Golf 4 Clutch Slipping - 81kW Fix (Solution)

Hello everyone,

'Recently, a diesel line broke on my Golf, and it...'
A large amount of diesel has spread throughout the engine compartment. I was taken to the nearest VW dealership.
My car was towed to the workshop. Today, I picked up my vehicle. The mechanic already pointed out a slipping clutch to me, but advised me to...
'If it doesn't work, we'll just have to put in a new clutch!'
Well, as you might expect, that's not going to work.

Now, my question to you: Does a new clutch really need to be installed now?
'Or is there an old 'home remedy' like brake cleaner or engine cleaner, or does none of that really work 100%?'
'If a new one needs to be installed, what's the cost?' (The person being quoted said...)
Master: 'Not for less than €1000!'
Can I also go to ATU?

We would be very grateful for some quick and helpful answers.

Best regards,
Thomas

Hi Thomas,

That's a really stupid thing!
I probably also hoped that the diesel fuel would evaporate when the clutch was slipping.
No idea - if you try it for a longer time???

Otherwise, all you can do is remove the gearbox and try to clean the lining with brake cleaner.

I stepped in a puddle of diesel just yesterday while filling up the car, and then the pedals were really slippery.

I definitely wouldn't leave 1000 euros with VW.
ATU or other independent workshops can do just as well.
Besides the tightening torques, there's nothing else they don't know.

Best regards,
Michael.

Hi Michael,

Yes, it's really annoying - Merry Christmas.

I was thinking about pouring brake cleaner into the opening in the transmission (above the clutch) – basically, really soaking it. But I'm not sure if that would actually do anything.

But thank you in advance.

Hello Thomas,

If I were you, I would try spraying about a liter of brake cleaner through the inspection hole of the clutch bell, while the engine is off and the clutch pedal is depressed.

Given the significant fire risk associated with this procedure, the engine should be cold and turned off, and it is best to perform the action outdoors.

Once you've already removed the transmission, it's a good idea to have a new clutch installed at the same time, as the majority of the cost associated with a clutch replacement is labor.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello Rainer,

Yes, I think so too. Since I don't have much to lose with the clutch, I'm going to start 'brake cleaner' operation this morning.
My problem will be the atomization of the cleaner (I don't have the necessary equipment - a spray gun). But maybe the spray nozzle of the can will be sufficient.
I'll let you know later if that made any difference.

Best regards,
Thomas

Hello,

To all of you, and a happy new year.

I just wanted to let you know that my clutch is working perfectly again.
I alternately poured motor cleaner and then brake cleaner into the 'OT hole,' a total of 4 times. The engine was running, and a second person continuously operated the clutch (all while the engine was cold).
So, don't give up hope, even if VW says something different.

Best regards,
Thomas

TDI Thomas wrote:

Just wanted to let you know that my clutch is working perfectly again. I alternately poured motor cleaner and then brake cleaner into the "OT hole," a total of 4 times.

The engine was running, and a second person was constantly operating the clutch (all while the engine was cold).


Hi Thomas,

Thank you for the final report and success report }.

@Rainer: If this isn't already in the error database, I think it's worth adding an entry.

Hi Thomas, congratulations on your bonus kilometers! I just remembered something: timing belts don't like oil. If the timing belt also got some oil on it, I would recommend replacing it as a precaution.

@ Ulf: I'm moving the thread.

Best regards, Rainer.