Clutch problem ...

[Paul Bunyk <paul@pbunyk.physics.sunysb.edu>]

Hi!

I'm experiencing a strange problem with my clutch. 

Everything started couple weeks ago, when I started skidding on my
Audi Coupe '84 (no, it's not Quattro :( ) and hitted the curb. I bent
the passenger side lower control arm, but there were no other
(visible) damages. I managed to drive couple hundred meters to a
parking lot, my wheel was scratching against the body, but
engine/clutch/transmission felt OK. I get the car towed to my backyard
(after it was unloaded from the tow truck I drove couple more meters
to put it on the right place), lifted the passenger side on a
jackstand and spent some time rebuilding the suspension (and replacing
a worn inner boot on a driveshaft).

After I put everything together, lowered the car and tried to drive
it, I realized that clutch does not disengage: I can press the pedal
all the way to the floor, cable moves the clutch lever, but engine
remains connected to transmission.

The engine mounts were worn and they became even worse after the
impact (I was going to replace them anyway, by the way, is there a
file describing this in Quattro archives?). I thought that engine
moved a bit and clutch cable became too long, so I tried to "adjust"
it taking all slack away, but it did not help.

On neutral transmission rotates evenly without any suspicious noises.
I can imagine that something broke down in clutch/transmission on the
impact, but I was able to move the car before!

Can someone please give me an idea what happened? The interesting
thing is that I've just put a new clutch at repair shop, I wonder if I
can convince them that it has something to do with their fault and
make them fix it for free.

Any advice is appreciated!

Paul

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