VW Golf master cylinder failure - what would cause it?

[K Simmonds]

I've had various Corrados and Golfs and this sounds like the return spring as has allready been suggested.

[shark_90]

I had this on my Bora (it's very common) and it was the slave cylinder, not the master cylinder. If it was the master cylinder, wouldn't you lose brakes as well?

You'll probably find that if you get down in the footwell and pump the clutch by hand up and down quite quickly you'll get some pressure back for 5-10 mins, which at least makes it driveable.

Are you totally sure it's the master cylinder and not slave?

[Ross]

Cheers for the comments guys! A "technician" came and fiddled with the car for an hour and concluded it was not the 'normal' clutch pedal issue. Tried bleeding it, not sure how but he managed to completely ****** it (pedal now had no resistance at all) and conceded defeat.

Tow truck arrived and took it to a local garage in Stroud where I was able to get the clutch, slave + master replaced over the weekend for the tune of £400. Just what I wanted for christmas!

Good news is, she now drives smoother and owes me another 25,000 trouble-free motoring It was noted that the master appeared to have blown a seal - same as last time - probably because of the 'serverely worn' clutch that was removed causing undue stress (not sure how that figures, so we'll see how it is in another 10k).

Small world too - after telling me it was a good little motor, Mr Mechanic said he had the same engine in his A4 but preferred his "toy" and pointed to a picture of an emerald green 3B on the wall. Hopefully his mechanical abilities are at the same level as his taste in cars

[Fat Audi 80]

Glad to hear it has worked out well in the end. I would settle for that lot at only £400. I think you have done well.

I feel your pain. My Passat threw its alternator out of the cot last week. Cost me £267 fitted! (MUG)

Now get out there and finish the (R)S2 Avant!

Cheers,

Steve.

[Ross]

I was pleased with £400 too - not often you smile at a bill like that! Wondering if I'll get away with spending the £300 I "saved" on the Avant (maybe if I include a babyseat with that )

[volcano rs]

Glad to hear it has worked out well in the end. I would settle for that lot at only £400. I think you have done well.

I feel your pain. My Passat threw its alternator out of the cot last week. Cost me £267 fitted! (MUG)

Now get out there and finish the (R)S2 Avant!

Cheers,

Steve.

why didn't you get it recond?

[Fat Audi 80]

why didn't you get it recond?

I need the car as a daily driver, and don't want to do any work on it myself, plus I don't have the time or anywhere to work on it....

I KNOW I could have done it cheaper. The Alternator was £170 exchange from VW...