Clutch woes

threeD

threeD

Member
Hi all,

After passing my test 3 months ago I got
a lovely top spec A2 1.4 SE. It's my first
car and really love it. I've had a couple
of issues like a new starter motor some
problems with the central locking. It's a 51
plate and cars have problems right.


Today I broke down on a very busy junction
on the motor way. I had two kids in the back
very hairy. The car just would'nt drive, put it
into gear but no bite on realease just lots of
revs. I've had it a couple of times for a second
then it's always comes back.


The car is now outside my house after being
recovered. The car is under warranty but if the
clutch has gone what will be the damage, I reckon
expensive. The warranty should cover it but just
as a precaution can anybody give me any advice
I am a total car NOOB.


thanks in advance


darren
 
Hi Darren, welcome to the A2oc
I don't recall any of our members reporting similar problems so the following is pure speculation as to what is wrong with your car.
If it was normal wear on the clutch friction plate then there is usually pleanty of warning as the clutch slips more and more under load, accompanied by the nasty smell of burning friction material. From your description it appears the clutch releases ok as the pedal is pressed down but then sticks in this position. This suggests a problem with the release mechanism which could be caused by faulty hydraulics (I had a brake master cylinder seal problem many years ago which caused the brakes to lock on), the pedal mechanism or even the pressure plate.
Normally warranty does not apply to clutch 'wear and tear' but in your case it appears the root cause is a failure in the operating mechanism and this should be covered.
Let us know how you get on

Cheers Spike
 
Thanks spike,


The car can't go to the dealers until
tuesday being bank holiday. Hopefully
I'll know more then.


cheers


darren
 
The clutch is'nt covered by the warranty apparantly,
so the need to replace it.

It's going to cost £536 should get the car back tomorrow.

I really cant afford it to be honest but what can I do.





darren
 
Hi threeD
It's normal for warranty companies not to pay for worn out clutches as the cause is usually driver abuse. In your case it could be a problem with the release mechanism and that should be covered. I would talk to the warranty people and get their view on this. They might agree to pay for the repair if the garage finds the problem is not with the clutch friction disc or pressure plate when they remove the gearbox. It's a long shot but if things go your way, you may get it done for free. On a 51 plate car, I would pay for a new clutch anyway so with a bit of luck it may only cost you around £100 for parts.
There is nothing lost in trying but be prepared to pay for the full job

Cheers Spike
 
Thanks for all the advice.

It seems the clutch is completly worn and even
though I've only had the car 3 months it's my
responsibility. I did notice the clutch when I
bought it but the salesman dismissed it.


Like you said spike it's a 51 plate and a new clutch
is probably a good thing and I am now prepared
to pay the full price.

cheers

darren
 
I have been having a nightmare.


So after I paid for my new clutch I drove the car for a week
then it broke down again. I was livid as it felt like the clutch had
gone, I was recovered and the guy said the driveshaft
had come out.

The recovery people's garage looked at it and said the Bolts on the
drive shaft had'nt been secured properly causing my drive shaft to
come out whilst I was driving.

The car is now at the dealers I am picking it up tomorrow.

I am not happy and am going to push for a refund as I flagged the
worn clutch when I bought it and they dismissed it
then this happens.



nightmare.:mad:
 
threeD

I presume it didn't come from an Audi dealer?

I'm not sure where you'll stand with this, but it depends on how serious you feel you've been mis-treated?

How much did you end up paying for your clutch?
What's the damage for your driveshaft?

You do seem to have a few problems with yours, I don't think this is the case with most A2's, I seem to remember earlier ones having a few more issues than 02 onwards.

Did you feel a bit intimidated about raising the issue of the clutch when you bought it?

If you generally feel you've been sold a lemon, ask for a refund, although I doubt you'll get one.
Legal action would be the only way from there, through the small claims court, but there is a limit (think it's 3k, but not sure).


On the lighter side, you should not need a clutch for years now, same with driveshaft.

Try and find an independent VW/Audi place to service and fix in future, many of the parts like brake's and filters are common to the VW polo, so don't let folk overprice.

Keep posting there are lots' of members who will help you.

keep smiling

bba


***PS is the recovery garage the one who sold the car???
If not would the recovery bloke/company be prepared to write a quick note saying they D/S nuts weren't on properly??
Then you have some ammo to go back to the seller
 
Last edited:
They have refunded me the labour costs and
my expenses which comes to over 300 quid.

I have had to pay for the clutch as they still
say I could have wore it in that time.

I don't know if I'm being paranoid but the car feels
a little rattly now but could just be me.



cheers

darren
 
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