URGENT HELP NEEDED: clutch problems, holiday next week!

[stevewright76]

REALLY hoping I can get some help...

Situation: Clutch has gone a bit weak recently and then we lost being able to change gears on Saturday. Managed to limp it to a non-specialist garage nearby in 2nd the whole way and leave it there. New master cylinder fitted today - some improvement but problem persists. Slave was bled with no air and seemed to move OK so slave not changed, nor hose (have both but neither fitted yet).

Symptoms: Clutch pedal feels a little weak (hence thinking fluid problem), engages sometimes but then goes.

Background: Master and Slave cylinders changed 2 years ago by volkstech Morecambe (NOT recommended) had to go straight back in as a 'part was wrong' and lost gears almost immediately. 3 months later clutch went completely and had new clutch kit fitted.

Context: We're booked on a ferry next Wednesday to go round Europe for 8 weeks, or so we hope. Can shift booking and it wont kill the trip but could shorten it! Have just had LPG serviced at Gasure (got there and back fine), recent MOT and full service at MSC in Barrow-inFurness (highly recommended).

So - any thoughts on what other parts it could / might be if it's not the slave? (Or does this sound like a classic slave cylinder problem?) Given all parts are pretty new is there a moving part or other bt it could be - if so what? (And where to get one). GOing to try and beg/plead with MSC to fit us in and get van towed there by flux rescue if slave doesn't sort it.

Will be checking regularly tonight - really hope someone can help!

Steve

[stevewright76]

Notes after reading wiki entries:

Reservoir is fine

Is the operating arm now moving a reasonable amount?

Believe so

Yes - Internal problem - release bearing probably > where to get one? Engine out to fit?

No - Slave or Master cylinder problem

Guessing not... SO clutch release bearing?

[Red Westie]

Sorry but your description isn't the most helpful....'clutch gone a bit weak recently' what does that mean? slips, pedal is soft, doesn't dis-engage fully, pedal light, lots of play before disengaging. Sorry mate, I'm really trying to help you out here but could you explain the symptoms a little clearer please.
First thoughts are: just to whip out the box, not mess around, let the dog see the rabbit!
The weight and feel of the operation 'movement' of the clutch, are down to two things: the operating side as in: clutch pedal/master cylinder and slave....which you say have been changed and report good slave cylinder movement and TWO:
The movement of the release arm on the pivot (nylon pivot head could have collapsed), the bearing moving on the sleave (sleave could be dry, bearing could be collapsing), the bearing pushing on the diapham spring fingers (bearing has badly worn the ends of the fingers) the pivotting action of the diapham clutch itself (something may have broken on the pressure plate) or rusty/dry input shaft splines not alowing the centre plate to release freely)
Martin

[stevewright76]

Hi Martin - thanks for jumping in will try and provide more specifics:

Sorry but your description isn't the most helpful....'clutch gone a bit weak recently' what does that mean? slips, pedal is soft, doesn't dis-engage fully, pedal light, lots of play before disengaging.

Pedal feels weaker/soft and a little 'mushier' than normal - little resistance. No free play though. No slippage, doesn't seem to disengage fully but sometimes sticks in gear or won't allow me to put it into gear when pedal fully depressed (much like I'm becoming - fully depressed that is )

On saturday when it first became serious when pedal was fully down it sounded like it wasn't fully disengaged - low grumbling coming as if slipping/holiding on a hill start in gear.

First thoughts are: just to whip out the box, not mess around, let the dog see the rabbit!

Problem then is time and cost - hence going for the 'please god tell me it's the fluid system. Want to take it to a proper garage that KNOW VW's (and not volkstech after previous poor experiences). But looks like that's going to be it. AM gonna be on the phone first thing / all tomorrow I can trying to find somewhere that can fit her in and then sorting out towing - guess I'm not going to wedding in Scotland this weekend then

The weight and feel of the operation 'movement' of the clutch, are down to two things: the operating side as in: clutch pedal/master cylinder and slave....which you say have been changed and report good slave cylinder movement

indeed - seems slave is moving OK and master would be associated with the pressure I assume so guessing changing the slave ain't gonna do it.

and TWO:
The movement of the release arm on the pivot (nylon pivot head could have collapsed), the bearing moving on the sleave (sleave could be dry, bearing could be collapsing), the bearing pushing on the diapham spring fingers (bearing has badly worn the ends of the fingers) the pivotting action of the diapham clutch itself (something may have broken on the pressure plate) or rusty/dry input shaft splines not alowing the centre plate to release freely)
Martin

So we're looking at those as potential parts to replace? Are they all available as standard? Can see some of these on GSF and not others:
https://secure.gsfcarparts.com/shop/res ... &keywords=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Breakers jobs or not got the right code?

Am assuming the following:

1 - get it to a good dub garage not a non-specialist?
2 - Change ferry booking, guessing it's unlikely to be sortable, and packable for Tuesday?

Fingers x'd on a good garage with availability and being able to change ferry booking a few days later without too much expense as sounds like the engine's gotta come out and clutch parts get changed...

[Red Westie]

I'll have a read and reply after my tea...was just going to add one more part which is the spigot shaft bearing (support bearing for the end of the input shaft...but like I say, looks like a box out to see what is needed.
Martin

[andisnewsyncro]

If it's any help, 3 piece clutch kit from Brickwerks, about £100 (depending on which one, but all fairly similarly priced) delivered next day, I know, I bought one last week Worth a look for any other bits you might need too perhaps.

Depends on which ferry company you're booked with but most of them will alow a change of date, especially mid-week. Hope you get sorted out for your holiday

Andi

[stevewright76]

Thanks Andi - positive vibes and words most appreciated.

Stena change of date only gonna be £36 and ferries available - phew - best thing about a proper length trip is a few days delay doesnt matter anywhere near as much.

Just need to hope / pray / offer to crawl over broken glass / offer oat cleaning tax breaks or whatever it takes to MSC tomorrow or Friday and hope it can be done for start of next week, and then try and sort out a tow with Flux rescue - hmmmm, time to read the small print methinks...

Steve

[stevewright76]

I'll have a read and reply after my tea...was just going to add one more part which is the spigot shaft bearing (support bearing for the end of the input shaft...but like I say, looks like a box out to see what is needed.
Martin

Cheers - indications of possible parts, sources and ease of finding would be MOST appreciated. As long as it's not the chickens-teeth bearing which needs lubricating with rocking horse pooh-oil I'll chill out...

Means that EVERY job done by volkstech has now needed correction! This one just took 2 years instead of the usual days or months...

[Red Westie]

If it's a new clutch then an LUK or SACHS which most dealers sell ie: Euro Car Parts, GSF, Brickwerks etc
Brickwerks do the spigot shaft bearing if it needs one
VW for release arm, pivot etc
Martin

[stevewright76]

If it's a new clutch then an LUK or SACHS which most dealers sell ie: Euro Car Parts, GSF, Brickwerks etc

Hopefully not as its only 2years old and only a few thousand miles....

Brickwerks do the spigot shaft bearing if it needs one

Assume that's 'Clutch release bearing'? GSF got that too...

VW for release arm, pivot etc
Martin

Any idea how long that might take / easy they are to get? Other bits all sound reassuringly next day / easy to get.

[Red Westie]

Normally...if ordered B4 1.00 VW parts come the next day...as long as they are not on back order or obsolete.
Then you will have to go second hand from someone like CJ syncro spares.

[stevewright76]

Got it to MSC yesterday - will be sorted by end of Wednesday and they know what they;re doing - thanks for all the ehlp and diagnosis, definately best with the pros!

[Red Westie]

Always a worry just before going away....I would definately give it a good 30 mile run when you get it back to make sure all is OK before venturing onto the continent.
Have a great trouble free 8 weeks.....

[Rozzo]

sure i've read of crankshaft endfloat causing this. too much float using up the clutch travel. rare i should imagine but could be the cause

[stevewright76]

spigot bearing was in bits but a replacement sources so hoping to get her back tomorrow or tues with a decent run home then to ferry to check allow fine