Clutch Noise?

[serumk]

Hello, everyone!

I'm the proud new owner of a 2004 S4 = )

The car is absolutely pristine, and drives wonderfully, but I wanted to ask if anyone has ever encountered a situation where the clutch makes some sort of rattle/clanking noise for roughly the first two engagements on cold start. The noise is fairly quiet, but is audible, and can be felt in the pedal. The clutch does not slip.

I assume it's the original clutch after 48,000 miles, so it's probably on the way out, but I wanted to find out if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks, and happy motoring!

K. Andrew Serum

[ZachPDX]

CONGRATS ON THE s4!!!
Nobody help till he gets some pics up!!! j/k

I haven't heard anyone complain of clutch chatter but maybe its just super hard from the cold? how cold is it outside on these cold starts your talking about?

[serumk]

lol, I KNEW I was going to get in trouble for not posting pics. I'll put some up soon -- my wife has a really nice digital SLR camera, and I just got it all cleaned up. = )

To answer your question, the temperature has varied quite a bit, but the noise/pedal sensation happens reliably. It's been sitting in the garage overnight anywhere from 20 - 55 degrees, and when I start it after work, the range has been about the same. It seems to occur any time the engine has gone back to completely cold, so if it sits for more than 2 hours, it happens.

It almost feels like there's something between the clutch and flywheel that gets sorted out after it engages once or twice, if that seems logical.

Weird, I know...

Pictures to follow...


K. Andrew Serum

[fitzS4]

i know what you are talking about........i dont see it being a problem.....it will do it when its below 40....you hear it as you let your clutch out at the start right?

[serumk]

Yeah, the first time or two each time I drive it from cold start, and then I don't notice it anymore.