jack1977

I have a 1998 AUDI A4 2.8 Q. The original clutch is still going at 105,668k but it has been showing signs for a LONG time of having problem. Recently, it has gotton a little worse. It seems to show the greatest sign of having problems when it's really hot outside. (80 degrees F and up). It catchs very high up, and sometimes the height of catch varies depending on how hot the car is. Just recently, it has started to catch going from 3rd gear to 4th, it will take a few moments, or a double clutch, before it will slide into 4th gear. Doesn't do this every time, but once in a while. Additionally, it doesn't like to go into first, especially when the car is really warm, when I am at a perfect stop.

Any recommendations? What specific component of the clutch kit could be the issue? What should I expect going forward? I suspect the problem, if the clutch lasts, will go away a bit when the weather begins to get cooler.

Any links that would lead me to a discussion, with pictures, of how to replace the clutch would be great.

Finally, and most importantly, am I damaging something, or causing uneeded wear, but simply driving the car until the clutch really fails? Or is it ok to continue to drive it for a while more? What should I look for to know to STOP driving the car?

Thanks.

audiboi

im no mechanic, so dont take my word, but if your clutch is slipping, its probably just been ground down too much, and needs a replacement. Its a pretty expensive job, because I think youve gotta drop the tranny out to replace the clutch plate. The B5 forum may be of more help, since there probably have been some members with similar situations. These cars are only 3 yrs old, so most dont have 100k miles on em yet.

AudiSport101

I have the same exact problems from what you are saying, and my car is an 05. That doesnt sound too good for me....any ideas? If i bring it in to Audi will they do a check and replace it if anything is wrong?

jack1977

Since your car is an 05', pretty much everything should be covered under warranty! Lucky you!