Tell tale signs of a clutch on its way out?

Metro

Metro

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I'm just curious to know if there are any other signs of the clutch on its way out on these cars? I don't have any slip or if I do its not noticeable, but since I've had the car the clutch pedal has gotten a lot stiffer and ive got to push it down further to change gear as it grinds if I change into 1st/reverse where it didn't before. What could this be signs of? Thanks
 
have you put it in 5th @ around 35 - 40 on a slight hill and floored it? that is a sure fire way of telling if there is a any slip at all. Maybe fluids?
 
Yep, floor it in 4th or 5th from around 3500rpm (i.e. when on boost) and if the revs rise faster than the road speed then it's slipping.
 
as above.

High gear and plant it....the turbo will kick in at around 3000-3500rpm usually...the ref counter will rise and then slip back despite your throttle increase if it is a clutch slip.

Normally FWD cars clutches will last longer as the wheel would normally spin as a release of the increased torque as opposed to the 4WD S3 equivalent...which tends to send the power to the back wheels at that point which often equates to clutch mash up at high torque figures.
 
Ah, i can get up a hill in 5th at 30mph easy enough and tbh I can't notice any slip. Just wondering what the cause of the stiffer clutch pedal could be, it got really stiff when audi bled my brakes but then it went back to normal, now its getting stiffer again...

Thanks for all your replies!
 
Paradox1 said:
has your pedal risen? like has the biting point got higher?
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Hmmm... I'd like to say no, but thinking about it when putting it into first/reverse I noticed that it's different when pulling away so i guess it has! I'm at work at the moment so when I go out to the car in an hour ill pay more attention to the biting point. What could cause this? Please don't say new gearbox xD
 
Lol, i have Googled it but I could only find info on clutch slip which I'm sure I havnt got. Just wondering what cause cause these effects on the pedal itself xD
 
Theres various methods.

The clutch in the missus A4 wont slip in 5th gear as described, but if you rev out 1st or 2nd, then hit the next gear hard, it will slip a bit then finally manage to lock up again.

I imagine its strong enough to stay locked up once its engaged, but not strong enough to stop the slip happening when its already started.

I suspect as soon as i have it remapped it'll start slipping properly though!
 
Metro said:
Hmmm... I'd like to say no, but thinking about it when putting it into first/reverse I noticed that it's different when pulling away so i guess it has! I'm at work at the moment so when I go out to the car in an hour ill pay more attention to the biting point. What could cause this? Please don't say new gearbox xD
Click to expand...

Our cars usually have pretty low biting points from standard. ive noticed mine has got higher. i've been told this could be a sign of being time to replace your clutch if it hasnt been done before. I'll start buying parts if your in any doubt tbh. You have a 5 speed box so you can fit a vr6 clutch and G60 flywheel. cheap and easy
 
Is the vr6 clutch and g60 flywheel better than an oem set up? Is it just a straight swap? Cheers
 
yep higher torque capability and the solid flywheel conversion will give you a little bit more torque. I am about to (when my supplier gets it to me) fit a sachs clutch and solid flywheel as when mine was remapped it slipped in 3rd under boost.. now its starting to get worse :(

the pedal getting stiff could be a few things i guess what they are, i dont know lol doubt it will be a new box as the symptoms of selecting reverse etc are signs of clutch failure... it could be fluid related if it isnt really slipping

and yes it is a bolt off old bolt on new job aswell
 
The clutch biting point getting higher could be a worn friction plate, stiffer pedal could be something to do with the pressure plate, I've just had one of awesomes heavy duty clutches and solid flywheels fitted and can highly recommend these also, my biting point was right up at the top, but I had no slip, since having my clutch fitted my pedal is a lot lighter than before
 
Thanks very much for everyone's advice, ill go on eBay and price up the bits. I'd like to replace my cam belt, brake master cylinder because it has a slight leak so i'l get the whole lot done in one sitting with a garage
 
Hmmm... It's my first car so as much as i didnt want to spend loads on it... I want it to be a bit of a learning exercise aswell. I guess I expected clutch/cam belt to need replacing as the cars done 115k now.. When I get a new car this one's being stripped and turned into a track car so anything I spend on it won't be lost!
 
First and second gear failures on the 6 Speed boxes on older A3/S3 models are a common thing. I think it's the synchros that die. But as it's reverse as well, I would point my finger at the clutch. Although, If you let it continue grinding into first, then the gearbox WILL eventually take it's cyanide pill.
 
To check if your clutch is on its way out or gone...

Put your car into 4th gear with you handbrake fully on and try to pull away.. If the car stalls or pulls away then you clutch is fine. If the peddle comes all the way up and your still still stationary... Then its your clutch

:)
 
Metro said:
Cheers boss ive just checked them out and they seem reasonable! If you find a good place to fit it and it turns out okay let me know as im only down the road from Mansfield.
Click to expand...

sweet didnt realise. well there is a place in Huthwaite just of a38 called tonks 4x4 now he's a landy guy but he has some nice audis in for servicing he is an old mate so i may see what he can offer. ill keep ya posted.

not much on the audis but: Tonks Sport | Tonks Sport
 
Definitely let me know, only 30mins from me so if they can do it for a reasonable price that would be well worth the trip!
 
On a side note, took the car out this morning and had no grinding at all, very odd! But happy at the same time. No idea how/why but all I can tell is different is that yesterday when I took it out it was 6am and frosty and today it was sunny and warm???
 
Re darkside developments, they are diesel guys but the service i recieved whilst purchasing the clutch was ace and delivery was quick!

To get it fitted i am looking at 200 inc vat from these guys: Home just off a38
 
Brilliant! Thanks for the reply! I'll near that in mind. I need to sort some other things like cambelt first!
 
How'd you get on with this?

I've got the same symptoms. Def not slipping and low bite point with crunch in review/first if you don't depress right to the floor.
 
The issue cleared up weirdly, no idea at all and the clutch has been perfectly fine! I did notice that when it was happening it was cold weather, so temperature might have had something to do with it... Had all fluids checked and they were all fine... sorry I cant help any more!
 
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