mattmondo

All,

Last night on the way home in stop-n-go traffic, I noticed a BAD clutch burning smell from my 5000 (Not riding the clutch or anything like that.) Now the clutch is weak. For example:

While driving, if I am in gear and accelerate hard, the clutch slips (tach goes way up, but is not transferring power to the drive wheels.)
Also, lots of clutch pedal travel when changing gears

I have not done a clutch in many years and can not remember if this is a clutch issue or hydraulic issue with master/slave cylinder.

Thanks!

Matt

mattmondo

Also, 226K on the car

Bought used so I don't know when it was last changed...

Avanthead

Clutch pedal pushed to the floor, but could not get trans to engage. Don't remember it slipping as you describe. If I'm recalling correctly, the slave is not easily accessed as you have to drop the trans to replace.

5000Q86

i had a similar issue the FIRST DAY i got my 5k, go figure right? turns out the master cylinder, which is located right behind the clutch pedal was the culrpit, i lost all hydraulic pressure, and ended up with a puddle of brake fluid on the floor. i never had enough time to get the clutch to burn, it just kinda died.
it is not necessary to remove the transmission to do the slave cylinder either, you just need some really flexible fingers and arms. its right on top of the trans, you can see it from the driver side of the car looking down from about where the hood strut mounts to the hood. if you do decide to do the master cylinder, do yourself a HUGE favor and drain the brake fluid resevior to below the point where the hole is for the clutch system.

Kneale Brownson

Your description of the engine speed increasing but not the vehicle speed indicates a slipping clutch that would also give you a burning odor and possibly even some smoking.

Follow the Bentley R&R directions to extract the tranny/replace the clutch.

AudiSport4000

As usual Kneale is spot on.

mattmondo

Got it.

Picked up a complete clutch kit yesterday. I have no Bentley manual; Just the Haynes manual (Haynes might spell trouble though...)

Kneale Brownson

Probably worth it if you're going to work on this car. There are sources for used ones like Scott Mockry's <a href="http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/usedparts/used_manuals.html">WEBSITE</a> and Chris Semple's <a href="http://www.force5auto.com/">Force5</a>.

rickyrod_ama

I'm having a similar problem, where at different engine loads the engine revs but doesn't transfer power to the road, with a lot of play in the clutch... However, at different times the car runs as it should. l. The previous owner stated they replaced master cylinder due to a leak, so I'm curious if you think it the clutch, slave or maybe a bad master?

Any help with this will be much appreciated.