What's the consensus on break-in for a new clutch

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Old 12-12-2006, 03:04 PM
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Old 12-12-2006, 07:04 PM
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Default Ruh oh



So WOT runs 1st to 5th bad idea?
Old 12-13-2006, 06:53 AM
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Default You are kidding right?

a clutch either works or it doesn't. When it is engaged (i.e. 99% of the time) it does nothing active. When it is disengaged, it does nothing active.

The only "break in" required for a clutch is to bed the surface to the flywheel for the sole purpose of smoothing out the take up. Functionality is unaffected by this natural process.

Clutches may be similar to brakes in some sense but they function entirely differently and no break in process is required.

Drive the heck out of your Audi, as per normal, they can take it.
Old 12-13-2006, 06:57 AM
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Default Total nonsense. Just get in and drive, the clutch is spec'd to hold

right from day one under max torque in top gear (peak load on the clutch comes at peak engine torque in the highest gear, if the clutch slips at that point even from brand new it is defective. If it doesn't slip then why drive at less than full throttle and full torque?) Jack rabbit starts are NOT hard on the clutch, they are hard on the rest of the driveline. Slipped clutch starts are ALWAYS stupid no matter how old and worn or new the clutch may be.
Old 12-13-2006, 07:51 AM
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So when his clutch fries due to impropper break in, you'll pay for the replacement and labour?
Old 12-14-2006, 06:54 AM
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Default Ok, so I got my car back and I'm not sure about something

The clutch action is lighter than it was before (not a huge difference) BUT! the pedal goes from soft to crazy stiff at the bottom 1/2 inch of travel.

This isn't what it was like before where the pedal effort was consistent from top to bottom.

Why the difference with the new one? Perhaps something was installed wrong?

Jerry D
Old 12-14-2006, 10:10 AM
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Default Factory clutch?

I'd give it a couple days, I've been breaking in my Southbend over the last week and the feel has changed significantly from day 1 until now, in terms of pedal action/engagement depth.
Old 12-14-2006, 05:05 PM
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Default You're priceless, do you actually know how a clutch works?

Do you know anything about cars?

So, in the Audi owner's manual there will be a clear warning about the advisability of bedding in your new clutch as part of the running in instructions, right?

LOL, what a maroon...
Old 12-14-2006, 05:07 PM
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Default I know the S4 has a "special" clutch action that is supposed to

stay pretty constant over the life of the clutch. Otherwise modern European clutches tend to be very light when brand new and steadily get harder pedal action as they wear. When they are just about worn out they tend to be quite stiff to operate.

I'd drive for a while longer and if it still feels odd get the installer to drive it and advise you. It's probably normal.
Old 12-14-2006, 05:08 PM
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Default How is it possible we agree on something?

been reading up on stuff again?


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