Is it a clutch failure ?

[CoupeWannabeS2]

Afteroon all, hoped for some advice on a problem with the car.

Firstly allow me to set the scene of my "adventure" on friday evening. I was driving home on the A12 just outside Ipswich, coming off a roundabout when I discovered I could not get the car into any gear. This led to me coasting to a halt, up against the verge in the slow lane.

Something is not right I thought . I therefore stuck the hazards on and got out of the car so I could hide behind the crash barrier. . Plenty of people were having a nose, and probably commenting about the rather daft place to park ! The car was very much in harms way as other motorists were having to go out to fast lane to get past my offending vehicle, I was just waiting for someone to hit it.

After a quick call to the RAC, they promised to put the call through as a priority - and thankfully noted that I would probably need uplifting. I was then greeted by one of the boys in blue, who kindly put his police car behind mine and proceeded to direct the traffic. He also kindly called another Officer to come and tow me 50 yards to a layby. Soon after the RAC sent a flat bed and got the car home.

So my appreciation extends to the Police and the RAC for getting me out of the predicament. They did a great job, and the Policeman was very complimentary about the car. I half expected comments suggesting I might have been "misbehaving", but not a bit of it.

So the problem now is to sort the car. Before yesterday I didnt notice any clutch problems, it just happened as if something had snapped. The Clutch pedal still feels the same, but it wont go in gear if the engine is running.

I can put it in gear with the ignition switched off, and if I keep the clutch pedal down and start the car it wants to go forward. However I can not get it out of gear.

Does this mean the clutch needs replacing, or are there other components that would give these symptoms ?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[CoupeWannabeS2]

PS - forgot to mention, the car is a 1995 ABY. I'm no longer a "wannabe".

[GT500]

If the pedal is feeling similar to when it was ok, ie not spongey. Then it sounds like a cluth plate faliure. There have been a few reported on here, symptoms similar to yours, was fine next press not working.

Box out job

[pastures16]

yep sounds like the thrust bearing has gone through the pressure plate

[CoupeWannabeS2]

Thanks for the responses, is it a difficult job to do ?

Would it be a repair that most mechanics can handle or would I be best locating someone who has worked on this type of car before ?

Alternatively could a novice fix the car, I have a few spanners.

[audiman]

Its not an easy job to carry out on the ABY. 3B is easier.
Not sure if you live near anyone with experience of these cars, but if you do then let them do the job. Audi will charge you way over the top, your average mechanic may look at the job and say no way. I have done a good many of these now and they take approx 6-8 hours, depending on how bad/hard it is to remove the exhaust downpipe and cats. Bolts that hold it all together corrode like hell and sometimes you have to remove front subframe to remove DP and cats as one, then separate them once on the floor using a grinder to cut all the bolts!

Be scared of people offering to do the job for cheapo price, it usually means they have no idea what they are doing here (mind turns back to just such a case at a Mr.Clutch branch).

If you are a novice, i would not recommend this job.

As for what is wrong, it does sound like clutch failure. But on the ABY make sure the clutch fitter checks that the flywheel is OK.

HTH

[CoupeWannabeS2]

Hmmm, sounds like I better track down a professional. Would anyone know a mechanic local to Ipswich in Suffolk who they could recommend for the job ?

Another concern is how to move the car, am I right in thinking I should not tow the car due to the 4x4 system ? Can it be towed if you dont travel too far ?

[audiman]

yeah system is fine to be towed, as long as all wheels are on the ground. Its no different to driving the car using the engine!!! Be warned tho as the steering is very very heavy and the brakes will be *****.

Find a pro IMO

[4WheelDrifter]

You can let the engine idle in neutral whilst being towed. That way the brakes and steering will be ok.

[audiman]

good idea, was going on my experience (something in the engine bay not working!!)

[ericd]

yep sounds like the thrust bearing has gone through the pressure plate

quite common failure mode, cheapest part seen a few that have went , including mine ...

[nothelle300]

hi reading through this thread as i think/hope! that my clutch has gone to,so that its not the gearbox which is at fault!Had a look on eurocarparts and they have a sachs clutch kit 240mm would this be what i need to replace the clutch or do i need further parts?
many thanks
dean.
Oh also doe you have to remove the engine of can you drop the gearbox out behind on a 3b?
thanks
dean

[audiman]

gearbox comes out WITHOUT taking engine out

clutch kits contain, release bearing, clutch cover and clutch plate, all the parts

[dan_b]

You can let the engine idle in neutral whilst being towed. That way the brakes and steering will be ok.

Now there is someone thinking outside of the box! I had to be towed once, fuel pump failure, so obviously that wasn't an option, I can testify for the heaviness and non-effectualness of the steering and brakes with no power assistance...

[Jan]

CoupeWannabeS2, the same happened to my '95 ABY three weeks ago (thrust bearing through the pressure plate), altough I drove mine to the garage just using second gear and a bit of heavy wear on the starter motor.

The bad news I'm afraid is that it was 7 hours labour and a bill of around £720!!

Hope yours is cheaper and that you are back on the road soon.