Clutch Replacement: Should You Replace the Release Bearing?

Hello, after the dual-mass flywheel on my GOLF IV ALH bent, and since the engine has been performance-enhanced, I want to replace it with a single-mass flywheel that is less prone to failure. According to all4tdi.de, the clutch and single-mass flywheel from a Corrado G60 are compatible with the ALH TDI. I have now acquired one.
My Golf has 110,000 km on it. Would you replace the release bearing (57€) at the same time during this service? If so, would you use the original one from the ALH engine or the one from the G60 engine?
The search didn't really help me with this problem. Thanks, best regards, Bernd.

If you're going to do something, do it properly! And make sure you include everything that's necessary for the job!

Okay, I'll also buy the G60 release bearing. Besides that, is there anything else that makes sense to replace on TDIs (like mine, the ALH)? Any seals, pilot bearing, or anything similar? This is my first time dealing with a failing clutch... Thanks!

It really depends. I recently had an issue with the rear gearbox-to-engine seal. That's a likely candidate. Also, the oil pan gasket would be easier to replace while the engine is out, rather than using tricks and Russian-style angled tools with the engine installed. Furthermore, the engine mounts (hydraulic supports) might also be worth considering. However, all of this depends on the engine's previous mileage and the resulting overall condition.

Hello, thank you for the reply. But the entire engine is not being replaced, only the clutch. So, I'm only interested in parts that are somewhat related to that.

'But to replace the clutch, the engine has to be removed... or do you remove the transmission and leave the engine in place?'

It seems to me that removing the transmission is the simpler solution... I never thought about removing the engine as well. Taking out the transmission should be easier and the more common approach, right?

With a transversely mounted engine, yes, it's possible. I might just remove both parts together. It's a very tight fit around the gearbox flange.

Hello, after the dual-mass flywheel on my GOLF IV ALH bent, and since the engine has been performance-enhanced, I would like to convert it to a single-mass flywheel, which is less prone to failure. My Golf has 110,000 km on it.....

Could you provide more details about the tuning? I'm simply curious about what modifications you've made to yours, as I'm planning to do some modifications to my ALH soon (216 injectors + a chip specifically tuned for that).

Can you describe how the defective dual-mass flywheel manifested itself?
Thank you.

Hello. My ALH engine currently has 0.205 injectors from an ASV model and, at times, a power box from KW Systems (approximately 130 hp). At some point, I noticed that the engine suddenly became significantly louder above 3800 rpm in all gears. I believe this was a precursor to the actual problem I'm experiencing now.
"Now I'm experiencing very strong vibrations, especially in the gear lever, particularly in the partial load range between 2500 and approximately 3200 RPM. These vibrations are clearly noticeable even in the gear lever. However, even at lower RPMs, if you're familiar with the sound of your engine, you can already tell that something isn't quite right. It's subtle, and there's no vibration at that point. I now have 110,000 km on the odometer, and it seems like the dual-mass flywheel (DMF) is actually failing. Whether the mileage, the tuning, or simply bad luck is the cause is probably impossible to determine. What's certain is that tuning seems to put significantly more stress on the DMF and causes it to wear out faster."
VW charges approximately €790 for a new ALH clutch kit, including a new dual-mass flywheel (DMF). I plan to take the following approach: I was able to find a good, original Sachs clutch from a Corrado G60, along with its flywheel (which also fits Golf G60, Passat G60, or VR6 models), for around €100 at an auction. The clutch has a diameter of 228mm (the ALH typically has either 220mm or 228mm, and VW isn't entirely sure when which was used). It fits at least the 90 and 110 HP TDIs from Golf III and IV models (ALH, AHF, 1Z...), as well as the ~100 HP PD TDI. This provides a slightly stronger clutch than the one originally installed, and replaces the dual-mass flywheel with a single-mass flywheel. This should prevent the DMF from failing again. However, one must now accept the usual reduction in comfort that comes with a single-mass flywheel, which is known from older TDIs like the 1Z.
Best regards,
Bernd

What do you mean by 'loss of comfort'? I've only heard something about jerking when starting or something similar. } Is that correct, or how does the difference between an EMS (electromagnetic starter) and a ZMS (electromechanical starter) manifest itself?

Hello, yes, I've also heard about the jerking when starting. Apparently, the car is also running more roughly overall, and there's more vibration. I'll let you know what exactly happens when the new clutch and flywheel are installed next week.