Fw: clutch or transmission

[Nick Lawrence]

    I think I have found the problem!!!    I pulled the trans and removed the clutch pressure plate.  The friction disc was damaged. It appears the material on one side broke, a few near by rivets broke, and the friction material would swing outward. Like a brake shoe pivoting from one end.
    The would explain why depressing the clutch pedal at speed wouldn't disengage the trans.  The friction material had swung out and made contact with the pressure plate basket.  And also why revving the engine at that point would speed up and unlatch the friction material.
    Haven't got it all back together for a test but pretty sure it will work.

    So someone on Motorgeek suggested the Sachs clutch disc and said they fail often.  I have never had one fail before nor heard of chronic failing.  What's the opinions on this?
    And the parts guy said it was an over -rev failure.  I do not remember an over rev but it may have happened.  I wouldn't think this would be the first component to fail on my ole' tired 260k motor.

Thanks for all the support.
Nick  central Ohio

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Nick Lawrence 
To: quattro at audifans.com 
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 8:07 PM
Subject: clutch or transmission


My '90 200 tqa with 261k miles is having a problem shifting.  I'll try to describe conditions.

I can press the clutch and put it in gear, 1st or reverse and move off slowly and press the clutch and stop.

I run it up normally in 1st gear, press the clutch to shift and it won't shift, just like I didn't press the clutch.
The car also slows down as I have lifted off the throttle, just like it would do if one didn't press the clutch.

Same will happen if I can struggle up thru the gears. 

As I try to shift with the clutch pedal pushed and the throttle off the car slows,  sometimes a little jerky.  However if I apply throttle the engine will speed up like a slipping clutch.

At a standstill I can shift into any gear.  I can hold the clutch pedal down for extended time and the car doesn't start to creep.I can still put it in gear.

I do not notice any difference in the pedal feel.

The problem seems to be related to the car moving.

Clutch pressure plate, disc, throw out bearing, pilot bearing have 11k miles.

So, what failure in the trans could cause this?  What  are symptoms of failing torsen? 

Looking for some good explanations or WAG.

I'll ask trans swap questions in separate post.

Nick  central Ohio