Clutch slipping

[MacColl]

My 89 GT is your typical 80's 140k mileage vw that is going through a series of (I need to sort this, this and this) tasks. The rear end re-build is on hold because of Uni, the alternator failed recently, various things like heater fans are long in the tooth and I'm having to prioritise what to do as a daily driver.

Anyway I am limited in experience of this area but when I engage the clutch when driving off there is a judder. If I am more delicate with engaging basically moving off slower then I can prevent the judder. Is this the Clutch going? or is it potentially being caused by a leak in a seal?

If I fit a new clutch kit then I would like to to make sure that all areas are covered like oil seals but it really looks like a can of worms.

This guide is great but I have no experience of doing this..
http://www.vintagewatercooleds.com/tech ... clutch.htm

I do have workshop space and plenty tools etc. have done things like welding bodywork, my front suspension, carb re-builds and headgaskets.

I also have a spare gearbox that is connected to an 8v digifant Golf engine that might be worth preparing but it is high mileage (200k). I suppose I need to get it off the engine and inspect.

The other thing is I might as well change things like gear linkage, engine mounts etc etc

Anyway sorry for the long story but what would be my course of action to make sure the Scirocco remains on the road? but not just with a sticking plaster approach.

[Old Mac Rocco]

Don't forget I still have the 1.8 clutch plus gearbox in the lockup if you want it.
You could sort it up if needed and just swop it all over at the one time and that would mean that you could play away with yours at your leisure as a spare.
Hope to see you on the 21st.

[MacColl]

Hello mate,

I might take you up on that offer. So you have a healthy enough clutch to go with that box? It would mean I could do this over a weekend maybe do the linkage and engine mounts at the same time. Then as you say I could look at the other boxes without the time pressure.

Obviously I would give you some cash and/or re-reimburse you in some way. very much appreciate your offer

I'll give you a call at some point probably tomorrow see how your going with your car too. Hope I can make the 21st

[MacColl]

So what do folk reckon? will the clutch start to slip more or could it fail suddenly.

I'm kind of anxious with being back on placement at Uni Monday. I'll need to make plans to deal with it. Could manage without a car for two weeks max.

Is there anything complicated that I need to watch for. I know the splined bolts on the drive shaft can be a pain. Will swapping a box and clutch over from another Rocco be pretty straight forward? Do I buy a release bearing? anything else? Just haven't done this before.

I suppose when I get cash flow Thurs I'll start shopping for bits..

[bengould]

Mine has just had a very similar problem, It had been juddering when I pull off pretty much since I put it back on the road.
Then on the way back home from Scotland at Christmas, it started to slip. First in 4th & 5th like when on the motorway, pot my foot down to pass someone and it would just rev and not go anywhere. This gradually got worse, I did however still manage to drive the car for about 3 weeks after it first started slipping.

I managed to change the clutch within a day. Didn't particularly rush and was on axle stands on the road in front of the house With limited tools, in the cold and rain. Not too bad a job really, I was expecting it to be more difficult than it was.

[bengould]

Only just noticed I was actually on the way back from my mums in East Ayrshire when this happened.
A little place called Stair near Mauchline.

Also, the main thing to watch out for is getting the clutch centred properly or the box wont go back on. I didn't have the alignment tool, but used a vernier calliper and it went together first time.

[MacColl]

Yes I know where Stair is quite near Mossblown :) I'm Just outside Kilmarnock in Kilmaurs.

Thanks for that info, it's just reassuring to know It can be sorted and I am lucky enough to have a garage and most tools. Can even get a lend of a centring tool

I'll get stuff organised to do this within 2/3 weeks.

My exhaust just started blowing just to add to a long list of things

[Nate]

are there any signs of oil around the bellhousing? clutch judder can be caused by contamination of the plate

have you tried adjusting the cable (loosening it off) to take the slip away?

[MacColl]

Well I'm doing a few night shifts this week with Uni placement so only really been able to loosen adjustment of clutch cable. It seems to have helped driving round a bit but there is still evidence of that judder. The clutch pedal is definitely higher now Haven't had a chance to look under car to see if there's contamination from leaks.

I'll nurse it about (excuse pun I'm a student nurse) and as of Friday I'll get it in to my garage and probably just go ahead and take the gearbox off, get a clutch kit, release bearing, linkage etc. Sort some other coolant leaks and exhaust leaks over a couple of weeks.

Cheers