Clutch replacement stage

[BUD-S4]

Gentlemen. Couple of questions regarding issues with my B8.5 S4.

Recently had some noise coming from my transmission and an oil leak which popped up on basically the same day... Car is currently at the Audi dealer, they're pulling the trans as it looks like there's a leak on the timing chain cover. Trans will be examined once its pulled as well to discern what exactly is going on there. I've been told the two issues seem to be isolated... However, I find it odd that they popped up on exactly the same day. We'll see.

My car is a 6mt. And since the trans is already being taken out I figured I'd throw in a new clutch. I'm looking at JHM stage 3 VS. the Stage 4. Only an extra 50 bucks so I don't see why I shouldn't just go for the stage 4? I imagine its a bit rougher than than the stage 3? Some insight on that would be very helpful. Or are there other options I should consider? I've done some research but figure its best to get a more recent opinion.

Additionally, should I consider the light weight flywheel that JHM offers? I'm don't plan to track the car or doing hard launches. Just your normal canyon runs on the weekend and a time trials rally with the local Porsche club every once in a blue moon.

Lastly, here's the required pic, because I know that's all anyone really cares about:

[draekin13]

I plan on going stage 3 in mine. From what I have read it is more about the drivability. Stage 3 seems to be more fitting for the DD as mine will be. Unless you plan on going all out on mods Stage 3 should also hold up to whatever you throw at it.

[BUD-S4]

I plan on going stage 3 in mine. From what I have read it is more about the drivability. Stage 3 seems to be more fitting for the DD as mine will be. Unless you plan on going all out on mods Stage 3 should also hold up to whatever you throw at it.

Thanks, brother. Makes sense. The S4 is my DD and will remain that as long as I own it... I'm considering another car, but live in a condo and don't have the room for a fun toy one day soon i hope!

Any insight on the lightweight flywheel for daily driving?

[k6750gsxr]

This may help your decision a little. It helps to know the difference in material between the two stages. That will help determine which clutch disc is best for you.

Stage 4 : Kevlar clutches are both durable and retain the feel of the standard organic clutch but will glaze if used consistently in stop/go traffic. However they will return to normal again once driven hard enough to remove the glaze. Once overheated, though, the clutch will not recover and will need replacing. They usually need around 1000 miles to bed-in properly and are useable on the street but are better suited to track day use or weekend fun on cars making up to 500hp.

Stage 3: Hybrid Carbon/Ceramic/Organic: These discs have organic material on one side and a segmented carbon or ceramic material on the other. The idea behind these is the organic side will help smooth the engagement and reduce the shuddering from the segmented side. However, they can be used in the same situations as regular organic clutches, though the carbon or ceramic side will wear the flywheel and pressure plate surface faster in traffic situations.


If you are in traffic at all I would go stage 3 vs. stage 4 just my opinion. Unless you are one that is going to max out this car with duel pulleys and e85 plus what ever the future holds then stage 3 will be good for around 400ft tq.

[adk_audi]

Nice ecodes, since that is all anyone really cares about! :-)... Oh you had a clutch question in there too....

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[Vogz]

Thanks, brother. Makes sense. The S4 is my DD and will remain that as long as I own it... I'm considering another car, but live in a condo and don't have the room for a fun toy one day soon i hope!

Any insight on the lightweight flywheel for daily driving?

I would skip the LW flywheel for daily driving. There's some drivetrain clatter at low rpms (not horrible but it's there) Once the trans fluid warms up, you'll have some racket at idle too. A few people have asked if something is wrong with my car when it's idling.

[XxSullyxX123]

Nice ecodes, since that is all anyone really cares about! :-)... Oh you had a clutch question in there too....

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

Correct me If I'm wrong, but actually I think those are OEM headlights with the amber reflector deleted.

[adk_audi]

Correct me If I'm wrong, but actually I think those are OEM headlights with the amber reflector deleted.

LOL. And that folks, is how you derail a thread! Next lesson: Getting back on topic... Still trying to find a surefire way to do that. Oh, right, clutch

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[BUD-S4]

This may help your decision a little. It helps to know the difference in material between the two stages. That will help determine which clutch disc is best for you.

Stage 4 : Kevlar clutches are both durable and retain the feel of the standard organic clutch but will glaze if used consistently in stop/go traffic. However they will return to normal again once driven hard enough to remove the glaze. Once overheated, though, the clutch will not recover and will need replacing. They usually need around 1000 miles to bed-in properly and are useable on the street but are better suited to track day use or weekend fun on cars making up to 500hp.

Stage 3: Hybrid Carbon/Ceramic/Organic: These discs have organic material on one side and a segmented carbon or ceramic material on the other. The idea behind these is the organic side will help smooth the engagement and reduce the shuddering from the segmented side. However, they can be used in the same situations as regular organic clutches, though the carbon or ceramic side will wear the flywheel and pressure plate surface faster in traffic situations.


If you are in traffic at all I would go stage 3 vs. stage 4 just my opinion. Unless you are one that is going to max out this car with duel pulleys and e85 plus what ever the future holds then stage 3 will be good for around 400ft tq.

I would skip the LW flywheel for daily driving. There's some drivetrain clatter at low rpms (not horrible but it's there) Once the trans fluid warms up, you'll have some racket at idle too. A few people have asked if something is wrong with my car when it's idling.

Extremely helpful - Thanks guys! I'll go stage 3 and just keep the stock flywheel as I don't intend to track this car all that much if at all and I don't think I'll ever go stage 3. Stage 2 on the other hand is a likely possibility!

Nice ecodes, since that is all anyone really cares about! :-)... Oh you had a clutch question in there too....

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

LOL

Correct me If I'm wrong, but actually I think those are OEM headlights with the amber reflector deleted.

Correct! I just opened them up and pulled out the ambers. I don't understand why everyone doesn't do this. Job couldn't have taken me more than 45 minutes and the only cost is a tube of caulking/sealant. Super easy and CHEAP!

[mmm def]

Caulking. ;) nice car!

[XxSullyxX123]

LOL. And that folks, is how you derail a thread! Next lesson: Getting back on topic... Still trying to find a surefire way to do that. Oh, right, clutch

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Hahahah touché


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[iviegatron]

Before buying an aftermarket clutch, check with dealer if they will even install it. From what I was told by my dealer they will only install OEM parts so they can warranty the work.

[rtl5009]

I would go JHM if going aftermarket. Or just throw another OEM unit in

[EHesh14]

I have the stage 3 from jhm and it's very daily drivable. Pedal is a little stiffer than stock which I like.

[infinkc]

Stage 4, I went through the same decision. Talked with Jhm at the time and they said go with stage 4, much better disc with the same engagement and drive ability. The only downside is the longer breakin. I have 15k on mine now and glad I went with it over the 3. Car drives like stock and I know it can handle the power with no worries. Thy now have their R line also.

[fitzydude]

Go with stage 4 ;) I love Kevlar clutches and it's perfectly streetable.

[AKPS4]

Other downside is longevity. That stage 4 will not last 50-70k miles or more. Stage 3 has more longevity, but it also all depends on your use. No sense in stage 4 or even stage 3 if you don't track.

[Thurston]

I'm going to go with an "R" series clutch from JHM unless they convince me otherwise. I'd like to hear a video of the lw flywheel chatter so as to determine if I want it or not.

[draekin13]

FWIW I plan on going with the lightweight flywheel on mine. The response due to the loss of mass is something that I will enjoy. That is just my personal preference even going with it as a DD. JHM is what I am looking at as well.

[ModItNow]

I would contact jhm because they have a new line out, R series and it's not on their website. I also think the light weight flywheel would be fun to drive!

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[xuandatou]

Go with the STG 4.

I've been running the JHM STG 4 w/ LWFW for about 15K miles (including 10+ spirited track days) on my 13' S5 with no problems at all.

Never experienced any chatters or vibrations. You will never get a chance to look back

[jimrobbington]

I also recommend JHM STAGE 3. I do have their LWFW and love it. Here is a quote from my own review thread:

Overall, my takeaways on the flywheel, now that I'm getting used to how everything feels/works again; I have never had a LWFW before, and I'm not sure what I expected. I didn't expect much. What I got was so much more. The way the revs climb now is incredible. I still have stock tuning, and I can more easily get the rear end loose than I could before due to the nature of how fast rpms climb now. I can rev match down shifts much easier/smoother than I have ever been able to on this or any other car. The power is immediate when mashing the pedal, and the ever so slight "turbo lag" is gone. I have never felt this clutch slip, and it feels good.]]

You can read the full review here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...WFW-THE-REVIEW

[BUD-S4]

All great info - thanks guys!

I may consider going stage 4 or even the R series - I'll reach out to JHM this afternoon and get their opinion. Honestly, I don't plan on keeping this car more than another year - so a clutch with a shorter lifetime doesn't bother me all that much.

My rep at the Audi dealer is confirming that they can install an aftermarket clutch... I should hear back shortly. Crossing my fingers!

[infinkc]

All great info - thanks guys!

I may consider going stage 4 or even the R series - I'll reach out to JHM this afternoon and get their opinion. Honestly, I don't plan on keeping this car more than another year - so a clutch with a shorter lifetime doesn't bother me all that much.

My rep at the Audi dealer is confirming that they can install an aftermarket clutch... I should hear back shortly. Crossing my fingers!

Your so close to JHM, why not have them install the clutch? I had them do mine and their labor rate for a clutch is very reasonable. I normally would have done it myself, but left it up to them to do.

[xuandatou]

All great info - thanks guys!

I may consider going stage 4 or even the R series - I'll reach out to JHM this afternoon and get their opinion. Honestly, I don't plan on keeping this car more than another year - so a clutch with a shorter lifetime doesn't bother me all that much.

My rep at the Audi dealer is confirming that they can install an aftermarket clutch... I should hear back shortly. Crossing my fingers!

+1 for JHM installation for the following reasons:

1. They know their product better than Audi dealerships (I had my clutch & LWFW installed at JHM, dropped off in the morning at around 8:30AM and picked it up around 6:00 PM)

2. You may ask for a discount price for parts & labor combo

3. You are 100% covered by JHM if you let let perform the installation

4. I'm pretty sure their labor rate would beat any Audi dealerships in the entire Bay Area (as far as I'm concerned, their rate is half of Audi SF)

5. Your location is fairly close to JHM (BTW, there's an Enterprise Car Rental very close to JHM, just in case you don't want to wait onsite)

[withENEMYin]

I went with jhm R5 clutch and lw flywheel. It was extremely rough at first, but after left leg squatting for a month or two it's not so bad....

I went this direction knowing I was going to mod everything I possibly could.

[BUD-S4]

Your so close to JHM, why not have them install the clutch? I had them do mine and their labor rate for a clutch is very reasonable. I normally would have done it myself, but left it up to them to do.

+1 for JHM installation for the following reasons:

1. They know their product better than Audi dealerships (I had my clutch & LWFW installed at JHM, dropped off in the morning at around 8:30AM and picked it up around 6:00 PM)

2. You may ask for a discount price for parts & labor combo

3. You are 100% covered by JHM if you let let perform the installation

4. I'm pretty sure their labor rate would beat any Audi dealerships in the entire Bay Area (as far as I'm concerned, their rate is half of Audi SF)

5. Your location is fairly close to JHM (BTW, there's an Enterprise Car Rental very close to JHM, just in case you don't want to wait onsite)

Thanks for the recommendations... But I'm not that close to JHM. California is a big ass state (I'm in the "Brentwood" located in Los Angeles not the bay area)! Lol I'm a solid 6 hours away from them. Don't get me wrong, I see some great benefits to having JHM install, but the dealer already has my trans out of the car and they've done so under warranty.... So I'm not even paying for labor on this. All I have to do is have them throw in the new clutch and they've said they wont even bill me for an extra hour of labor to do so. Seems like a no brainer to me. I feel confident that I can hold the dealer accountable if they mess up the install... Not like I'm dealing with a small indy shop on this one. Or do you guys think I'm wrong in that assumption?

I still haven't ordered the clutch and not 100% sure which one I'll go with. Still waiting on Audi to finalize some things and then I'll reach out to JHM for their recommendation.

[jimrobbington]

Thanks for the recommendations... But I'm not that close to JHM. California is a big ass state (I'm in the "Brentwood" located in Los Angeles not the bay area)! Lol I'm a solid 6 hours away from them. Don't get me wrong, I see some great benefits to having JHM install, but the dealer already has my trans out of the car and they've done so under warranty.... So I'm not even paying for labor on this. All I have to do is have them throw in the new clutch and they've said they wont even bill me for an extra hour of labor to do so. Seems like a no brainer to me. I feel confident that I can hold the dealer accountable if they mess up the install... Not like I'm dealing with a small indy shop on this one. Or do you guys think I'm wrong in that assumption?

I still haven't ordered the clutch and not 100% sure which one I'll go with. Still waiting on Audi to finalize some things and then I'll reach out to JHM for their recommendation.

I don't think you are wrong to let the dealer do the work for free. They will, however, point the finger at your aftermarket clutch if anything were to go wrong.

I personally ended up with a "push clutch to start" issue just a couple weeks after dealer installed my clutch. They pretty much wouldn't touch it unless I agreed to pay labor to have them pull it apart again to inspect. I took my car elsewhere.