Clutch release failure - opinions please...

Oct 10, 2009 2 Replies
J

Hello,



Tried posting this earlier - no joy. Anyway, i have an early '99 Jetta WE; 2.0L, 020 transaxle, pretty heavily modified. It's blown (Neuspeed supercharger) and that might provide some insight here.



The problem is the clutch doesn't fully disengage, even if the clutch cable is adjusted too tight. I've pulled the endcap off and checked the operating lever, TO bearing, and release rod. All look good.



If the clutch cover disintegrated wouldn't the clutch fail to engage? Or if the release fingers are bent, shouldn't there be a real racket as the assembly rotates? at the least, wouldn't there be a horrendous vibration transmitted through the clutch cable to the pedal? If the thrust plate retaining spring failed - could it account for the loss of motion? (obviously everything I can check without splitting the gearbox from the engine has checked out OK)



All input is appreciated - I'd like to have the parts on hand before I undertake this repair.



Thanks!


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D

Check the clutch cable to make sure it is not broken internally causing it to stretch. (I thought that they did not use manually adjustable clutch cables anymore at least here in the USA) Check clutch pedal bracket to make sure it is not broken causing the pedal to shift or the cable housing to shift. Check the thrust bearings on the engine to make sure the crankshaft does not slide in and out at the pulley.

When/if you take off the trans make sure the release shaft's tip that presses on the release plate is still nice, smooth and round. I have seen the flywheels crack & discs disintergrate. I have also seen the release rod burn a hole through the release plate.

You might need: Flywheel and high performance clutch kit

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J

Thanks for the input!

  1. Yes, I have a manual cable - ordered it through Parts4vws. Hate the self-adjusting type. Lousy feel.
  2. Will check the bracket - had that issue on a rabbit years ago. I don't feel it flex, but that doesn't mean anything. Plan on having an assistant eyeball the cable/release lever move as I depress clutch; hopefully constant motion.
  3. While I don't look forward to splitting the x-axle and engine, I was thinking the release plate might have a wear spot/hole in it Though the rod looked AOK and the TO bearing rotated easily and smoothly.
  4. Really hope it's not the thrust bearing - though on a very worn
1.7L I was able to see the oil pressure change when operating the clutch. This engine has only 130K on it, and has been very well maintained.
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