iws

<brnelson55@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1146623693.544587.106700@u72g2000cwu.googlegr oups.com...
> I currently have 38,000 miles on my 03 A4 Quattro and noticed that my
> clutch is slipping when I change gears. Basically my RPMs are way too
> high for my acceleration and speed when I shift into gear. I've also
> noticed that it seems to stick a little when I shift into 2nd gear.
> The realease point is extremely high as well. If the mechanic noticed
> that the release point seemed different.
>
> The dealership says that if the wear is due to abuse then I will have
> to pay a minimum of $500 just for them to look at the clutch and
> $2300!!! to replace it. My car is under warranty and I think this is
> bullsh$t. I do not drop my clutch at rpms, constantly keep it in
> engaged, nor do I race it all the time. I live in Atlanta with
> terrible traffic and have to shift a lot in bumper to bumper traffic
> and I shift slowly for smooth shifts but am wondering if that is
> actually worse for the clutch than quick jerky shifts since the clutch
> is engaged longer. They also tried to tell me that because I have 19"
> RS6 wheels that the circumfrence and weight of the new wheel is similar
> to "towing a boat" which is more stressful on the clutch. Am i wrong or
> is the diameter the same since the profile of the tire is smaller to
> compensate for the bigger wheel. Also, what added weight? I know he
> can't possibly mean actual lbs added to the car.
>
> Finally they said abuse can be identified by rippped rivets, excessive
> hot spots, and uneven wear on the clutch. Can anyone verify that this
> can identify abuse?? Is there a difference in how the clutch looks
> based on whether I'm racing the car or shifting much more than normal
> due to traffic conditions? Can anyone give me any information to form
> a solid argument with them? I am not a mechanic but I refuse to be
> taken advantage of by these dealerships any longer
>

Unfortunately, if the clutch has been slipping enough to be noticable, there
may already have been overheating that could produce "evidence" they will
likely find sufficient to deny a warranty claim. Still, in order to have a
non-defective clutch wear out at 38,000 miles, you have to be pretty
abusive. One of the main culprits is "riding" the clutch. It's really
impossible for anyone here to judge your driving habits and determine that
they would cause a clutch to wear out at 38,000 miles. Your mention of other
symptoms ("also noticed that it seems to stick a little when I shift into
2nd gear") suggests the possibility of a failed component not letting the
clutch engage properly. That would be very useful to demonstrate to the
service manager even if you have to go for a drive with him. I had a clutch
release bearing on my A4 fail at 22,000 miles (squealing sound) and it was
replaced under warranty so I certainly wouldn't rule out a defective part
being involved. The dealer comment about your wheels is just total BS and
suggests to me that they are sleazy enough that I'd take it to another
dealer if possible. In any event, drive gently until you take it in to avoid
more heat damage to the clutch components.

winston

This sort of thing explains why European car manufacturers continue to
have a hard time gaining market share in North America.

When I was an auto journalist, there was an expression used by more
experienced writers pointed at German manufacturers:

"American manufacturers want to you to tell them what you like about
their cars;

Japanese manufacturers want you to tell them how to improve their cars;

German manufacturers want to tell you why their cars are the best."

This thinking extends into the dealer networks, where you are often
suposed to behave like you are lucky they have chosen to talk to you at
all.

Consequently, their superior attitude and superior pricing policies
results in fewer cars sold, often at prices beyond what you see in the
ads.

Fewer cars sold means parts and service become more expensive to pay
for running the low-volume dealership.

The expensive parts and service leads to fewer cars being sold.

The exception: larger cities with large European immigrant populations
and/or cultures.

Example:

In Toronto and Montreal Canada, you can get the oil changed in the BMW
3 series anywhere for $35 because the cars are common due to a large
multi-cultural population. You can buy a new 3 series for about the
same price as an optioned up Accord or Camry.

In smaller Canadian cities like Halifax, only the dealer will change
your oil (nobody carries the filter cartridges) and it costs over $100.

All of which is a shame...because I rather like German cars.

winston

This sort of thing explains why European car manufacturers continue to
have a hard time gaining market share in North America.

When I was an auto journalist, there was an expression used by more
experienced writers pointed at German manufacturers:

"American manufacturers want to you to tell them what you like about
their cars;

Japanese manufacturers want you to tell them how to improve their cars;

German manufacturers want to tell you why their cars are the best."

This thinking extends into the dealer networks, where you are often
suposed to behave like you are lucky they have chosen to talk to you at
all.

Consequently, their superior attitude and superior pricing policies
results in fewer cars sold, often at prices beyond what you see in the
ads.

Fewer cars sold means parts and service become more expensive to pay
for running the low-volume dealership.

The expensive parts and service leads to fewer cars being sold.

The exception: larger cities with large European immigrant populations
and/or cultures.

Example:

In Toronto and Montreal Canada, you can get the oil changed in the BMW
3 series anywhere for $35 because the cars are common due to a large
multi-cultural population. You can buy a new 3 series for about the
same price as an optioned up Accord or Camry.

In smaller Canadian cities like Halifax, only the dealer will change
your oil (nobody carries the filter cartridges) and it costs over $100.

All of which is a shame...because I rather like German cars.

winston

This sort of thing explains why European car manufacturers continue to
have a hard time gaining market share in North America.

When I was an auto journalist, there was an expression used by more
experienced writers pointed at German manufacturers:

"American manufacturers want to you to tell them what you like about
their cars;

Japanese manufacturers want you to tell them how to improve their cars;

German manufacturers want to tell you why their cars are the best."

This thinking extends into the dealer networks, where you are often
suposed to behave like you are lucky they have chosen to talk to you at
all.

Consequently, their superior attitude and superior pricing policies
results in fewer cars sold, often at prices beyond what you see in the
ads.

Fewer cars sold means parts and service become more expensive to pay
for running the low-volume dealership.

The expensive parts and service leads to fewer cars being sold.

The exception: larger cities with large European immigrant populations
and/or cultures.

Example:

In Toronto and Montreal Canada, you can get the oil changed in the BMW
3 series anywhere for $35 because the cars are common due to a large
multi-cultural population. You can buy a new 3 series for about the
same price as an optioned up Accord or Camry.

In smaller Canadian cities like Halifax, only the dealer will change
your oil (nobody carries the filter cartridges) and it costs over $100.

All of which is a shame...because I rather like German cars.