Power steering dimming headlights & clutch question

A

AndyDP

Member
Now the dark nights are here, I have noticed that at very slow speeds, e.g. when parking with headlights on, that when turning the wheel the lights dim considerably. They return back to usual brightness when the wheel is not being turned.

Is this normal? I know on pretty much all cars this happens but this does seem excessive. The battery is in good condition - original though it is 5 years old, the car cranks over fine and the alternator warning light doesn't come on.

Also, the clutch bite is almost at the top of the pedal travel, again is this right, I always thought this meant that a clutch is on the way out!

Cheers guys

Andy
1.4 Sport petrol 2003 Azure Blue, opensky, 6 disc autochanger
 
deja vu!?!? I think someone asked about the dimming not very long ago? The power steering pump drains a fair bit of current so i wouldn't worry if the lights dim a little. Also it is a little colder now, so your heater is probably on at the same time draining even more juice from the battery?

If the clutch bite is near top, then more than likely it is gone. My clutch plate had practically nothing left when I had it replaced! You know the clutch is gone if it slips. I remember mine used to slip when changing up from 1st to 2nd at full engine speed... at 4k rev, it would slip a bit with the rev hitting the limiter but the car was still accelerating and clutch catching up.
 
I have got the 1.4 TDI and i think Mike said it was a long throw clutch as when he took it for a spin (test cruise) he said about it being a long throw clutch he will probably be a long in a mo to clear that up, mine is about half to 3/4's but seems fine no slip

Cheers Phil
 
The 75 does have a different clutch feel to the 90 (and the petrols too) in that it is a longer throw (the 90 is still pretty long though).

Bottom line: unless it is slipping, then don't worry overly.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thanks all, there is no clutch slip so I guess it's just a long throw!

It's only done 26k miles but I think the previous owner did a lot of stop-start driving, and it was a woman! She must have long nails as the radio and climate control are scratched!

I'll keep my eye on the light dimming, I'm expecting to need to renw the battery soon as it's over 5 years old.

Andy
 
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