[s-cars] UrS6 Clutch questions

[bob.rossato at att.net]

> A couple questions about my 95 S6 with 88k on the odometer concerning the
> clutch.
>
> 1.  Ok, now really, how stiff should the clutch feel to know it needs to =
be
> replaced.  I took the car in a while back to have the winter tires put on=
 (a
> bavarian car only shop) and when the guy pulled it into the bay, he said =
that
> the clutch was way too stiff and needed replacing.  Compared with the 200=
2 1.8t
> A4 Audi recently bought back from me, the clutch is MUCH stiffer.  But...=
 now
> I'm used to it.  Engages well.  No slip.  Bit of a noise tho' going into =
and out
> of 3rd.  Not like pinion bearing sound, almost like pressure plate not fu=
lly
> disengaging? or coarse flywheel sound?

This is kind of a difficult one to judge because it can be rather subjectiv=
e=2E  Even so, every single A4 I've driven has had a light clutch.  A littl=
e bit too light IMO.  So, that's not necessarily a good comparison.  The cl=
utch on my S6 feels about right to me and it is definitely heavier than tho=
se on an A4.  You may want to find somebody in your area with an S4/6 for c=
omparison.  For the mileage you have I wouldn't expect there to be a proble=
m yet, but you never know and it depends on it's past history.

> 2.  What's an average cost for replacing the clutch?  Is there an advanta=
ge to
> staying with Sachs?  I've been quoted from about $1200 to $2000.  The low=
-ball
> was just replacing the clutch kit parts. No seals or anything else.  The =
high
> quote was to include all the seals and gaskets and to machine the flywhee=
l=2E
> Should all seals be replaced?  Also, should I have the slave cylinder rep=
laced
> at the same time seeing as how its right there?  Has anyone had this sort=
 of
> work done by ECS in Ohio?

The OE clutch is LUK, not Sachs.  From my understanding the dual-mass flywh=
eel can't be easily, if at all, resurfaced.  And it may not need it anyway.=
  While you're in there it certainly makes sense to change the seals.  The =
slave cylinder too.

Bob