Help with my Audi clutch pedal!!

[najainitro]

Help my clutch pedal has gone!!
Hi all,

I have a 62 plate late 2012 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI. It’s the 8v newer shape model with about 75,000 miles on it.

Car has been perfect for the last 12 months no issues whatsoever. Did a long run yesterday (200 miles with a break in between), got home without issue.

Then this morning I went to start the car and couldn’t put it into gear. Basically the clutch pedal seems to have no pressure in it for the first 3/4 depression, then seems to regain pressure for the last 1/4. It’s enough to start the car with the clutch depressed but not enough to engage the clutch and I can’t get it into gear with crunching the gears.

The pedal moves and springs back to its original position so it isn’t staying depressed.

I checked the fluid reservoir to find the fluid on minimum so I’ve topped that up with dot 4 but no change. I’ve also have a quick look around the pedal and reservoir and can see no leaks.

What I don’t understand is why I’ve had no prior symptoms?

I’ve read a few similar forums but nothing specifically like this. I’m hoping it’s something fairly simple and I was going to start with the master cylinder. The problem I’ve got is that if it ends up at a garage it will need recovering.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or does anyone have any views or tips?

Thanks very much in advance everyone.

Paul

[Cylon2007]

If the fluid was at minimum (or below?) it's possible air has been introduced into the system, just topping it up does get the air out, the system probably needs to be bled.

[slybunda]

Low fluid means a leak usually. And if there is a way for fluid to get out then air can get in.
Could be dodgey slave cylinder thats the usual culprit iv had to deal with.

[whp1983]

Yes, the clutch is a weak point on manual Audi 8vs- although usually the performance versions, my s3 has had numerous issues.

Mine is currently at Audi as I had the exact same issue as you. A new clutch, flywheel, master cylinder, clutch pedal and all associated hydraulic pipes have been replaced but have not solved problem, gearbox is currently being removed for further investigation!

[E-bmw]

Cylon2007 said:

just topping it up does get the air out, the system probably needs to be bled.

I think you meant to type "does not get the air out" minimum, as above it needs bleeding, quite likely the slave could have gone.

But could easily be the fluid has gone down over time & not been topped up, only a bleed & try again while keeping an eye on level daily will tell.

OP.
Have a GOOD look at the reservoir.

It is likely to be one reservoir for brake & clutch with a split in the middle to separate the fluid below a certain level. If that is the case you likely have a fluid leak on the clutch hydraulic circuit.

[najainitro]

whp1983 said:

Yes, the clutch is a weak point on manual Audi 8vs- although usually the performance versions, my s3 has had numerous issues.

Mine is currently at Audi as I had the exact same issue as you. A new clutch, flywheel, master cylinder, clutch pedal and all associated hydraulic pipes have been replaced but have not solved problem, gearbox is currently being removed for further investigation!

Wow I feel your pain there!!

Thanks for the replies everyone really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply.

By way of update, I’ve had a good look around the engine bay and it looks like what I think is the slave cylinder has failed has there is clutch fluid everywhere in the area of it.

It’s located on the right of the engine above the gearbox.... looks easy enough to replace 2 bolts and a pipe... does anyone have any experience of replacing them and how do I go about bleeding it after is it just a straighforwArd bleed of the nipple on top?

Cheers

[Weekendrebuild]

No you bleed under pressure you can buy the kits from any auto shop about £15. It has a loop of pipe that connects to a cap that sits on the reservoir. You then attach that to a spare tyre to provide the pressure usually a few psi . I’ve literally done my mums last week .

[k20erham]

What happens here is yes you have a leak that explains the loss of fluid, and the reason it has let you know by loosing the clutch is that the fluid res is common with the brakes!!!! so always best to loss the clutch before the brakes!

[E-bmw]

k20erham said:

What happens here is yes you have a leak that explains the loss of fluid, and the reason it has let you know by loosing the clutch is that the fluid res is common with the brakes!!!! so always best to loss the clutch before the brakes!

Which is what I was asking the OP to check for above.

[slybunda]

Can bleed 3 ways. Vacuum bleeder on slave cylinder nipple or pressure bleeder at reservoir or 2 man method of pump and hold.

[Coilspring]

Is this not an internal concentric slave cylinder.

Unlikely to have just run out of fluid that a bleed will sort.

I think its a gearbox out job.

[najainitro]

Coilspring said:

Is this not an internal concentric slave cylinder.

Unlikely to have just run out of fluid that a bleed will sort.

I think its a gearbox out job.

That’s what I was originally worried about but having inspected it as per E-BMW’s suggestion it’s actually an external slave cylinder, held in place by two bolts.

Touch wood it looks an easy job, anyway I’ve ordered a new part for £35 which should arrive by the weekend so we’ll see.

I’ve got a vacuum bleed kit so I’ll bleed it via the nipple... does anyone have any idea on tightening torque or any pointers to online service manuals? Cheers

[Coilspring]

najainitro said:

That’s what I was originally worried about but having inspected it as per E-BMW’s suggestion it’s actually an external slave cylinder, held in place by two bolts.

Touch wood it looks an easy job, anyway I’ve ordered a new part for £35 which should arrive by the weekend so we’ll see.

I’ve got a vacuum bleed kit so I’ll bleed it via the nipple... does anyone have any idea on tightening torque or any pointers to online service manuals? Cheers

Happy to be proved wrong. And good luck.

I just cant see how/what that is operating from the picture.

Bolts just need to be firm, not overtight. 1 finger on end of ratchet as a good guide.

Edited by Coilspring on Tuesday 11th June 18:52

[InitialDave]

Coilspring said:

I just cant see how/what that is operating from the picture.

Looks like it's pushing the arm for the clutch release fork through a hole in the bellhousing you'll see when it's unbolted.

[227bhp]

najainitro said:

Help my clutch pedal has gone!!


Paul

Are you sure it's not an automatic?

[fwd202]

Hi,

This issue has appeared on my 62 plate A1, how did you go about fixing it so i can save all the hassle

Cheers