juddering as engaging clutch

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Adam230K

MB Enthusiast
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May 1, 2007
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German oil burner
Dear Techies,

The other day I was stuck in traffic, forgot I was in 3rd gear and I lifted off the clutch very suddenly to move and the car jolted backwards and forwards then stalled (as any car would if put in a gear too high for it).

Now since this has happened, every time I engage 1st gear and try to pull away, no matter how gently, there is a very obvious judder felt throughout the whole car. I also noticed that now, while in gear, if I apply full throttle and let go suddenly, the car will also give off a drive-train shunt/jolt.

I've got a feeling its the clutch, or one of the components to do with the clutch, but i'm no mech, hence why I ask the more knowledgeable.

Any suggestions?

Car - VW polo 1.4tdi manual
 
Just looked it up... I think you're right...

Isn't this the type of thing that can be 'skimmed' or repaired? or it has to be replaced?
 
Nope, no short cuts. It's a common problem I'm afraid.

You may as well do the clutch at the same time. Job takes about 3.5 hours.

You could do worse than to speak to Martin at Finch motors, he does these all the time.
 
Hmm... I just did a google on this and I'm not sure the 1.4TDI has a dual mass flywheel.

Seems to be mixed response as to whether it has or not. The symptoms sound very much like it has but further research may be required.
 
My BMW used to do this when first driven after bein stood overnight.
Turned out the rear crank seal was perished so a bit of oil was contaminating clutch
 
If it does have on I would err towards the dual mass flywheel being the problem, but it would be worth checking the engine mounts first.
 
IIRC the 75PS does not have a DMF but the 90PS does.....or that's the case for the A2 at least. What flavour did yours begin life as?
 
Well its the sport version (the TDI letters are all red) but apparently only 75bhp... when it got dyno'ed it was pushing ~93bhp as standard, which seemed odd (and convenient).

I narrowed it down a bit more too, it does judder very noticeably when full throttled, (very gently of course), particularly in high gears when the turbo reaches its spool. Also noticed that in 5th gear it will have a slightly metallic 'ringing' gear related rattle, if that makes any sense, but once the engine reaches decent revs ~1700rpm, this rattle goes away.

The VW specialist I took it to a few months ago, did mutter something about the DMS because I asked him to check some other stuff on the car that I wasn't too sure about myself, but I eluded to it at the time thinking he was just trying to make money out of me.

I really hope it doesn't have a dual mass flywheel... but I guess the definitive way of finding out is visit the dealer with my chassis number and see?
 
Good news is there is no DMS on my car... but then what the hell is causing the juddering? all the engine mounts are brand new
 
The sudden shock of lifting the clutch in a high gear could well have damaged the metal disk of the friction plate. It could now be warped which would stop it engaging smoothly.
 
If you have no DMF then I would be looking at the clutch itself or engine/gearbox mounts.
 
Good news is there is no DMS on my car... but then what the hell is causing the juddering? all the engine mounts are brand new

It sounds like the springs in the clutch plate are broken. This gives you the play in the driveline you can feel, and as the springs are now lose you can hear the rattling sound as they move about.
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Whats the worst that could happen if I continue to drive it like this? I don't want to change a clutch if it isn't slipping (I want to get my money's worth out of it) :)
 
You will wear the engine and gearbox mounts, and if left for long enough the bearings on the gearbox input shaft.
 
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don't want that to happen... this car is meant to last me a year or 2!

Guess its off to ECP/VW for a clutch kit..
 
This sounds like a broken clutch spring. Typical symptoms. Must be all that extra power she has Adam!!
 
Its a p0cket r0cket I tell you!
 

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