Creaky clutch problem - Need more info. Help

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 5:04 pm

Mine has the creak too, and it comes and goes; Sometimes its actually hard to press the clutch, feels almost like the rug is under it. Tends to be worse when its hot, aften fine 1st thing in the morning.

But I can tell you with 100% certainty, after investigation, its not the pedal box. I have checked the welds.

polo power · Post by **polo power** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 5:10 pm

mite be your clutch cable.

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 5:31 pm

Well, because its engine temperature related I'm suspecting bearing for the clutch release bearing.

Bepe · Post by **Bepe** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:17 am

you will be very lucky if it is that

mine wasnt it was the clutch box

NickP · Post by **NickP** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:20 am

Ah the saga continues. I took mine to Mr Clutch the other day and I told the bloke I thought it was the pedal box, he messed around under the pedals for about 10 minutes and said he thought it was ok. He then said it'd just be the cable that needed replacing. I'm inclined to get a second opinion though as I still didn't believe him 100% Did you find out any more about yours JWC??

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 9:21 am

Well, the pedal box is made of two pieces, one which forms a U around the brake pedal and one L shaped piece welded on the side that supports one bearing of the clutch pedal. It is my understanding that the welds for this support bracket are the ones which fail.

In the case of mine, I have inspected these welds and there are about 5 or so spot welds. They are all intact. But that isn't to say that the bearings are not missaligned.

In my case, I can make the creak using only the cable, which means rules out the pedal box.

It does appear to be stiction along the clutch cable, or at the clutch lever on the bell housing of the gearbox.

The GTI uses a different clutch set up, and its conseqently heavier to depress. Which could mean all the difference to a dodgy design failing or not.

NickP · Post by **NickP** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 9:37 am

I don't suppose you could tell me exactly how I can test the clutch cable without the pedal, at least then I'll be able to come to the same conclusion that the pedal box is ok.

Cheers

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:44 am

My pedal box is not ok, but its not the cause of the creak, however, it might be indirectly.

I have found that you cannot see by eye very easily if the pedal box is at fault, however, if you depress the pedal, you can clearly see the paint is cracked, and thus the support bracket has movement.

The GTi Recall details are this:

Reference : R/2004/092
Manufacturer Ref : 30C1
Make: VW
Model : Polo GTI
Launch Date : 6/29/2004
Numbers Involved : 3497
Build Start Date : 5/3/1999
Build End Date : 5/9/2001

Concern : CLUTCH OPERATION MAY BE AFFECTED
Description : A fracture may occur in the area of the clutch pedal attachment because of poor welding which may affect the operation of the clutch.
Remedial Action : On all affected vehicles an additional foot pedal support (additional welding seam) will be fitted

The pedal box will have to be replaced, if the crack has appeared, and a replacement box is 30 quid, though I don't know how much the cost of fitting would be, but since its an inherant fault, I'm sure that they should be paying.

NickP · Post by **NickP** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:21 am

Thanks, I've already established with VW that they will fix the fault free of charge if it is the pedal box. But they WILL charge me Â£40 for doing bugger all if I take it in and this isn't the problem. Hence taking it to Mr Clutch to get a free diagnosis. They said the pedal box looked ok and I just needed a cable

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:58 am

Well, you can have a look yourself, get your head in the footwell, and press the clutch, if you see a black metal bit behind the clutch moving when the clutch is fully depressed then there is your problem.