** OFFICIAL ** Aftermarket Clutch ISSUES/REVIEWS Thread

[Ze_Nardo6]

It seems that a ton of valuable clutch information is deeply embedded within a few other threads all over the forums. The idea of this thread to have a place where those with aftermarket clutches, or parts of clutch kits, can leave their feedback, good and bad. It seems many members, myself included, have had less than stellar experiences with expensive aftermarket clutches. Here is a very simple format to help facilitate participation.

Which clutch?
-Eurocode Meisterwerk Stage III Clutch

LWFW?
-Yes (Eurocode as well)

What other components did you replace during the swap (clutch fork, master cylinder, stainless slave line etc)?
-Master cylinder
-Stainless slave line

Installed by professional?
-Yes. Master Tech at an Audi Dealer

Did proper break-in?
-Yes. 750 mile break-in, as instructed.

How many miles currently on new clutch?
- 4k

If not stock, what stage car (if not in signature)?
-See signature

Describe the pros/cons/issue(s):
Pros:
-The clutch seems to hold the power I'm throwing at it (dual pulley e85)

Cons:
-Very noticeable shudder on 1st gear engagement regardless of RPMs used. There are ways to get less shudder than others but it's noticeable no matter how you engage from a stop.
-Whenever I take a gear(s) to, or near redline, the clutch pedal stays near the floor forcing me to physically pull the pedal back to proper position.

[jimrobbington]

I will preface my response; I DO NOT BELIEVE MY JHM CLUTCH CAUSED ANY OF MY PROBLEMS

Milage clutch was installed?
-~36k miles

Reason clutch was installed?
-clutch pedal started feeling weird. Wouldn't return quickly, like there was a slight vacuum holding the pedal. Completely stock, clutch would slip during aggressive driving. Tried to get warranty, but dealer insisted clutch/fw both must be replaced on my own dime to fix the issue.

Which clutch?
-JHM stage 3

LWFW?
-JHM LWFW

What other components did you replace during the swap (clutch fork, master cylinder, stainless slave line etc)?
-Fork
-USP stainless line

Installed by professional?
-Yes, "supposedly". Tech at an Audi Dealer

Did proper break-in?
-Yes. 500 mile break-in, as instructed.

How many miles currently on new clutch?
- ~10k

If not stock, what stage car (if not in signature)?
-Stock-ish

Describe the pros/cons/issue(s):

Pros:
-Awesome, love this clutch/fw combo. Initial impressions were actually better than oem. Feel free to read my full review here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/685451-JHM-Stage-3-Clutch-LWFW-THE-REVIEW

Cons:
-Received "push clutch to start" error ~700 miles after install.

Solution (highly summarized): Inevitably broke slave cylinder by pressing clutch too hard to start it. Drove like this for months, with terrible grainy, noisy, worse when hot pedal feel. Finally replaced slave, wired around the master cylinder switch, boom, good to go. Normal again.

[AKPS4]

My recent experience...

Which clutch?
- southbend stage 2 endurance

LWFW?
-Yes (southbend as well)

What other components did you replace during the swap (clutch fork, master cylinder, stainless slave line etc)?
-Recently stranded due to badly leaking slave cylinder. Dealer said master was on its way out too so replaced both. Geico warranty only covered slave so I ended up paying $1400 out of pocket. No factory warranty because it was over 7k to add for the short additional period offered.

Installed by professional?
-Yes. Local shop

Did proper break-in?
- still under break-in but had to do a trip for NY to TX after about 400-500 Break-in miles. Trying to get another 300 traffic miles before really beating it up.

How many miles currently on new clutch?
- < 3k

If not stock, what stage car (if not in signature)?
- APR Stage II+

Describe the pros/cons/issue(s):
Pros:
- little to no increase in pedal pressure. Better engagement. Can feel the improved bite but haven't really hammered through gears yet.

Cons:
- very light chatter at idle.
- no major complaints as of yet.


I am curious to see if more people experience failed slave/master cylinders due to clutch swaps or if it's just a poor design issue. Not sure who makes these but surprised to see it go out so early and the dealer mentioned they have done a bunch of these.

[jimrobbington]

We should also add milage of the car when installed, and reason for new clutch. I'll update my post.

[AKPS4]

Well, going to provide update on my southbend stage II endurance. Probably less than 4K miles since install that includes a trip from NY to TX.

Just had some slipping issues on WOT in 6th gear. Not when shifting but as the RPMs climbed and reached 4K it slipped on and off up to about 4600 then grabbed again. Very concerned about this since it's not immediately after gear shift.

I was in 6th and "punched it" racing a tuned Q5. Don't think I did anything too harsh and well beyond breakin not counting the road trip.

Very frustrated at this point as I've already had to have this one installed and reinstalled. Not looking forward to paying for another round of clutch changing. Seems like no one can get this right. Going JHM next most likely.

[Ze_Nardo6]

Well, going to provide update on my southbend stage II endurance. Probably less than 4K miles since install that includes a trip from NY to TX.

Just had some slipping issues on WOT in 6th gear. Not when shifting but as the RPMs climbed and reached 4K it slipped on and off up to about 4600 then grabbed again. Very concerned about this since it's not immediately after gear shift.

I was in 6th and "punched it" racing a tuned Q5. Don't think I did anything too harsh and well beyond breakin not counting the road trip.

Very frustrated at this point as I've already had to have this one installed and reinstalled. Not looking forward to paying for another round of clutch changing. Seems like no one can get this right. Going JHM next most likely.

You kept the car in 6th to race someone?

[Thurston]

Great thread idea. I'll be going aftermarket sometime before the end of the year.

[AKPS4]

You kept the car in 6th to race someone?

I felt I didn't need to down shift thinking I was going against a Q5. Didn't know it was tuned until we were both going real fast. He never passed me but kept up until I slipped and then we were neck and neck.

Regardless just proves that the clutch has an issue if I didn't even down shift.