[Biturbos4] Time to start thinking "new clutch"?

[Grant]

That was my first thought, until all the repeated discussion of "ok 
cold, not hot".  Sounds clutch-ish.

BUT, you might first check linage alignment.  Way cheaper.

Grant
On Aug 9, 2005, at 11:14 PM, docwyte at comcast.net wrote:

> Sounds more like tranny syncros to me vs a clutch.  I'd stay away from 
> the aftermarket clutches, if you want a stronger clutch, get the RS4 
> one.
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
>
>> I've been dealing with an issue I encounter when
>> shifting. Trying to gear down from a high rate of
>> speed (6th gear to 4th, or 5th gear to 4th), I
>> periodically am treated to gear grinding and no luck
>> at engaging 4th gear (clutch firmly planted to the
>> floor). After burning some speed and shifting through
>> other gears, revisiting 4th is usually successful. I
>> also find grinding on ocassion when agressively
>> shifting from 3rd to 4th. Sometimes at a stop light,
>> 1st gear requires a visit to 2nd gear before it'll
>> completely engaged. And finally, on occasion, after
>> driving for an hour or so, using reverse can be tricky
>> too. These issues are a relatively recent
>> development.
>>
>> My recent service visit to the dealership (Audi
>> Assured warranty still in effect - but not for a
>> clutch) revealed a diagnosis of "needs a clutch". The
>> linkage was presumably eliminated as the issue as my
>> tech (whom I've enjoyed a good rapport with) indicated
>> he was able to reproduce the problem once the clutch
>> was hot and even encountered slipping to a degree.
>> Price with flywheel, about $3,000 ... if no flywheel
>> is required then just over $2,000.
>>
>> So .... I'm thinking that an aftermarket clutch may be
>> worth consideration. I'm also toying with the idea of
>> a lightweight flywheel, even if my stock flywheel is
>> OK.
>>
>> The car is still driveable and the problem is not so
>> severe or common that I can't take some time to weigh
>> all my options. Might even get a second opinion before
>> going too far, but I am starting to gather quotes.
>>
>> Are there any other things that need to be done "while
>> their in there"?
>>
>> What're the group thoughts on lightweight flywheel
>> replacements?
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> Single Malt
>> '01.5 S4
>> Garaged at 9200ft
>> just outside Denver, CO
>>
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