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My 1st post and its clutch related! lol
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:52 pm
by Lux
Just picked up a polo gti today but i'm unsure of the feel on the clutch pedal.
Receipts show there was a new clutch fitted 30k miles ago.
When i reversed it off the drive it kind of juddered as it was slightly uphill. Thought it might have been due to me getting used to the new bite.
Gear changes are smooth but there seems to be a few inches of fresh air when pressing the clutch before it gets heavy and the bite is quite low.? Does this sound odd?
I did the 4th gear test and it stalled.
Not sure if its just me trying to get used to a new car, will have to check over the next few days. Am i just being paranoid after reading all the bad stories on the gearboxes

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:17 pm
by gazmangti
dont worry about it mate. I had the same problem. Picked the car up and clutch juddered for the first 200 miles then was fine. I think it's where its just been stood up.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:21 pm
by ModifiedMadness
What's the 4th gear test?
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:34 pm
by Lux
http://www.ehow.com/how_7687_diagnose-s ... lutch.html
Bit too tired and brain drained explain. I hope this helps you mate

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:54 pm
by Tim_GTi
So if your car doesn't start in 4th with the handbrake on your clutch 'is history'?
I don't think i'm following
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 5:56 pm
by Lux
I had a drive about today and the clutch seems just as bad.
It judders and vibrates when pulling off in 1st at all times in the journey. And today i was sat at some lights on a hill, holding the car on the bite. Then when the lights changed the clutch slipped a little in 1st then slipped big time in 2nd and 3rd until i backed off and let it sort itself out.
The clutch was replaced at 20k miles ago not 30 as i 1st thought. Maybe it was a recon clutch as its gone so soon? Had a guy from a garage test it and he too agreed on the clutch was knackered.
I've got it booked into some gearbox and clutch place in Gloucester on saturday. I'm hoping its just the clutch, need a couple of discs on the front too so looks like its time to spend some cash

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:23 pm
by nogwuy
could be a little oil in there from somewhere? had a simular thing on a mk3 golf gti before which sorted itself out (not that that helps you though sorry) you can adjust the clutch cable, might give an improvement?! see the other clutch related thread on here at the mo, the one titled pedal box? clutch? gearbox? or something else!?
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:55 pm
by Lux
I popped down to have a chat with the guy at the garage as i finished work early. I got him to test drive my polo to see what he thought.
Said it could be a dodgy clutch fitted previously or it could be the box.
He won't be able to tell until the car is stripped down so he can see properly.
We was having a chat about the boxes and their weakness and he does the repair like on this link
http://www.volkswagenspares.com/page.php?page=Gearboxes
As its on 94k miles

and no history to box repair, just that clutch about 20k ago!!
If its not the box thats at fault now, i'm tempted to just get him to do the box anyway as this will include the clutch.
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:51 pm
by Tim_GTi
that pretty good! £395 + vat for a re-con box with a 12 month warranty and modifies stainless steel nut and bolt strengthened!
Have you got a price from them with the clutch include too?
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:31 pm
by Lux
Thats just a link to a similar repair on the box mate.
From chatting to the guy he explained to me exactly as that link does, about the weaknesses and strengthening the box. I havn't even asked about the cost because i'm sulking as i've only had the car a few days
I'm dropping it off at 7.30 am tomorrow so i'll be able to update you on the damage and costs etc.
When i was in their office yesterday there was plenty of sachs clutch boxes lying about so i presume thats what they use.
Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:31 pm
by Lux
It turns out that the fool that had the car before me put a recon clutch in!
The garage cleaned up and checked the box for hairline cracks etc. Fitted a new seal, clutch kit, front discs and pads. £500 done in a few hours.
I've only had the car a few days and spent money on it, but i love my Polo gti
