2010 S5 Clutch Pedal Issue

[downey13]

So I've done some searching around the forums and there seems to be a ton of different thoughts on this problem so I figured I'd try to get some more opinions.

I'm currently driving my 2010 Audi S5 that has about 60K miles on it. About a month after purchasing the car my clutch pedal has begun to act a bit strange. While I'm driving and I go to switch gears it will intermittently be slow to return to the up position. It always seems to come fully up, and it isn't a super slow return, but it is noticeable. If I bring my foot up slowly with the clutch there is no issue but if I fully depress the clutch pedal and quickly remove my foot from it it will take a little longer to come up.

Now this isn't a constant issue at all. It seems to actually get better the longer I drive the car, although this may just be a coincidence. I need to do more testing on that front.

Has anyone else ever run into something like this? It isn't a huge issue as of now, more of an annoyance, but something I'd like to fix if possible.

Thanks!

[11S5]

So I've done some searching around the forums and there seems to be a ton of different thoughts on this problem so I figured I'd try to get some more opinions.

I'm currently driving my 2010 Audi S5 that has about 60K miles on it. About a month after purchasing the car my clutch pedal has begun to act a bit strange. While I'm driving and I go to switch gears it will intermittently be slow to return to the up position. It always seems to come fully up, and it isn't a super slow return, but it is noticeable. If I bring my foot up slowly with the clutch there is no issue but if I fully depress the clutch pedal and quickly remove my foot from it it will take a little longer to come up.

Now this isn't a constant issue at all. It seems to actually get better the longer I drive the car, although this may just be a coincidence. I need to do more testing on that front.

Has anyone else ever run into something like this? It isn't a huge issue as of now, more of an annoyance, but something I'd like to fix if possible.

Thanks!

I have the same issue in my 2011 S5 with similar mileage. It started as the weather got colder(3 months ago), and the problem disappears on warm days. I've searched a lot of forum posts on this topic, haven't found a definitive root cause or fix that resolves it. I'm going to see if the problem sorts itself out when the weather changes; if not then I'll have a shop diagnose and fix it ($$$$). If you fix your sticky clutch pedal, please let me know how you do it.

[jwr9152]

I had this issue with mine and it was the self adjusting pressure plate. Had to replace the clutch. Went with an aftermarket non self adjusting pressure plate.

[TTRStud]

Audi seems to employ a lot of unreliable technology that we end up getting rid of - for example: self-adjusting pressure plate, hydraulic motor mounts, etc. What a bunch crap only good for marketing purposes. I wish they would just produce something solid and stop with the "truth in engineering" bullsh*t.

[downey13]

I had this issue with mine and it was the self adjusting pressure plate. Had to replace the clutch. Went with an aftermarket non self adjusting pressure plate.

This is exactly what I was hoping I wouldn't hear haha

[BoostEasy]

Audi seems to employ a lot of unreliable technology that we end up getting rid of - for example: self-adjusting pressure plate, hydraulic motor mounts, etc. What a bunch crap only good for marketing purposes. I wish they would just produce something solid and stop with the "truth in engineering" bullsh*t.

Welcome to German engineering: 'If it's more complicated (and ideally made of a plastic), it must be better'

[Crusader105]

I have an A5 with the M6 trans and experienced this slower return when it's really cold, like -20C. Goes away as soon as the car warms up though.

While it could be a pending clutch plate issue, it might be a simple as you may need to flush the clutch circuit with new brake fluid? When was the brake system last flushed, they are a common reservoir?

Do the easy, cheap stuff first!

I also understand there's some sort of flow restriction device in the slave line that meters the fluid flow. Not sure if it functions on apply or release or both? Maybe it's buggered.

There was a thread about a month ago about replacing the clutch slave line to eliminate the flow restriction. This seems to provide a better apply/release feel to the clutch at the pedal.

[TTRStud]

Welcome to German engineering: 'If it's more complicated (and ideally made of a plastic), it must be better'

Lol not to be a brand whore, but BMW products seem of higher quality...at least my M cars have been.

[jwr9152]

As Crusader said, try the easy stuff first. You can also try the return spring on the pedal itself. I replaced the entire pedal assembly, took out the online restrictor, switched to a ss line, replaced the slave cylinder, but none of it helped. Changing the clutch fixed it. Clutch was in perfect condition, pressure plate was shot.