pilotkjk

Hi everyone!
I need to replace the clutch in my 04 A4 1.8T Quattro. I want a stock feeling clutch, but I am told that a stock dual mass clutch installed is about $2500, which is more than I would like to spend. Are there any dual mass aftermarket clutches for a reasonable price and what are they like?
Can anyone tell me what their single mass clutch is like and if I should go that route? Thanks for the help in advance.

nothing77

Why is it going to cost so much, give us a breakdown of the pricing in that 2500. To answer, no, you will not find any aftermarket dual mass flywheels, a good single mass may be a good alternative, you could always have your stock flywheel resurfaces.

cheeba

Wow - $2500 is crazy!

A single mass FW on the 1.8T will exhibit some gear lash - what people call 'chatter' - but it's really only noticeable when idling in neutral next to some object, e.g., a wall, cars, curb. Disengage the clutch and the sound goes away. There are no other downsides to a SMFW. As far as positives, as compared to a dual-mass FW, they are more reliable, can hold more torque, will allow the engine to rev quicker, free up a bit of power, are lower in cost, and reduce a bit of your car's mass (usually).

I have a Clutchnet full-face disc and a SMFW that was about 7lbs lighter than my stock DMFW. If you're going to be in Regina anytime, you're welcome to check out my car and see if the 'chatter' is something that you can live with. My clutch should be fine with my power goals (~600HP) and it's easier to drive that my stock one was

Post the price break-down!

GeneKam

I am also curious bout the break down. Labour should be about 500 - 600 tops, there fore the parts are 1900 or so, which is very very high thats about 3 times the price that it should be.

Cheeba... I noticed when clutch is in "freeplay" space it makes the chattering sound, I though my mechanics messed something up, but i guess that what it was. Its sounds like something is loose and its not "fixed" in one place and it is quite noisy in a close space, with windows down, it sounds strange but i guess thats just the way it is.

cheeba

No worries Gene, it's completely normal - just the downside of losing the dual-mass junk. VAG's DMFWs are typically 25-30lbs, but on some cars they can be ~50lbs!

I forgot to mention that a lighter unit also reduces the effects the flywheel has on crank harmonics!

pilotkjk

Here is the cost breakdown from the dealer. Obviously they account for every possible little thing and the price shows it.

flywheel $927.54
flywheel bolt $19.38
pilot bearing $23.45
reman pressure plate $216.58
pressure plate bolt $4.20
realease bearing $90.00
reman clutch disc $175
drive shaft bolt $12.60
drive shaft gasket $20.32
exhaust manifold to cat bolt $11.91
exhaust manifold to cat gasket $26.52
sub frame bolt $43.36

total parts $1570.86

Labour 8.3 hrs@$125.00hr $1037.50

Shop supplies $50.00

PST $132.92
GST $132.92

Grand total $2924.20



Import Auto here in saskatoon says they can do it for $2500. The flywheel seems to be the biggest cost, but from what I am hearing its worth replacing in order to avoid problems later. I really do want to keep the stock feel and quietness of the car if I can. I am not planning on doing any more then Stage 1. I am talking to another place today so I will see what they say. Thanks for all the input guys.

Stevelev

Probably best to deal with an independant mechanic who is reliable and knows VAG cars if you want to substantially reduce the cost. Assuming your flywheel is in good shape (unles you've trashed the thing, its probably fine), the total cost shouldnt be much more than $1,000. for a dual mass that will also be capable of holding more torque (if need be). Andy at Southbend clutch is a fantasic resource for this stuff and not sure if they still do it but SBC machined my flywheel for free (since I purchased a clutch from them) when I upgraded due to going to a BT.

Andy Pyfer South Bend Clutch - DXD High Performance Clutches
(800) 988-4345

Good luck !

GeneKam

Oh my!!! The labour is rated very high!!!! Mine was less then half of that!!!! I would suggest to get a different mechanic to do it thats, as mentioned above knows our cars. The parts are quite pricey too, i got the clutch kit and i got my mechanic to do the rest. I spend about 500 on the kit, but i had discounts from centennial college before, how i miss thy!!!