not sure about the RS4, but on the S5 they just had the drop the gearbox. I believe on mine they suspected it was just the slave sylinder too, but advice from Dr G was the clutch is weak on these so just change the lot, which I did for piece of mind. Going great now. That 4.2 is a beaut!

[Dr G]

Any idea if it's ever had a clutch? Even driven with mechanical sympathy that's the sort of mileage they seem to last to.

It's the weak link in the drive line but I suppose that's preferable to breaking shafts, gearboxes etc.

[finnian1989]

No, pretty sure this will be the first change. Any idea on where a good price from a reputable independent should be pitched?

[Dr G]

Easily a couple of grand with a flywheel (~800 quid alone from memory).

There's often a bit more labour than the book suggests for these, there's always stuck bolts, broken heat-shields, rusty brackets etc. to contend with.

[finnian1989]

Cheers for the guide on pricing G. Would you always advise changing the flywheel if they are in there and bite the £800 bullet rather than going back for two bites at the cherry even if it appears to be in good working order?

[Dr G]

I *believe* Audi's guidance is to replace them together although I guess if you were confident the flywheel was in really good order I don't think there's a reason you can't re-use it.