TSport

I have recently developed a strange problem with what I suspect is the clutch!
The symptoms are as follows:
In 3rd / 4th (and 5th) under moderate throttle revs increase but no power is evident - as if I dipped the clutch...

The clutch is hydraulic on the 1.8T's so I dont think any cables could be affected..?

But if the clutch is an issue, the biting point is quite high, I do slip this in 1/2nd...if the clutch is going then surely it would also slip in lower gears,

Any ideas, (local dealer who services car was not sure aboput clutch..its only done 30k!! fairly hard miles though but still..)

Any ideas? Anyone of similar vintage noticed this?
(Al - I think yours is similar?)

Cheers

T Sport...

A3Sten

of oil from the engine that has contaminated the clutch, i.e the rear seal is leaking. Or then it could be the slave cylinder.
But I'd say you definitely have a clutch problem here and if your car is still under warranty then have them change the ckutch.

DHA

Dont know if the clutch comes under warranty

A3Sten

A normal clutch in a car like an A3 should last at the very, very least 60K miles. I'm quite sure they can tell if you've been thrashing the car excessively and thus ruined the clutch, but I don't think that's yhe case here. Probably a leak.
My 89 mazda 626 (yuck - I know) has travelled 220K km (138K miles) and is still on its original clutch. I expect at least the same from the A3.

DHA

Audi may treat the clutch as on of the parts that wear out due to normal driving and are therefore not covered by warranty. Items like Exhausts and Tyres are the same.

A3Sten

but on a car with just 30k miles? I don't think so.

NedK

I know someone who had his S3's clutch replaced under warranty.

AL B

Same vintage is true. But luckily I haven't experienced any clutch problems as yet. [Touch wood]

Cheers,

AL

TSport

Thanks guys,
I have spoken to local dealer, its not a major issue as luckily this is a company car - 60 k renewal or so, it does get high mileage and I do drive it quite hard - but not recklessly so.
But as many of you point out its odd at 30K..I asked the service engineer when we road tested mine to replicate the problem which of course it didnt do to any degree with him driving..! He confirmed a lot of the points raised here re driving styles (power shifts / revs @ 2000 + for power and throttle speeds, he was OK about this re driving hard and prasied the solidity of engine build etc etc...

Anyway I think a new clutch may be on the way..thought others might be interested if they experience a slipping sensation in 3rd/4th in similar vintage 1.8T's..

Cheers
Tsport 99 T Reg..
One day I will register details Al!

ravenx

and wiper blades!!!