Clutch problems

Caliburt · Jan 15, 2017

Hi everyone,

So I went out to my cali yesterday, having used briefly earlier that day, and the clutch pedal was flat on the floor. AA suspect master cylinder issue as some fluid around pedal linkage but fluid levels are fine. I have not had a chance to investigate myself but wondering if there might be any tricks relating to sticking linkage that might resolve. Van is 2012 with 50k miles.

Possibly related is I had a new DMF under warranty as experienced judder. That judder started to come back about a year later (now out of warranty of course). I have read on other T5 van forums that this judder precedes potential break up of DMF causing considerable damage.

Wondering a few things, is dodgy master cylinder related to potentially failing DMF? Is it worth replacing everything as preventative measure? Does anyone have experience of the SACH DMFs, they seem to be well rated? Any thoughts on DIY install (proficient DIY mechanic) or recommendations for a clutch specialist in South West London (Twickenham area)?

Thanks all!!

Jabberwocky · Jan 15, 2017

Hi Caliburt, I don't have experience of this but I did find this thread on the VW/Audi UK Forum that I follow which you may find interesting if not seen.
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/...al-Mass-Flywheel-failure-after-only-39K-miles

sidepod · Jan 15, 2017

Was the slave cylinder replaced at the same time as the DMF? Normally replaced as pairs.

Caliburt · Jan 15, 2017

Jabberwocky said:
Hi Caliburt, I don't have experience of this but I did find this thread on the VW/Audi UK Forum that I follow which you may find interesting if not seen.
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/...al-Mass-Flywheel-failure-after-only-39K-miles

Thanks, that's helpful

Caliburt · Jan 15, 2017

sidepod said:
Was the slave cylinder replaced at the same time as the DMF? Normally replaced as pairs.

No, but it is the master that has failed, not the slave

briwy · Jan 15, 2017

If the master cylinder has failed it won't necessarily lose fluid, just moves it around inside it.
Certainly if the clutch hasn't been releasing properly due to the dodgy cylinder then it wont help the DMF.
Get it looked asap if I were you. I had an Octavia a few years ago where the DMF went and took the gearbox with it.
There used to be an option to fit a non DMF flywheel but I dont know if that's still an option.
LUK also seem to be a viable option to the Sachs.

sidepod · Jan 15, 2017

Caliburt said:
No, but it is the master that has failed, not the slave

How do you know, the slave or hydraulic release bearing is inside the clutch housing.

Caliburt · Jan 15, 2017

It's a fair point. I am possibly being overly generous to the AA man who said it was the master, to be fair he said the system needed pressure testing to be sure.

Caliburt · Jan 21, 2017

Quick update - back up and running but it was painful! As suspected by sidepod, it wasn't actually the master at fault but the slave/release bearing so it was the full works with new clutch kit. Fortunately the DMF was ok having been replaced under warranty a couple of years ago.

Anyone else had a slave fail at 50k/ 5 yrs old??

I was also informed that my driver side drive shaft will likely need replacing in the next 6 months

Have a good independent VW specialist in South London area to recommend now, which is some consolation.

Thanks for advice everyone.

MidgleyVW · Jan 26, 2020

Caliburt said:
Quick update - back up and running but it was painful! As suspected by sidepod, it wasn't actually the master at fault but the slave/release bearing so it was the full works with new clutch kit. Fortunately the DMF was ok having been replaced under warranty a couple of years ago.

Anyone else had a slave fail at 50k/ 5 yrs old??

I was also informed that my driver side drive shaft will likely need replacing in the next 6 months

Have a good independent VW specialist in South London area to recommend now, which is some consolation.

Thanks for advice everyone.

Hi I seem to have the same problem as you ? I washed the car by my local Polish crew and then left if for 4 days while I went on holiday in the wifes car ....... came back and the clutch pedal went to the floor . How do I know which has gone ? Master or Slave - Both
How can this be I have not had any issues at all ? The fluid level is full .....there is no leaks . The pedal moves the rod into the MC no problems I have done 45 K miles Its a late 2013 Van California used daily
It is also an issue where to take it to know nobody is going to rip you off
Regards ray

Goss · Jan 26, 2020

MidgleyVW said:
Hi I seem to have the same problem as you ? I washed the car by my local Polish crew and then left if for 4 days while I went on holiday in the wifes car ....... came back and the clutch pedal went to the floor . How do I know which has gone ? Master or Slave - Both
How can this be I have not had any issues at all ? The fluid level is full .....there is no leaks . The pedal moves the rod into the MC no problems I have done 45 K miles Its a late 2013 Van California used daily
It is also an issue where to take it to know nobody is going to rip you off
Regards ray

You could clamp a flexible hose between the master and slave to test the master, make sure you use the proper clamp so not to damage the hose.

Goss