Re: 87 5000 CS Quattro Clutch pedal dropping?

[M Connors <mconnor@frontiernet.net>]

Jack,
    I had a similar problem with my 87-5KTQ.  Turns out my problem was related
to a leaky power steering pump (believe it or not).  Apparently the power
steering reservior would get too low and cause a siphoning effect on the brake
reservior (believe it or not they are connected).  The siphoning effect would
introduce air into the hose that runs form the brake master cylinder to the
slave cylinder on the clutch (BTW, the slave cylinder is located above the
clutch pedal in the cabin) In my case, the clutch would be ok for a couple of
weeks at a time but then would require bleeding again.  My problem woould not
go away "until I connected the dots" and replaced my faulty power steering
pump. Since a leaky power steering pump is a common failure on Audis (I
believe it is common since the addition of the wrong power steering fluid in
the reservior, causes the premature deterioration of the seals in the pump).
Another possibility, a soggy clutch could also be your slave cylinder on the
clutch.  The tell tale sign of slave cylinder failure is the smell of oil in
the cabin and a possibly even an oil leak on the floor under the pedals..
Good Luck and please keep the list posted as to your final resolution.

Thanks
Mark

Jack Gagnon wrote:

> I am going to look at an 87 5000 CS Quattro this weekend and was told that
> the clutch works fine but has a weird feel to it.  He said the pedal drops
> away from your foot when depressed.  What is this a symptom of?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jack