S3 - clutch problems?

[neil.b]

If i'm doing about 30mph in 3rd and, without braking, go to change down to 2nd, the gears crunch before engaging. Changing up through any of the gears is fine. I've not noticed it changing down through any other gears but will have a play at lunch time.

Is this a sign that my clutch in on its way out? Or something else? 35k on the clock (of which i've done about 6k so can't be too sure what abuse it had before I bought it). Also has AMD remap (270bhp, 285 lb/ft torque).

If I have to replace the clutch I'm going to go for an uprated one. Anyone got one on their S3/TT etc.?

[awesome_dean]

You might find its the flywheel. They're a common problem. Its a dual mass flywheel which is a waste of space, especially when you up the power. Helix do an Uprated clutch and flywheel which is approx 850 + vat which is the cheapest one around. Neuspeed also do one but thats about 1200 + vat.

Hope this helps
Dean

[neil.b]

Cheers. Any idea how you'd know for certain? Further testing has shown that it doesn't always happen. My best guess is that its more likely to happen when the car is well warmed up. Make any sense?

[awesome_dean]

You can sometimes find it slips in higher gears. To be 100% you'd have to take the gearbox out and usually you'll get a lot of play in the flywheel, 9 out of 10 times the clutch is hardly even worn.

regards,
Dean

[adrianr]

Sounds like 2nd gear synchromesh is giving up to me.

Downshifting without slowing the car or raising the engine revs to compensate brings together two bits rotating at different speeds. If someone has done this a lot, it will wear the gearbox as above.

AdrianR

>> Edited by adrianr on Friday 7th October 14:38

[awesome_dean]

Very true, this is also a strong possibilty. though not that common on the 02j gearbox.

Regards,
Dean