John CC

I was going about 60 and downshifted from 6th to 4th to pass slow traffic. The revs went up to 4-5k but the car did not pick up for at least 3 sec. Is this a problem with the clutch or is it possible that I hit the gas too soon and did not realize? (Later when I slowed down, I could smell the clutch) any similar experiences or comments?

mrsteve

spraying oil on the clutch contact surfaces.

Regards,
Steve

Jim De Arras

The S4 has a self-adjusting clutch pressure plate, new for the S4s. I think a few (mine included) get it wrong!

Jim Lamb

When down-shifting, give it a little throttle once the clutch is in the get the flywheel spinning faster. Optimally, you want release the clutch at the point where the revolutions match. This will put the least strain on the clutch and will also give you the smoothest down-shift.<p><a href="mailto:jim@vipmail.com?Subject=AudiWorld Post">Jim</a>, <a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3894">'00 S4</a>
<a href="http://www.meniscusdesign.com/a4/" target=_blank>Conejo Valley Audi Group</a>

John CC

I never had this happen to me on the 4'th gear in any of my cars before. The only other time it happened is doing 0-60 runs with 3000-4000RPM start and that time I allowed the clutch to slip to ensure no damage to my transmittion.

I am chipped w/t exhaust and I think that the force might be too much for the stock clutch??? What do you think? Thanks for your comments in advance

John CC

This only happened twicw so far. I think it is the chip and quatro just make it hard for the clutck to keep up with the power. Do you have more info on the self-adjusting clutch pressure? Also, what did you endup doing to your car (If I remember correctly, you had to replace the whole deal right?). Thanks in advance

tompa

Sure doesn't sound normal to me....

I had a similar experience yesterday...in morning go-to- work traffic. I was first in line at a traffic light, light turned green, I let the clutch out normally (beginning revs were at idle 800), & hit the gas...revs went up to 5K & car was going about 20mph...backed off the gas & shifted (slowly) into 2nd & drove the rest of the way to work with the smell of smoked pressure plate material filling the car. I haven't been able to replicate the problem. The clutch behaved normally on the drive home & again this morning.

I'll be more aware of this as I get closer to the first service visit.
5,500 miles/uuc/not chipped)

mrsteve

Jim,

Can you elaborate on this "self adjusting" machanism
of the clutch?

I understand that a hydraulic clutch actuator automiatically
adjusts for clutch lining wear, but what additionally is happening
at the clutch linings/pressure plate?

Regards,
Steve

Jim Lamb

I'm sure someone will correct me on that if I'm mistaken. But, if the same clutch can handle the 380hp produced by the RS4's powerplant, I'm sure it can handle a chipped S4. I wouldn't worry about it to much unless it's at least somewhat reproducible.<p><a href="mailto:jim@vipmail.com?Subject=AudiWorld Post">Jim</a>, <a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3894">'00 S4</a>
<a href="http://www.meniscusdesign.com/a4/" target=_blank>Conejo Valley Audi Group</a>