Clutch replacement & Dual to Single Mass Flywheel Conversion

[JPW1]

I have a 2001 A4 2.8 Quatro manual with 150K and need a clutch replacement. I have also been experiencing alot of play somewhere in the drivetrain. While driving in gear, if I push on the gas, there is a 1-2 second delay before the drivetrain engages with a thud. I can exagerate the situation by quickly pushing on the gas, then releasing, then pushing on the gas and releasing; there will be a lag before it engages and disengages with a thud. When I first drive the car in the morning (and especially if it is a cold day) it is much less noticable. But as I drive it gets looser and I have to compesate by slowly pressing/depressing the gas, to avoid that annoying thud.

My mechanic says that the dual mass flywheel loosens up after 50k and introduces play into the system. He is suggesting - while he replaces the clutch to convert the dual mass flywheel to a single mass. Has this worked for anyone else? If so can someone recommend a conversion kit? It is a daily driver, not a racer - so please recommend accordingly.

While replacing the clutch/flywheel, he is going to replace any leaking seals on the back of the engine/transmission, the motor mounts and transmission mounts.

Are there any other mount/bushing replacements that could help alleviate the problem?

Thanks for your help.

[ginkof]

the rear diff mount maybe?

[djwimbo]

While replacing the clutch/flywheel, he is going to replace any leaking seals on the back of the engine/transmission, the motor mounts and transmission mounts.

Are there any other mount/bushing replacements that could help alleviate the problem?

Thanks for your help.

1-2sec pause sounds like there should be something severely falling apart.

Check the snub mount, and the rear diff mounts.

As far as the single mass "conversion", basically check out SouthBend clutches, or even SPEC. They sell a single mass flywheel and sprung clutch disc setups for our cars.

I know it's a 2.8, but if you plan on doing any Autocrossing or track days you might want to beef up that clutch a bit. Otherwise a "Stage 1" clutch will feel great, last a long time and actually reduce rotating mass as well.

[B5A4Kevin]

i've never seen a dmfw cause a hesitation and thud. sounds more like a engine or trans mount in conjunction with a dirty throttle body or carbon deposits in the intake tract. check all existing mounts and replace leaking (purple fluid) or cracked ones (snub). most stock snub mounts deteriorate over time and fall into the belly pan causing the metal portion to contact the mounting ring and will definetly cause a noticeable banging noise. i plan on going lwfw/sprung sb stg4 once i get the funds. hope this helps.