soft/light clutch pedal

[koban dalas]

Hi im after some advise with regards to a clutch issue on my B7 S4

the car is on 70k not driven daily, but a while back driving the car one day. all of a sudden the clutch pedal became light/soft
it does engage gear, but not very well, sort of light/soft, with a heavy jolt if i come of the clutch pedal quick/hard
car can be driven but with very light clutch pedal movement

there is about an inch of (travel/loose) on the pedal even before any pressure is applied, with the clutch engaging very low to the floor
does this sound like a full on clutch replacement? as i thought a clutch issue would mean a high biting point?

there is no issues with revving the engine and no affect driving or under driving (load)

ive had it at a independent and was just told (clutch) with a bill of over 3k, with seems very excessive despite the parts and labour
ive had another (good) place just price the clutch replacement for cash at around 2k, which seems nearer the price
ps ive not taken the car to them for inspection yet

the 1st place mentioned a rear engine seal fail, which (may) be affecting the clutch operation??
again they want to replace everything, with out asking my budget
they also said it would be best to replace the chain/tensioners with the engine out, whilst i agree that would be around another 1k+
so all together a bill of around 5k with a few thing added in

would it be worth first just changing and cleaning the clutch fluid and go from there, whilst it may be a full clutch issue
its in my mind that it could be something else, i do know the car had the front brakes replaced before purchase
so unclear if an issue has been caused whilst this was done?

ANY advise most welcome

 

[Fully]

Cant advise on the clutch, sorry.
Where are you located, someone might be able to advise on a trustworthy garage that they regularly use, so that you can get legit info and not be robbed.

 

[koban dalas]

Im in south wales, cardiff area

 

[koban dalas]

Any further advise/help with this?

as its still on going and im trying to figure out if it is indeed a full clutch replacement

 

[koban dalas]

Any advise with this at all?

 

[Garrett 69]

It sounds like the hydraulic system has lost pressure which could mean the slave cylinder is knackered, assuming it is hydraulic rather than cable.

 

[koban dalas]

It sounds like the hydraulic system has lost pressure which could mean the slave cylinder is knackered, assuming it is hydraulic rather than cable.

Thanks for the reply, its what im thinking along the lines of
driven the car another 4k miles (intermittent/limited use) but its still exactly the same
surely if it was a full-on clutch issue then it would have got worse/failed by now?

as mentioned above, i took it to a well known local VAG specialist and was just told (clutch) and told/advised
to get the chains done at the same time (no mention of my available budget)

it seem to me anyway, to be a case of pay for it, or sod off

Im thinking to take it to the other place which gave a respectable price on the clutch replacement
and get the fluid changed on the brakes/clutch and another diagnostic

this is also a specialist german place that have worked on a number of RS4/R8s that was advise by a work mate, whos been taking his AMG Merc
and all the family cars there for years and is very happy with them, i spoke to the owner personally about the clutch replacement
and was very impressed with his attitude, compleatly different to the previous place

Ps can a clutch be replaced without fully dropping the engine, i know this is the preferred method
but just interested to know