depronman
A2OC Donor
I have just removed the clutch from a rather well travelled A2 1.4TDI, somewhat disappointed that it failed after 15 years and a mere 277,772 miles
The release bearing had totally failed, but I believe this was actually cause by the clutch release lever wearing the ball headed pivot bolt away, the bolt then broke through the release lever resulting in the lever pivoting on the bell housing casing (not the end of the bolt), this caused the lever to be at an angle to the cover plate and therefore when opening the clutch the release bearing was being pushed to the cover on an angle. The gearbox mounted release bearing sleeve would try to prevent this, but eventually this extra force on the release bearing caused a total release bearing failure.
The really interesting fact is that even with the 280K miles, the clutch spinner place is not worn down to the rivets, there is at least 0.6mm left before the rivets are touched and the cover plate as lots of spring left in it. Compared to the new LUK clutch kit I estimate that had the bearing not failed the original clutch would have seen at least another 80k to 100K miles.
So. we all know what to expect from an original Audi TDI clutch , but I strongly suggest that the style of driving will have a big impact on the life of the clutch. This A2 only had 2 previous owners, 90K miles put on it in 2 years by the first owner with full VAG service history, then the second owner added the other 190K miles, I suspect that both have been motorway drivers as against town drivers. Second owner confirmed that he had never changed the clutch.
Is there anything else that I should pay particular attention too on this mileage TDI ? Belt/water pump and tensioner was replaced 3 years ago, so getting ready for changing again, other than that ???
There was a little oil in the pipe from the turbo to the intercooler - about a thimble full, is this anything to worry about or is it the norm for the TDI ?
Cheers,
Paul