1.9 TDI Clutch: Best Options & Recommendations

Hello everyone,

Can anyone recommend a clutch for a 1.9 TDI engine with a significantly increased power output?
The ARL clutch that is already installed sometimes slips quite severely... Are there any standard clutches from the VAG group that can handle more torque? If not, which "performance" clutches are recommended?

Thank you for your tips!

ZF Sachs is the right place to go for racing clutches.

You're in good hands with Sachs Race Engineering (SRE).
"Until recently, I was using an SRE clutch with EMS, organic friction linings, and a cushioned pressure plate. This clutch engages very abruptly and has a significantly smaller engagement range than standard clutches. As a result, the vehicle's acceleration can be quite aggressive."
Furthermore, there is a rattling noise coming from the transmission when idling, because the pre-tensioning mechanism is missing in the sports clutch.

I still have a clutch pressure plate and clutch disc lying around in my garage. In my case, the release lever failed (a permanent breakage) because it couldn't withstand the constantly increasing pedal force.

The clutch transmits a maximum of approximately 470 Nm. If you are interested, please send me a private message.

Regards,
Alex.

Hi.

Is there a clutch available here that is compatible with a dual-mass flywheel?

I'm not really interested in any unnecessary modifications, I just want the clutch to be able to transmit more power. Does Sachs offer anything here?

Best regards.

Tom.

donalexo wrote:

Furthermore, there is a rattling noise from the transmission when idling, because the pre-tensioning mechanism is missing in the sports clutch.

hmm, since the conversion to a 1.9TD, I've also been experiencing rattling when idling. It's unlikely to be the release bearing, as it's new. Also, the noise disappears only when I reach the engagement point and the input shaft stops rotating. It also goes away above 1500 RPM. I guess I'll have to look into it again .

Best regards, Michael.

Hello Tom from Passau!

I have a Sachs Racing clutch disc (sintered) installed with a reinforced Sachs pressure plate, in combination with a (new) single-mass flywheel (because I wasn't entirely confident in the old one after 160,000 km and 400 Nm of torque). I also have all-wheel drive, and despite the installed Haldex upgrade, the whole thing actually drives quite well. There's no rattling at idle. You just need to pay a little more attention when starting off compared to before. However, it's definitely not possible to talk about the sintered disc being 'un drivable.'

Tom (from the Palatinate region)

Hi, thanks for your reply.

You're talking about a Haldex upgrade... is that the modified control unit? Does it actually make a difference?

"I heard Sachs is also releasing an organic clutch disc that's supposed to handle around 400 Nm. Does anyone have any experience with it? I think the sintered disc might be a bit too aggressive. My Golf is currently at about 380 Nm. The clutch still engages, but it's very late in the pedal travel, and I can hear a slight clicking sound when releasing the clutch, which I suspect is the release bearing."


Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "mit freundlichen Grüßen," which means "best regards" or "sincerely." It is commonly used in German-language emails and letters.

Yes, it's this modified control unit, called the 'Haldex Performance Upgrade.' The effect is indeed quite dramatic. Wheelspin on the front wheels is no longer noticeable. However, starting off is now a bit more challenging because all the wheels start spinning almost simultaneously. You simply need to give it more gas now; otherwise, it jerks. Before, the front wheels would just spin slightly, but the car would still move forward a little. Do you understand what I mean?

It's probably too early to put it into proper words...

Hi,

Okay, I understand. But I hardly experience any slippage even with the original control unit. Doesn't that mean the Haldex oil gets too hot, and the Haldex system then shuts down?

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "mit freundlichen Grüßen," which means "best regards" or "sincerely." It is commonly used in German-language emails and letters.

Unfortunately, I don't have a before-and-after comparison regarding the Haldex oil temperature. I haven't experienced it shutting off yet (which it does, in fact, when it gets too hot).