Clutch Problem on 98 2.8L 5-Speed Quattro???

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Nov 13, 2001 | 02:51 PM

Benjamin MacRae

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Clutch Problem on 98 2.8L 5-Speed Quattro???

I have a 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 5-Speed. The car has 48,500 miles on it and has had excellent care......I purchased the car at 44,500 miles and have a question about the clutch. To me, the clutch releases at an extremely high point.....just as you are ready to take your foot off of the clutch at it's highest point, the clutch finally engages. All other manual trans cars I have driven (several recent BMWs and Toyotas) have engaged at a much lower point, closer to the floor. My independent technician who I trust and who is more than competent at working on German cars says the pedal releasing at such a high point usually indicates clutch wear. My local Audi dealer, who I wouldn't trust farther than I could throw the car based on their past poor workmanship and lack of knowledge, says the clutch feels fine (this was, of course, back when it was under warranty---now it is not).

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I also would like to know approximate clutch replacement costs and if a clutch failure on a Quattro car will offer warning (slippage) prior to failure, or if it will fail suddenly and leave me stranded???

Thanks, Ben

Nov 13, 2001 | 03:02 PM

BLULYNR - Recluse

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I've had two Audi's 96 and now a 99, clutch releases high on all Audi's I've driven.

Nov 13, 2001 | 03:04 PM

Totalled SuperChargeA4

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high release point is normal...

that you don't have to worry, however, your clutch is close to 50k and it's due pretty soon. Stock clutch is not to strongest.

Audi's clutch is hydralic so clutch wear would have no affect on the engaging point.

you can contact DTM Autohaus to get a OEM clutch and have a competent guy instal it
labor alone is about 400 up

Nov 13, 2001 | 03:08 PM

AEB_Head

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All Audi A4 clutches do this.....

the clutch is designed this way but there is a trick to alter friction point but that requires upgrading your clutch. but your car is perfectly normal don't worry about it.

enjoy your car!

JM