Clutch (release bearing) noise... pls help!

**Avant_Dave** · 20-09-2007,08:07 PM

I have just brought a 2002 1.8 T Avant, and have recently notice a noise when releasing the clutch as I change down gear. It happens when the engine is warm and the noise starts as soon as the clutch bites (and can be felt through the clutch pedal) and continues until the pedal is fully released. It is also louder the lower the gear I'm in, ie. it's at its worst when changing from 3rd to 2nd. The only think I can think of is the clutch release bearing... Can any please help or offer any suggestions...?

**Ian_A4** · 20-09-2007,08:24 PM

Hi there this does sound like a clutch related problem but without experiencing myself its a bit hard to say.

If you sit in the car with the engine running parked up in neutral can you hear any strange noises and when the clutch is pressed the noise goes? or noisy when clutch is pressed but quiet when its released?

**Crasher** · 20-09-2007,08:33 PM

New clutch kit I'm afraid, it is a common problem.

**Avant_Dave** · 21-09-2007,08:25 AM

There's no clutch or release bearing noise when the engine is running whether the clutch is pressed in or not. It only happens once the engine is warm and when changing down as the clutch pedal is released. There's no noise when changing down when the clutch pedal is fully released and the noise is louder the lower (3rd to 2nd) the gear possible due to a heavier load on the clutch. If it was a bearing issue is it possible to lubricate the bearing in situ? If not is it worth just replacing the bearing or the complete clutch? Thanks for your input.

**Crasher** · 21-09-2007,10:04 AM

Lubricating the bearing in situ is impossible (I saw a hold drilled in the side of the box once!!) and it is possible that you have the beginning of a dual mass flywheel failure.

**Avant_Dave** · 21-09-2007,03:21 PM

Thanks for your input. Can you elaborate on a 'dual mass flywheel failure'. Thanks.

**Crasher** · 21-09-2007,05:46 PM

Google "DMF+LUK" and read up. Basicaly they are rubbish and fall to bits.

**Col** · 21-09-2007,06:54 PM

Is the release bearing doing the classic 'squeal' ?

If so, it could carry on doing so for many thousands of miles without trouble other than that annoying squeal !

I'd live with it if it were me and get it done when it starts to get bad.... that is if it does at all !

**RickT** · 21-09-2007,11:18 PM

I have had my clutch making a "BERRR" noise if i drop down a gear at high ish rev's or hammer the clutch on start up..

I have had this noise for the last 50k miles.. lol..

RickT

**paul b** · 27-09-2007,11:31 PM

If you have the time and/or money I would just replace the clutch. It seems the cheapest way of fixing it, if it fixes it, if you know what I mean. Is your Audi high miles if so it would be understandable for it to become noisy...
Paul