Clutch longevity questions

[Kent McLean]

Scott Elliot Gilman wrote:
> How long does the clutch typically last before it needs to be  
> replaced?  Also, what are the telltale signs of a clutch going out?   
> I've got just 107K with the original clutch on my 200, and on a few  
> occasions I've noticed a little bit of stuttering under hard  
> acceleration.  Granted this has happened only on cold (less than 20  
> degree) mornings.

Stuttering? I dunno.

If the clutch is starting to slip from wear/age, you can easily baby it for 
another 5-10K miles. If it is due to oil on the clutch from a leaking seal, 
you'll be replacing it much sooner.

Clutch slippage shows itself in higher gears. Try going up a steep hill in 5th, 
then press fully on the gas pedal -- if the engine accelerates but the car does 
not, it's a sign your clutch is slipping. Then you have to determine the cause, 
and by that time, the transmission is out and you might as well replace the 
clutch while you are in there.

Just my 2 cents.

-- 
Kent McLean
'99 A4 Avant, w/ quattro, V6, Tiptronic. "Yeah, Baby!"
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody"
'91 200 TQA #1, undecided
'91 200 TQA #2, up in smoke 2
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy", up in smoke