UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

I'v had the pedal box problem on my Polo (3 times now). Everytime the clutch goes heavy and it ends up breaking the pedal box linkage at the clutch pedal.

Last time I preplaced;
- Clutch
- Clutch cable
- Pedal box linkage

Was feather-weight but now its going really stiff and know the linkages gonna break anytime soon

Some guy at a garage told me that the problem may be fixed by 'adjusting the cable' Never heard of this so I didn't know if he's taking me for a fool.

Is this possble?
anyone done it?
AND IS THERE ANY REPLACEMENT LINKAGE VW MADE for this problem cos i'm going

Any wisdom and thoughts appreciated

NOZ wrote:'adjusting the cable' Never heard of this so I didn't know if he's taking me for a fool.

the clutch-cable is "self-tightening" in the Polo, nothing to adjust on it, only thing that I can come up with is to lubrecate the hose (you can take it open a bit under the bonnet, then spray in some WD-40) or to check the mounting of the cable on the cluthc-pedal, I had some trouble with heavy clutching which was caused by bad mounting on the pedal, the little copper-"thingies" that keep the cable in place there where twisted a bit, which make it clutch and unclutch like sh*t

Who else better to answer

I'll have a look but not very mechanically gifted so if you got a pic of where it is in the enginebay then i'll be most thankful. Telling me whats near it might help.

Ooh, uh, well, I haven't got a picture, but I'll try to explain at my best in english.

Ok, your clutch-cable is easy to spot, since you all drive on the left side of the road, I don't know where it is mounted, but just have someone else sit in your car, while you look under the bonnet, let the other person step on the cluthc, and you'll be able to spot your clutchcable

There's a wrinkly thing on it, around near the spot where the cable is being supported, on this spot you can peal back some of the cover, the wrinkly thing can open so to speak, and here you can spray in WD-40, then clutch couple of times, and keep doing this. Another part to spray your WD-40 on is the lever on the gearbox which is controlled by the clutch cable, just let the other person keep clutcing, look at your gearbox, then you'll know what I mean spray that in good, will stink next time you get your engine good hot, but that doesn't matter

Thanx jarno, i'll try that 1st thing in te morning seeing its already dark outside (hate short days)

please tell me you had the pedal box reinforced when you replaced it? Welding on extra metal is the only way to be sure it won't fall apart again.

The clutch arms get tempered through the heat and therefore the clutch stiffens. This puts more strain on the whole clutch mechanism and ultimately, the pedal box is the weak link.

Reinforcing the pedal box is the only way to stop it breaking again. There aren't any quick fixes AFAIK. At least that's what the specialist I use told me.

It's the same on the Ibizas.

No I didn't cos I thought changing all the parts would stop the linkage being strained. Guess i'll have to next time it falls apart, I pray everytime i'm at traffic lights incase it happens then

Think all VAGs have this curse cos my mates 2002 A3's linkage broke 2 months ago.

JarnoVWPolo6N wrote:only thing that I can come up with is to lubrecate the hose

Got it done and drove a few miles. The clutch's a lot lighter but I can still feel it strain and hear the squeek so I think it is the actual pedal box failing again . Over time it'll probably give in. Anyway, i'll keep lubricating it helping the stiffness go.

Thanks mate

JarnoVWPolo6N wrote: to check the mounting of the cable on the cluthc-pedal, I had some trouble with heavy clutching which was caused by bad mounting on the pedal, the little copper-"thingies" that keep the cable in place there where twisted a bit, which make it clutch and unclutch like sh*t

Also looked for this yet?

always use wd40 on that which does help a bit. Forgot to lubricate the part on the gearbox lever though so i'll do that tomorrow and get back to ya

Cheers

you'll know when it's starting to break because it will creak when you push the clutch pedal down. how long it lasts like that is another question - mine did a couple of months!

dragon_green wrote:you'll know when it's starting to break because it will creak when you push the clutch pedal down. how long it lasts like that is another question - mine did a couple of months!

Oh crap , don't say that cos the clutches been creaking for bout 4 months now. Best start saving up for a new one