Clutch Noise: Causes and Solutions

Hello everyone,

"I already mentioned about two months ago that I was having the following problem with the clutch:"

Creaking noises occur when pressing or releasing the pedal, and the intensity increases with the outside temperature, to the point where the sound becomes so noticeable that it is distracting and interferes with driving.

So, I then took the car to the workshop, where they tried to lubricate the "clutch switch," but couldn't reach it. I left the car there, and they lubricated something (at the time, they said it was the upper clutch bearing, but now, according to their statement today, it was supposedly the switch again).

It helped for about two weeks, but now it's back to the old state.

Okay, that's a review. Now, here's something new:

"Now that I finally had some time, I told the workshop about it today, and they said, 'Yes, we'll have to lubricate it again.' I then told them that I didn't want to, nor did I have the time, to have them lubricate the pedal every few weeks. They then offered to install a new switch, but with the caveat that it would likely squeak again, as that's a known issue with the Ibiza."

"Then I said that I had previously inquired at a VW workshop, and I recounted the story about the hydraulic cylinder that Michael II posted here."

"Yes, the clutch has a hydraulic cylinder."

And then came: "I'll order a switch, maybe you'll get lucky, and it's one that doesn't squeak."

I actually still want to give them one more chance, even though it's quite clear that it can't be (the creaking is much too intense to come from a relatively lightly stressed part like a switch; it must be something where considerable force is acting).

Okay, here's my question, especially for @Michael II: Are there any VAG documents that clearly and comprehensively document this type of error? Because I think that would be most helpful for them.

@everyone: I'm curious about something. If a workshop "fails" to properly repair something under warranty, meaning they have to redo the repair, are customers entitled to a free loan car for the duration of the repair? I asked about this, but they said it's not generally covered by the warranty. I actually believe them, but isn't it essentially the workshop's fault if they can't get it right the first time?

Best regards,

Jan.

P.S. Current mileage: 8600.

Hello Jan,

Unfortunately, there is no VAG damage code associated with this error.
I haven't heard about the switch squeaking before. However, since the Seat uses the same switches as, for example, the Golf or A3, this issue should also be present in those vehicles. In my opinion, this is not the case. Furthermore, if it were a general switch problem affecting a vehicle, there would be a VAG (Volkswagen Group) damage code associated with it.
You should only have to endure three repair attempts (and document them in writing). After that, I would switch workshops.

Hi,

I hope they realize that the problem isn't with the switch. Is it definitely certain that all the technology associated with the clutch pedal is identical to that of VW or Audi? Because if that were the case, the claim that this occurs in every Ibiza and is "normal" would be immediately disproven, as it should then also occur in the other cars, which apparently isn't the case. Otherwise, my previous inquiry here would have received much more attention.

@Michael II: Which specific part was it for you back then? Was it the hydraulic pump cylinder, or something else?

Does anyone know what this switch looks like? I don't want to do any extensive disassembly work here on the street (which would require removing the panels on the dashboard). I won't be at my parents' place until next Monday (that's when I have my scheduled appointment at the workshop), and they have the space and opportunity for me to work on it. I'm just looking for a general idea of what it looks like.

Is this part of the pedal's mechanism, or rather just a button that is pressed by a part of the pedal?

Because, as mentioned, the creaking sounds "harsh," not like something simply passing by, but like something creaking under considerable load (it would be comparable, for example, to a swing with a metal bearing at the top that is not lubricated, and which is moved slowly).

In my opinion, this would actually invalidate the "workshop theory" in the case where the switch is just a relatively minor component.

Best regards,

Jan.

Hello Jan,

In my case, it was the master cylinder. You can actually access the switch quite easily. Just remove the lower cover. Remove the switch by turning it counterclockwise. Important: When installing, pull the switch all the way out, insert it, and then press the pedal all the way down (for adjustment).

Parts:
The four-pole switch (switching gearbox without a trailer hitch) is installed in:
Golf.
Bora.
A2.
A3
Lupo.
Polo.
Sharan.
...

Hi Michael,

Thank you for the detailed description! If you forget to adjust this during installation, for example, the cruise control might stop working correctly, and other things related to the engine control might also malfunction, is that correct? I'm just asking for clarification, in case the workshop makes a mistake while working on it.

By the way, I was at a local repair shop today about my trailer hitch, and I mentioned this issue to them (unfortunately, they can't fix it under warranty). He thought it might be related to the shaft (the part at the top near the pedal), explaining that there are two types: one that needs to be lubricated with the correct product, and another (made of plastic?) that should not be lubricated. My "repair shop" used silicone spray.

What do you think of this possibility? Is it realistic?

Now I just need to convince the workshop to abandon their silly "switch" approach and encourage them to find the correct solution.

Best regards,

Jan.

Hello Jan,

I've sent you a file for your reference.
You're right about the switch. If it's misadjusted, it will generate an "implausible signal from the brake switch" and the control unit will go into the infamous limp mode.
I highly doubt that the wave (which is actually a bushing) can make *that* much noise (especially given its design).

Hi Michael,

Thank you very much for the file!

Upon closer examination of the images, I agree with you about the socket; such a creaking sound could very likely originate from that area.

So, it's probably the injector cylinder... I just need to explain that to the workshop in a way they understand .

Best regards,

Jan.