Clutch Removed - How Much Meat Left?

[boomer3]

Hey guys, my engine and trans are out right now for timing job, and I am putting in a B7 RS4 flywheel/clutch while i'm here. My clutch was engaging only at the last 1" of pedal travel or so, and the throwout bearing was making some noice.. Those two indications to me scream that the clutch has been in there for a full life cycle. However upon inspection tonight, it looks like this clutch has lots of meat left!! Please have a look at the following picture thread, look for the flywheel & clutch pics (2 of them currently), and let me know what you think.

http://www.cardomain.com/ridepost/63...i-s4-(2005.5)/

Not only does it look like it has lots of meat, but it's a LUK clutch kit and appears to potentially be the updated version (B7)? How is it that the clutch engagement was happening toward the very end of the throw like a low clutch in this case, could it be related to a glazed flywheel (didn't seem like it), or could the clutch slave be defective. Perhaps I didn't need to purchase a new clutch kit afterall . Any input would be helpful!

[SquiddyB6S4]

This this vehicle has a self-adjusting clutch setup, so the little adjuster(s) on the pressure plate may just have advanced themselves too far.

[TarlCabot]

sacs :)

yeah looks like somebody replaced clutch with OEM... me wonders if they did not replace p/p, that might be why its out of adjustment

looks like the flywheel was NOT re-surfaced either :(

[boomer3]

Would you feel then that a new clutch and flywheel is then warranted in this situation? It sounds like the slave should be fine by what you guys are saying, and that my old clutch may have been a bit of a jimmy rigged setup. So here's hoping the new flywheel and clutch will solve it! and that those adjusters will be set right?

[SpoolBus]

Most def install the new clutch, that clutch is trashed..scared beyond what I would feel comfortable putting back in.
Was there a bolt, washer, rock, midget..floating around in there my gawd
My thought is whatever was catching that disk in the middle disintegrated and you were to far gone to catch the edges anymore

[mankytron]

I agree, that clutch looks like it has low miles. The flywheel still has machining marks on it other than the deposits looks ok.. Just reinstall with a new slave and throwout bearing....save the 600-700. At least you are mechanially minded if someting does go in the future...even though a clutch teardown again is a pain. Just depends on how long you are going to keep the car.

[BCsniper]

Most def install the new clutch, that clutch is trashed..scared beyond what I would feel comfortable putting back in.
Was there a bolt, washer, rock, midget..floating around in there my gawd
My thought is whatever was catching that disk in the middle disintegrated and you were to far gone to catch the edges anymore

You do know that's kind of how the clutch looks out of the box, right?

Compare these:


Brand new:

I agree, that clutch looks like it has low miles. The flywheel still has machining marks on it other than the deposits looks ok.. Just reinstall with a new slave and throwout bearing....save the 600-700. At least you are mechanically minded if something does go in the future...even though a clutch teardown again is a pain. Just depends on how long you are going to keep the car.

I'd agree with this however he may need more than just a new slave cylinder. They may have tried to reuse the Pressure Plate and did not re-set the SAC. The SAC part of the PP is set from the factory if you are replacing it. If you are reusing it apparently you are supposed to reset the springs or something.

[QIKRNU]

The Bentley manual will show you how to reset the SAC. Doesn't look too tough, but you need access to a press.

[SpoolBus]

You do know that's kind of how the clutch looks out of the box, right?

You have some great input and expertise, but if it were my car and my decision this clutch would not go back into the car.
But it's not my car so it's just my .2

[boomer3]

It's too much time and energy to justify putting this clutch back in. From my experience, the old clutch and flywheel looks almost new, but there must have been some foreign object or something else that I can't figure out that promoted it to wear unevenly and glaze like that (or at least what looks like glazing to me?).

I am definitely putting in the new clutch, the slave looked fine to me so I didn't order a new one, now thinking it may be wise for me to pick one up last minute at the stealership. I guess when in doubt, replace!.. but that can get costly.

[SpoolBus]

It's too much time and energy to justify putting this clutch back in. From my experience, the old clutch and flywheel looks almost new, but there must have been some foreign object or something else that I can't figure out that promoted it to wear unevenly and glaze like that (or at least what looks like glazing to me?).

I am definitely putting in the new clutch, the slave looked fine to me so I didn't order a new one, now thinking it may be wise for me to pick one up last minute at the stealership. I guess when in doubt, replace!.. but that can get costly.

Exactly my thought, wise choice

[mankytron]

It's too much time and energy to justify putting this clutch back in. From my experience, the old clutch and flywheel looks almost new, but there must have been some foreign object or something else that I can't figure out that promoted it to wear unevenly and glaze like that (or at least what looks like glazing to me?).

I am definitely putting in the new clutch, the slave looked fine to me so I didn't order a new one, now thinking it may be wise for me to pick one up last minute at the stealership. I guess when in doubt, replace!.. but that can get costly.

I think the "uneven wear" is just due to that clutch having no enough miles to set in....however as bcsniper said maybe there is a pressure plate issue or setup issue with respect to the petal takeup. Clutches do not always look pretty, but can function perfectly fine. I would be more worried if it had slippage and vibraton then it's current appearance, and if it functioned fine before, it should be ok. Changing the slave is just preventative since it is easy to do now and not a huge cost. I can conpletely relate to saving time and energy...to go through all the blood, sweat, and tears again is not that fun. Best of luck with your rebuild.