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  1. #1
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

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    A few months ago, I had RAI Motorsport install my AWE LWFW and the Vast Stg 3 clutch, along with other modifications.

    Yesterday night, I stalled at almost every stop because the clutch engagement was extremely sensitive and difficult. I knew something felt weird, and shortly after, I realized that my pedal was all the way down compared to its normal position. So I took my left foot and pulled the clutch pedal back up, and it was fine for the ride back home...

    So, what happened, and what should/shouldn't I do next time this happens again?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Three Rings kjr7888's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    clutch slave cylinder is junk... same thing happend to me...

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Four Rings Rated S's Avatar
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    Apr 02 2007
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    '01 S4 '94 D21
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    Studio City, CA

    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    You can try bleeding your clutch, it shares the same fluid as the brakes. I think I recall my B6 S4 friend having the same problem.
    SoCalS4.com/Repair - For All Your Delicious B5 S4 Tuning/DIY Needs

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  4. #4
    Account Terminated Four Rings
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    slaaaaaaaaaaaaave cylinderrrrrrr

  5. #5
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    So all this time, would this problem have caused detrimental effects to the clutch life? I just got this stg 3 clutch in a few months ago.

  6. #6
    Active Member Four Rings ThirdStrike's Avatar
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    Nov 17 2006
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    b5S4, b8.5 Allroad
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    Las Vegas

    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by JayyyyyC View Post
    So all this time, would this problem have caused detrimental effects to the clutch life? I just got this stg 3 clutch in a few months ago.
    no.
    its just what causes constant pressure to be applied back to teh pedal. you depress the pedal it moves a spring loaded shaft onto the cluth via hydraulic pressure.
    not easy to reach in our cars but simple to replace once u get your hands on it
    Link to SlaveCyl
    00110100011100100110100101101110011001110111001100 001101000010100000110100001010

  7. #7
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by ThirdStrike View Post
    no.
    its just what causes constant pressure to be applied back to teh pedal. you depress the pedal it moves a spring loaded shaft onto the cluth via hydraulic pressure.
    not easy to reach in our cars but simple to replace once u get your hands on it
    Link to SlaveCyl
    Well I have an update from last night, and hopefully it helps to pinpoint the problem even more accurately.

    I was driving through campus and noticed that when I go the extra inch and push the clutch pedal ALL the way down, for some reason, it stays stuck down there. In fact, it stalled my car out, and I had to rip the shifter out of 1st gear. After that, I drove the car slowly, and only dipped the clutch enough for me to get through the gears appropraitely. Even then, the clutch pedal doesn't come up all the way, but at least I can drive without stalling.

    The feeling of the clutch engagement is now very sloppy. Before, I used to be able to tell exactly when the clutch engaged or not... now it feels very soft and stock?

  8. #8
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings jaybquick@JHM's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Sounds like it is most likely a bad slave cylinder. A bad master cylinder can do this as well but 90% of the time it is the slave cylinder.

    If you check the slave it should have fluid in the boot when they go bad.

    Got them in stock


    Slave --> http://www.jhmotorsports.com/shop/ca...52b7f90248be03


    Master --> http://www.jhmotorsports.com/shop/ca...52b7f90248be03



    Any good shop should be able to quickly and properly diagnose this in about a half hour. But most likely it is just your slave cylinder.



    The only other possibility if the clutch slave and master check out, is a bad pressure plate (really rare and usually due to abuse)

    JHMotorsports AZ tuner spotlight VIDEO
    Check out our 11 and 10 second passes on YouTube

    B8 S5 4.2l - JHM Stage 1 SC Kit (ET: 11.8 @ 119mph) -- B6 S4 - JHM Stage 2 SC Kit (ET: 11.1 @ 128mph) – JHM Nitrous (ET: 12.29 @ 117mph) - JHM Bolt Ons -ALL MOTOR (ET: 12.70 @ 111mph) -- B5 S4 - JHM RS6-R (ET: 10.8 @ 130mph)

  9. #9
    Veteran Member Four Rings haus4's Avatar
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    LI

    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    had the same problem last month. replaced both slave and master just to be safe. Im pretty sure the slave was bad, bc of how the actual rod was moving into the housing.

    its not the hardest job, but it sure is a PITA. Make sure you have a good swivel and some long extensions.

    good luck

  10. #10
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    I popped the hood today to check the brake fluid since that was recommended. It was too dark for me to tell, to be honest, but I was shocked to find that my coolant level was extremely low. Any possible connection?

  11. #11
    Veteran Member Four Rings haus4's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    i doubt that ur brake fluid as anything to do with your coolant. They never come anywhere close in your engine/car. It could just be that your low on coolant and u havent changed your brake fluid in a while. nothing to be alarmed about.

    if your going to change either your slave or master, it would be a smart idea to also do your brake fluid since you will have to bleed the system. Kill 2 birds with one stone.

  12. #12
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings jaybquick@JHM's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by JayyyyyC View Post
    I popped the hood today to check the brake fluid since that was recommended. It was too dark for me to tell, to be honest, but I was shocked to find that my coolant level was extremely low. Any possible connection?
    Totally separate sytems. Unrelated. If you aren't seeing dripping on the ground one of the most common leaks besides the reservoir itself (cracking) is the auxilary water pump under the intake manifold. If you look under the intake it is usually quite obvious.

    We stock both parts. Get whatever shop you take your car to for the slave issue to look for any obvious coolant leaks and have them look under the intake.

    JHMotorsports AZ tuner spotlight VIDEO
    Check out our 11 and 10 second passes on YouTube

    B8 S5 4.2l - JHM Stage 1 SC Kit (ET: 11.8 @ 119mph) -- B6 S4 - JHM Stage 2 SC Kit (ET: 11.1 @ 128mph) – JHM Nitrous (ET: 12.29 @ 117mph) - JHM Bolt Ons -ALL MOTOR (ET: 12.70 @ 111mph) -- B5 S4 - JHM RS6-R (ET: 10.8 @ 130mph)

  13. #13
    Active Member Two Rings
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    I wouldn't worry too much about premature wear to your clutch disc or pressure plate. It really doesn't sound like you drove enough (or put it through enough abuse) to cause any serious problem.

    I would try to bleed your clutch before you just throw money at the problem by buying replacement parts or paying someone to check for you. This isn't a very difficult thing to do and there's no need to pay a mechanic for such an easy job. This could very well fix your problem since you haven't *necessarily* indicated a "faulty" slave clyinder.

    Your "clutch reseviour" contains brake fluid but is seperate from your brake fluid reseviour. Any DOT 3/4 should be fine. Check the upper right section of your engine bay for a skinny container that's smaller then your brake fluid resevior. First check the level of fluid in the reseviour, it should normally sit somewhere between the low and high marks.

    To bleed the system it's easier to use a buddy. *Quick FYI - brake fluid can give you a mild burning sensation on your skin and isn't great for your eyes, so use protective goggles and whatever else you feel is appropriate*. First top off your fluid level. Don't worry about over-filling at this point, your fluid will drop in while bleeding it. Locate the slave clyinder attached to your transmission. It will have a little bleeder valve located on it just like a brake caliper. It might be a good idea at this point to have your buddy lift the clutch pedal off the floor with their hand and press it to the floor to pump it. Have them do this a few times while you are under the car and look for any leaks. Also watch the rod at the end of your slave clyinder as it moves in and out. The pressure that is ultimately started by pushing your clutch pedal will cause pressure to build in the line and cause the slave clyinder rod to extend on the bottom of your clutch fork. This clutch fork ultimately pivots on your clutch ball and moves the throw-out bearing attached to the top of your clutch fork to press against the tips off your pressure plate which press your clutch disc/puck against your flywheel).

    If you haven't noticed any relevant leaks by this point, you are ready to start bleeding. Use a 10mm wrench (or similar, depending on vehicle) to loosen the bleeder valve on your slave clyinder. To catch the fluid that will come out, try using a small plastic soda bottle with a piece of rubber tubing going securely into the bottle through the rubber cap. Attach the other end of the tubing to your bleeder valve.

    *The idea is that you loosen the valve, then have your buddy push and hold the clutch pedal to the floor. While the pedal is still pressed to the floor, close the bleeder valve so no air can enter while the pedal is going back up. When the valve is loosened enough (usually only a fraction of a rotation is needed), fluid will start to come out of your slave clyinder. At first, there may only be air coming out. Keep going and you will see what I'll describe as white foam (air mixed with fluid). Eventually, only fluid will come out. It also helps a lot if you can build up a bit of pressure (check clutch pedal feel) before you start bleeding.*

    Watch the fluid level in your clutch reseviour while doing this. It's usually ok to the fluid level drop below the "low" mark, but don't let all of the fluid drain from the resevior. Fill as needed.

    If you'd like to go an extra step, bleed your slave clyinder by itself. This is easy. All you have to do it remove the bleeder valve entirely from the slave clyinder and push and hold the end of the slave rod with your hand. After the fluid squirts out, thread the bleeder valve back into place and make sure it is tight before you let the rod out.

    Try this first and send me a PM if you have any questions.


  14. #14
    Veteran Member Four Rings highPSI-S4's Avatar
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    19' RS5 Coupe, 22' Tiguan SEL R-line
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    yeah it's def slave cylinder issue as everyone else has stated. i've had it happen to me 3 times with the same car.(Eclipse gst not audi) apperently the mech. working on the car didn't install it right and it took them 3 times, each time it went out i was stranded....the first time being at a toll booth.
    2019 Glacier White RS5 034 STG3 e85 ECU | 034 STG2 TCU | Uni Carbon intake/inlet | AWE Touring | 034 Downpipe | 034 RSB | ABT HAS | BC Forged KZ10 |
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  15. #15
    Veteran Member Four Rings 1sadavant's Avatar
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    Jun 21 2005
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    '01.5 S4 & '05.5 M3
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    I am just going to bump this instead of starting an identical thread. Similar situation, occasionally my clutch pedal won't return from depressing. I have a fluid residue on top of my transmission bell housing, which I assume is coming from the slave or as this thread touched on, a hose?? What would this hose for the clutch be?

    Is there a diy on replacing the slave cylinder from above and not as the bentley instructs accessing it from the bottom with pulling the dp's, axles. Etc?

    Also, as a bandaid, am I able to just top off my brake fluid with dot4 if there is indeed a leak in the slave cylinder hose???

    Thanks!
    Last edited by 1sadavant; 11-12-2009 at 07:43 AM.
    2001.5 Audi S4 6spd ASP Stg 3 Imola
    IG: dr.yellowbird

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Four Rings mholme's Avatar
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    08 S4 00 S4
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by 1sadavant View Post
    I am just going to bump this instead of starting an identical thread. Similar situation, occasionally my clutch pedal won't return from depressing. I have a fluid residue on top of my transmission bell housing, which I assume is coming from the slave or as this thread touched on, a hose?? What would this hose for the clutch be?

    Is there a diy on replacing the slave cylinder from above and not as the bentley instructs accessing it from the bottom with pulling the dp's, axles. Etc?

    Also, as a bandaid, am I able to just top off my brake fluid with dot4 if there is indeed a leak in the slave cylinder hose???

    Thanks!
    You have to remove at least the axle heat shield from below to acces the single bolt that holds it in. Everything else can be done from up top.
    08 S4- Stock SOLD

    00 S4-APR 93 Piggies Custom True Dual exhaust AWE DTS ECS/Bilstein Coilovers 710N's Samco TBB Omori 52mm boost gauge SOLD

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Four Rings 1sadavant's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by mholme View Post
    You have to remove at least the axle heat shield from below to access the single bolt that holds it in. Everything else can be done from up top.
    Thanks, for the heads up. Do you know if it is possible to just top off the brake/clutch fluid for the time being, or is it once the system is open to the atmosphere do I have to bleed it?
    2001.5 Audi S4 6spd ASP Stg 3 Imola
    IG: dr.yellowbird

  18. #18
    Veteran Member Four Rings mholme's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by 1sadavant View Post
    Thanks, for the heads up. Do you know if it is possible to just top off the brake/clutch fluid for the time being, or is it once the system is open to the atmosphere do I have to bleed it?
    You can top it off, but if it's leaking out, it's leaking in, so you would be getting air into the system. Just replace it. It's not that hard.
    08 S4- Stock SOLD

    00 S4-APR 93 Piggies Custom True Dual exhaust AWE DTS ECS/Bilstein Coilovers 710N's Samco TBB Omori 52mm boost gauge SOLD

  19. #19
    Account Terminated One Ring
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    dont get a plastic slave, i got metal ones pm me

  20. #20
    Veteran Member Four Rings 1sadavant's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by mholme View Post
    You can top it off, but if it's leaking out, it's leaking in, so you would be getting air into the system. Just replace it. It's not that hard.

    You seem pretty handy with this, might you have time this weekend?
    2001.5 Audi S4 6spd ASP Stg 3 Imola
    IG: dr.yellowbird

  21. #21
    Account Terminated One Ring
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    mine pedal wouldnt come back up sometimes, changed the slave and just broke on me while driving?...opened it up rs4 pressure plate broken, JUNK
    Got a Clutch masters Stage4 and i love it, Metal Slave

  22. #22
    Veteran Member Three Rings sfored's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by jaybquick@JHM View Post
    Sounds like it is most likely a bad slave cylinder. A bad master cylinder can do this as well but 90% of the time it is the slave cylinder.

    If you check the slave it should have fluid in the boot when they go bad.

    Got them in stock


    Slave --> http://www.jhmotorsports.com/shop/ca...52b7f90248be03


    Master --> http://www.jhmotorsports.com/shop/ca...52b7f90248be03



    Any good shop should be able to quickly and properly diagnose this in about a half hour. But most likely it is just your slave cylinder.



    The only other possibility if the clutch slave and master check out, is a bad pressure plate (really rare and usually due to abuse)
    any upgrades to the slaves ? full metal ? like the older (A6s - reach/guessing)

  23. #23
    Veteran Member Four Rings 1sadavant's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by sfored View Post
    any upgrades to the slaves ? full metal ? like the older (A6s - reach/guessing)
    http://www.autospeed.us/store.php?cr...on=show_detail

    Apparently Sach's makes a heavy duty one.

    but I don't know if it is worth twice the price of an OEM:

    http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ave%20Cylinder
    2001.5 Audi S4 6spd ASP Stg 3 Imola
    IG: dr.yellowbird

  24. #24
    Veteran Member Three Rings sfored's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    umm - that sachs is plastic as well.. maybe stronger ...but plastic

    Quote Originally Posted by 1sadavant View Post
    http://www.autospeed.us/store.php?cr...on=show_detail

    Apparently Sach's makes a heavy duty one.

    but I don't know if it is worth twice the price of an OEM:

    http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ave%20Cylinder

  25. #25
    Veteran Member Four Rings mholme's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by 1sadavant View Post
    You seem pretty handy with this, might you have time this weekend?
    Where are you in PA? I really wouldn't want to do it on a hot car as it's very hands on..
    08 S4- Stock SOLD

    00 S4-APR 93 Piggies Custom True Dual exhaust AWE DTS ECS/Bilstein Coilovers 710N's Samco TBB Omori 52mm boost gauge SOLD

  26. #26
    Veteran Member Four Rings 1sadavant's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    It is understandable, I am in Philly, but on second thought this weekend looks to be pretty bad weather wise.
    2001.5 Audi S4 6spd ASP Stg 3 Imola
    IG: dr.yellowbird

  27. #27
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings jaybquick@JHM's Avatar
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    Re: Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

    Quote Originally Posted by sfored View Post
    any upgrades to the slaves ? full metal ? like the older (A6s - reach/guessing)
    They do update PNs but they are ALL plastic and are still that way even on new B7 RS4s. We sell the latest and greatest updated PNs

    People do sell the different PN SACHS slave that is OE from the 04 Allroad as an upgrade. I have come accross several that bought it and could tell no difference. On a bench they look identical to the latest B5 S4 PN that we sell, so I am pretty sure they are all updated. Honestly it is not worth it, that is why we don't sell it.

    JHMotorsports AZ tuner spotlight VIDEO
    Check out our 11 and 10 second passes on YouTube

    B8 S5 4.2l - JHM Stage 1 SC Kit (ET: 11.8 @ 119mph) -- B6 S4 - JHM Stage 2 SC Kit (ET: 11.1 @ 128mph) – JHM Nitrous (ET: 12.29 @ 117mph) - JHM Bolt Ons -ALL MOTOR (ET: 12.70 @ 111mph) -- B5 S4 - JHM RS6-R (ET: 10.8 @ 130mph)

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