T6 204 servicing

[CaliforniaSteve]

My 2016 Cali was serviced yesterday and the technician recommended a new clutch as the release is low and slightly stiff. When I spoke to the service department they explained that it was only a recommendation and the clutch isn't slipping and has only done 22000 mile so it doesn't need replacing. Has anyone else had a clutch issue with a T6?
I was also surprised that the technician didn't recommend a cam belt replacement as the van is 4 years old. When I asked, I was told that VW advise 4 years or 110k miles and as my mileage is low I could wait. This seems a bit risky to me given the cost of a new engine if the belt fails. Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so what did you do?

 

[AlisonF]

I’d ask your garage to put it in writing that cambelt replacement is not advised due to low mileage... I wouldn’t want that risk myself. And I can predict what their answer to the request will be...

 

[CALI FATE]

Hmm the clutch should be good for 100k plus - maybe your low miles is having a detrimental affect - its a builders van at its heart and built for daily use - ref the cam belt, its like a stealth ownership tax, but 4 years is the usual interval regardless of low usage. Mine is 2016 and out of warranty i found a local VW van specialist who did the job for just under £400.00

 

[kurienp]

That's over 5000 miles a year and many people do way less than that. If you were riding the clutch, that would then lead to a slipping clutch.

Do you feel anything awkward with the clutch pedal - Heavy/Light? May be a good idea to get a second opinion from an independent? and at the same time, as Cali Fate recommends, change the cam belt and water pump.

 

[CaliforniaSteve]

Thanks for the advice. I just contacted VW commercial UK and they told me the belt needs replacing after 5 years or 140k miles.

The clutch feels fine so I think I will risk it for a while.

 

[Alan Andrews]

I think that the DSG clutch mechanisms are included in the vcds diagnostics. If manual then is down to feel of the clutch pedal.

As has been suggested, seek a second opinion.

 

[B J G]

The 204 4M is DSG so no clutch as such, assuming that's what you have.

 

[Lightning]

The 204 4M is DSG so no clutch as such, assuming that's what you have.

DSG incorporates two independent clutches. 4 Motion incorporates Haldex which is a further multi plate clutch.

 

[B J G]

DSG incorporates two independent clutches. 4 Motion incorporates Haldex which is a further multi plate clutch.

Correct, Trying to clarify as to whether actually a 204 4M DSG or not as description of clutch engagement being low and stiff doesn't make sense for that model.

 

[CaliforniaSteve]

Thanks for the responses. It has a manual gearbox. The technician reported that the clutch pedal was stiff and releasing low. However we haven’t noticed a difference and the garage did say that the clutch isn’t slipping. I assume ther is no adjustment that can be made. Perhaps it is a god thing. we have can’t go on our planned European trip!

 

[kurienp]

Thanks for the responses. It has a manual gearbox. The technician reported that the clutch pedal was stiff and releasing low. However we haven’t noticed a difference and the garage did say that the clutch isn’t slipping. I assume ther is no adjustment that can be made. Perhaps it is a god thing. we have can’t go on our planned European trip!

Steve, as a driver you get used to it over the years and therefore will not notice any difference. If you have access to another Cali, do drive to see the difference if any, or get another opinion. Not fun being stuck on the side of the road when on a journey.

 

[CaliforniaSteve]

Does anyone know how much a clutch for the T6 204 should cost? I have had quotes from £450 to £1400 ( VW £1200) so it is difficult to know what is good value versus quality.

 

[WelshGas]

Does anyone know how much a clutch for the T6 204 should cost? I have had quotes from £450 to £1400 ( VW £1200) so it is difficult to know what is good value versus quality.

If its done by VW then you get a 2 Yr warranty on parts and labour.

 

[CaliforniaSteve]

If its done by VW then you get a 2 Yr warranty on parts and labour.

Thanks. I think it is worth the extra cost in that case.