Lifetime of an S3 Clutch - 18months / 12K miles??

[MarkyB]

Hi Guys, what a timely resurection of this board! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I've noticed that I've got b*gger all travel left on my clutch, it's biting right at the top /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Considering that I don't do many traffic-light grand-prix starts (not much chance of that in Bristol Traffic / Roadworks) and have *only* clocked up 12K Miles in 18 months, I'm a bit suprised that I've chewed up that much clutch.

On the old tech forum, I think there was a discussion on a known issue with the auto-adjusting clutch mechanism. Before I risk giving Dovercourt Audi the chance to stitch me up for a new clutch I probably don't need, can someone give me a couple of words of wisdom?

Ta!

Mark.

 

[ChrisT]

Not much help, but if you want to use a dealer try Millhouse in Bath, apparently they're much better. I've also used a specialist called Graham Batt who did a good job on my A3T when I had some brake work and a service done.

Cheers,

Chris.

 

[richyboy]

Why not go for MTM uprated one, also I think its cheaper than the Audi one

 

[MickHumphrey]

MarkyB

Kim is the sole MTM dealer in the UK. I had the MTM paddle clutch fitted by Quattro Sports about three months ago after mine had given up. It will take a little bit of getting used to but well worth it. It is a very harsh clutch and it makes the car feel a little quicker in getting the power down. There a few people that have had this upgrade done and all have said that they now get a very slight squeeling noise when letting the clutch pedal up. I have noticed this noise but it doesn't seem to affect the performance or reliability.

You should be looking around the £800 mark for this which included fitting and parts which consists of MTM paddle clutch, Standard Audi Pressure plate and Audi release bearing. Kim will need the car all day.

Cheers
Mick

 

[danksy]

IIRC Hydraulic clutches automatically adjust for wear, so you don't really know until, the clutch either slips, or doesn't disengage.

You could find you have a faulty slave cylinder? - Does the problem get worse in the freezing cold, and disappear when the car is warm?

To be honest with you I would stick to a std clutch unless your car is seriously modded! My TTR managed 14k miles running 291Lbft of torque, and numerous Grand Prix Starts /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif and a the occasional (6) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif trackdays!

Uprated clutches will cost you! Also consider AP racing clutches, have a chat with AmD about it, IIRC they sourced a clutch for Gary Handas loopy 330bhp Golf.