Date:         Sat, 17 Jan 2004 16:28:40 +1030
Reply-To:     bobbol@ADAM.COM.AU
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Bolton <bobbol@ADAM.COM.AU>
Subject:      Clutch problems
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Christmas Eve, my '84 camper went in to have its rear main bearing seal
replaced (for which on an 84 you only need to drop the gearbox).

While the gearbox was out, the mechanic noticed that the clutch was burned and
worn, and the flywheel was uneven.

So a changeover, skimmed flywheel was installed, with a new Sachs(?) clutch
plate assembly.  I was told this was a better make than the one that was in
there.

Van was driven home (5 miles) and stored in the shed.  All seemed well, but I
was gentle, and it's downhill.  Last Wednesday, I decided to drive it to work,
to check that all was well before a planned trip this weekend.  Straight away,
the clutch was shuddering.  If I was very careful, and fully released it before
applying any revs at all, it was OK although the takeup seemed to be a bit
sudden.  But applying any revs as the pedal came out resulted in a pronounced
shuddering through the van.  You could feel the clutch bouncing about.

As they are flat out in the post-Christmas rush, I've agreed to take it back the
week after next, to be looked at.  I've had good service from these guys before
(they are VW/Audi repairers) so I hope there won't be any funny business.

I'd appreciate any ideas listees might have - hopefully I just struck a dud new
clutch assembly, and they will wear it.

Bob


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