BrandonS

Hey guys just thought i would throw this out there to see if anyone can help me with this. I have noticed when driving my car that i get a bit of a jerk between shifts when engaging the clutch. It seems to only happen when im doing normal driving. If i disengage then engage without any throttle its dead smooth or if im on it and shift quick its dead smooth, but normal driving i cant seem to get rid of the jerk (it feels like when your with someone who is just learning to drive stick) Im not getting any of the typical symptoms of a warn clutch (slipping, burning smell or any trouble engaging gears..) Im stumped, i just hope i dont have to replace the clutch

Axel

Do you have an after-market snub mount? Or I should ask, did MikeH install an after-market snub mount? If he didn't, start with that. If he did, sounds like more practice is needed. Doesn't sound like a clutch issue.

BrandonS

Honeslty im not too sure if he installed one or not, it was never mentioned atleast. Haha trust me no practice is needed, i first ran the strip at the age of 13and layed down the best time that even the owner of the car couldnt match
I took it to a great indi (ex-owasco audi tech) and he drove it with me on Friday and he feels that it may be a motor or tranny mount, he said the clutch feels just fine. He is going to further inspect it next time I have the car out.

If it is infact a mount of some sort, Axel how do you like your mounts?

Axel

By practice I wasn't referring to your general driving skill. I was referring to the specifics of the B6/7 S4. For example, I drove my friend's BMW Z3 and it took some time getting used to it even though I've been driving manual my entire life (never owned an auto) and I've done open-wheel track racing.

Anyway, that said, it is most likely a mount issue. The B6/7 S4 is known to have a weak (soft) snub mount. An Apikol snub mount ($34 at JHM) will drastically reduce the 1-2 and 2-3 jerking when shifting. It's the most noticeable mount of the three that I have. I only got the motor mounts because of the supercharger. I would have your mechanic inspect your snub mount to see if it's OEM. If it is, get the Apikol snub mount right away. If you already have it, look at your motor mounts next. The jerking is most likely caused by the movement of your engine.
If you replace the motor mounts, the stern street density mounts I have are good. Didn't notice a huge difference but then again, my original mounts were fine and I never ran my supercharged S4 on the original mounts so it's tough to say how the OEM mounts would have performed with the supercharger.
Just remember, if you do get the snub mount, tell your mechanic that after installing it, BEFORE tightening the whole thing, to idle the car for at least a minute for it to settle nicely. Otherwise, you'll most likely get unwanted vibrations. This isn't something mechanics know about unless they've done snub mount installs before hand. The install itself is easy but you do need to remove the front bumper so it's a good time to do other preventative work as well (belts and stuff) if they haven't been done in a while.

Let us know how it turns out.

BrandonS

I know i was only messin around. I noticed a big difference in even the way my brothers b7 a4 felt in comparison to my gti and they are using the same engine. I will most likely check and replace the snub mount myself if need be, i spend most of my time in my garage after work anyways. I was planning on either plasti-dip'n the front grill or replacing it with an RS4 so i have to remove the front end anyways. And i will have a look at the belts while its off (thanks for the suggestion)

BrandonS

Do you think i should do just the snub mount or get the bracket aswell?

Axel

Just the snub mount. Don't bother with the bracket. I don't think you thrash the car around and it'll add unwanted vibrations which the zero gap bracket adds.

BrandonS

ordered the Apikol snub mount from JHM, should be here next week. The guys at JHM are amazing to deal with