A class clutch judder

[Robbo]

I've noticed a problem that has seemed to have developed recently since the A class (W169) service.

On damp/wet days the first few times you pull away from stationary there is a quite a bit of clutch judder, it was pretty bad this morning with a knocking noise coming from (presumably) the engine mounts as the vibration built up. it goes away after a few starts and the engine warms up and drives perfectly after that.

It could be a complete coincidence, but when they carried out the last service they also did a recall job (drilling a hole in the clutch bell housing). Anyone have an idea of what it could be, and could the service measure be the cause? We never noticed it before, although it could have developed anyway. Presumably it is documented somewhere as to why they drilled the hole?

 

[grober]

possible clutch contamination?

2 "possible" reasons----one to allow fluid ?? to drain from the clutch housing ----two to inspect a component for wear/ condition. Really depends where and how big the hole was. It sounds as if you are possibly getting oil/ hydraulic fluid on the driven plate which is burned off as the clutch is used. Eventually this will get worse and probably means the clutch assembly will need replacing. http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.58.htm Since this is an "engine out " job its quite expensive. Best to go back and ask them why they drilled the hole first. How many miles has the car done?

 

[BlackC55]

- Clutch pedal vibrations -

Topic number​

GI25.20-P-027202

Version​

1

Design group​

25.20 Clutch actuation

Date​

01-27-2006

Validity​

Model 169.X31 and 169.X32

Reason for change​

Complaint Clutch pedal vibrates when actuated. Engine combustion noises may also be transmitted into the passenger compartment.


Cause Vibrations are transmitted to the clutch system due to unfavorable manufacturing tolerances or engine vibrations. This can cause noise in the area of the pedal assembly.


Remedy Install clutch line of A200 (169.033).


Symptoms
Symptom
power transmission / clutch / Clutch, conventional / Clutch/clutch pedal - noises / Generalpower transmission / clutch / Clutch, conventional / Clutch pedal - Function / vibrates

Parts
Part number
Designation
Quantity
Note
EPC
Non-EPC
A 169 290 01 13Clutch line1from model 169.X33X

Operation numbers/damage codes
Op. no.
Time
Damage code
Note
Operation text
29032C6

Validities
Vehicle
Engine
Transmission
Major assembly (1)
Major assembly (2)
Major assembly (3)
169.032*716.520***169.331*716.520***169.332*716.520***169.031

 

[Robbo]

2 "possible" reasons----one to allow fluid ?? to drain from the clutch housing ----two to inspect a component for wear/ condition. Really depends where and how big the hole was. It sounds as if you are possibly getting oil/ hydraulic fluid on the driven plate which is burned off as the clutch is used. Eventually this will get worse and probably means the clutch assembly will need replacing. http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.58.htm Since this is an "engine out " job its quite expensive. Best to go back and ask them why they drilled the hole first. How many miles has the car done?

It has done 10k miles. It only does it on wet days, so could water be getting in somehow?

Its still under warranty, so I'll take it back in.

Thanks

 

[grober]

OOPS Lofty's site refers to the w168 model not your w169 sorry. Does sound as if the clutch needs to be replaced tho as Blackc55's useful " inside info " post indicates. Hopefully this will be under warrranty.

 

[Robbo]

BlackC55,

Thanks for the info, very useful. I'll take it back in so they can have a look.

 

[BlackC55]

There was a known problem withthem in 2005 and there was no remedy and this seems to be the new answer.

 

[Robbo]

Having read the bulletin more carefully, I'm not sure whether the fault described is the same as what we have, as its not the pedal that is vibrating, it is the whole transmission and engine shaking on its mounts as the you slip the clutch pulling away (only on wet days for first few pull aways then it stops).

I'll take it in and see what they say. Sounds like the clutch assebly has been causing problems with the new model though so they may be able do something about it!

 

[praveen]

Did they solve the judder problem? and how?