Disher04

I believe the clutch is stock but not sure since I'm the third owner. It seems to shift well enough but it is definitely one of the stiffer clutches I've used. If I shift into first before shifting into reverse there is no grinding. Should I be worried?

'02 S4 Avant

dzzeiks

I dont have any of that.

DeutschlandATL

As you might see in the posts below, the clutch being stiff is usually taken as a warning sign that it's passed its prime. Unless it's a brand new clutch of course.

As for the metallic sound when engaging reverse, I have noticed this on several 2.7T's. And like you said, the remedy is always shifting into first and back to reverse. I always thought it was some sort of safe guard to keep the reverse detent from accidentally being engaged....?

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

forward gears, but it shouldn't be difficult to engage.