Mk7 Golf Manual Clutch Issues, Discussion and Questions

[Paul_R]

The dealer has spoken to customer service at VWA. They have agreed that it is strange but pointed out that they only have 4 Golf R clutches in stock. In Singapore. They are not seeing Mk 7 clutches come back other than the odd obvious failure where a spring has broken etc. as reported on UK forums.

Upshot is that VWA have agreed to pay for all parts as a goodwill gesture (circa $2600) and I have to pay for the dealers time. Expecting around a grand there. Downside is that it will be a stock clutch going in but I'm not arguing. Car will be gone to a new owner by end of year.

All up I'm happy. Dealer has been great and did everything they could to help. The car only went in on Monday, with no appointment, and should be back end of next week. They've let me 'borrow' an Amarok that they just traded in - must be some sort of test mule as it seems to run on Carlton Dry

[mrmomoz]

Congrats Paul, Sach's is a good setup, are they sticking to a Dual Mass Flywheel setup?

[Paul_R]

Downside is that it will be a stock clutch going in but I'm not arguing.

No Sachs for me at this stage. All stock parts going in because VW are paying for them.

I got a look at the gearbox this morning. The bell housing and fly wheel are a mess of clutch material everywhere. Stinks too.

[CraigR]

If you can hand on heart, say that you haven't abused that clutch you shouldn't be paying a cent. It's up to them to find out why it's failed so early.

I've heard "never accept their first offer", they will always come back with a better offer. If the flywheel is burnt however, you won't have a leg to stand on.

[Paul_R]

I haven't abused the clutch. I drive hard and have the opportunity to take the car from 1st gear to red line in 4th several times a week. I do change gear a lot in town but will also do a lot of full throttle 4 gear overtaking moves. I've not been doing drop clutch starts or anything silly like I used to to do in my late teens.

The clutch has been slipping for a while now and was really bad on the weekend so probably got destroyed then. In retrospect I probably should have taken it in sooner but got caught out by it seeming fine when cold and having never destroyed a clutch before. And yes, the fly wheel is burnt.

Part of the reason why I've gone DSG next time - and I'd made that choice last year - was because I wasn't enjoying the clutch action as much as I used to. Maybe it's because subconsciously I knew there wasn't something quite right. Other reasons were because of the greater functionality of the radar cruise with DSG, and my left knee is often swollen from an old injury. Faster gear changes on motorway slip road drag races was also an element.

[mrmomoz]

DSG's are good, i would recommend a DSG Tune, (APR if your able) the vehicle becomes smoother, changes more rapid, and will make your drive that much better. im only speaking from experience, working at a VW dealership, owning one, and having many friends who have Golf R's. Looking forward to seeing your Wolfsburg

[Mattlock]

Part of the reason why I've gone DSG next time - and I'd made that choice last year - was because I wasn't enjoying the clutch action as much as I used to.

Yep, I drove my wife's Tiguan yesterday and it's clutch feels miles better than my Rs (Mk5/6 platform car).

I've almost decided that VW don't want to make this car with a manual any more as it feels partly alien to the car.

It will definitely make me think about my next car being DSG (with a Caterham 7 for proper driving).


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[Paul_R]

Got the car back today with the new clutch. Biting point is much closer to the floor, not surprisingly.
Only issue is that it sounds like there is an unhappy bearing somewhere up front. Noticed it on the way home and it's quite bad so back to the shop on Monday. Same with clutch in or out and no different in neutral. Noise is speed related. Grrrrh.

[Paul_R]

Chief mechanic reckons the wheel bearings are the problem. Says they can get damaged if weight is put on them while the drive shafts are out. Can't imagine how that could have happened while the car was sitting for a week waiting for a new clutch, with the drive shafts out....

One set of new bearings under warranty going in on Monday once he's confirmed his theory.

[Paul_R]

New left thrust bearing done. Car in my carport. Drives and sounds like it should. Forgot how noisy the damn exhuast is he he.
Hopefully this clutch blip is history.
Never thought I'd hear myself say "I'm glad my next one is a DSG".
Should be swapping to the Wolfie in November.

[mrmomoz]

its certainly been a journey! Have you had a look at the 7.5R yet? we have one in our showroom..

[liljohnny19]

Calling all MK7 GTI Manual drivers - Clutch issue

Hi guys,

I know theirs a thread on man trans but it seems to be hi-jacked with golf R and tuned vehicles.

I'm trying to dig out some info on anyone that has a MK 7 GTI Manual that has been unmodded and details on how long your clutch has lasted in Australia

Reason being is that I have a 2015 MK 7 Golf GTI Manual with ~45,500kms on it and my clutch is beginning to slip. Its still in warranty for 7 months although, i'm expecting a battle with the dealer/vw claiming its a wear and tear item.

I do give the car a push occasionally, although, never launched the car. Its almost mainly been driven on highways for 2 of the 2 years and 5 months of ownership.

So my clutch seems to slip in 6th, 5th and 4th at this stage and Ill have to book it into a dealer. The thing is, im concerned that once its in their hands they have all the power, to im trying to gather my facts and rights as a consumer prior.

Thanks.

[stellio78]

I know the clutch should last more then 45,500 km but unless a component has failed like you say they will say it's a wear item and you'll be paying for it.

Have a chat with them and see what they say but if it doesn't sound positive I'd be taking it elsewhere and installing an upgraded clutch.

[jamesdavid]

Hey mate. What's your vin number and where are you located? If you want I can have a chat to our warranty admin and see what the go is with clutches. Yes they generally are wear and tear items but 45ks，to me，is unreasonable for a clutch to wear.

[liljohnny19]

@ Stellio - My issue is that once I bring it in, they pull it apart, I have to pay them for pulling it a part and putting it back together right?

@Jamesdavid - Wow really? I'm in the north west of Melbourne - I'll send you a VIN in a private message.