Clutch judder

[Peterm9672]

Hello guys,

I'm new to Caddys and the forum and I'm wondering, roughly how long a clutch lasts.

I've had a start line Caddy (2012 MK3) for about 6 months and it's developed a bit of a judder when pulling away. The bite seems a bit high too.

It's got 91k on the clock and I'm guessing it's on its way out?

If it needs replacing, what clutches would you recommend installing other than genuine VW? They are out of my price range.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Javito]

Hi Pete, welcome to the forum!

I think the wear on the clutch depends a lot on how the car is driven. Mine's done 210000km with its the original clutch and it's still going but I've seen many letting go way before that. So it's hard to tell really.

As far as I know VW does not manufacture clutches, they'll use LUK or SACHS and those are the ones I would go for.

Hope that helps

[Peterm9672]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

I've had a look a the clutches recommended and I think I get a one fitted when it goes in for its next service.

Cheers

[STP]

Don't jump to conclusions on the clutch too soon mate, it could be the dog bone (torque mount) bush in the subframe is trashed, that causes judder when pulling away as the engine jumps back and forth. Does it give a bang or clunk when you let off the throttle in 2nd and then press it again? Especially at low speed.

You can get a red (softest / shore65 hardness) poly bush (push-in ) insert to test this, I'd insert one (£35) off eBay and see if it stops the judder. The are said to increase engine idle vibration but it would be a cheap way to prove if it is the clutch or not. Then you fix the bush properly if you don't like the poly mount insert.

If it still does it, you're only £35 down and know it's the clutch (or DMF...) and if it stops, it's a £65 bush set and a tool for the same price to fit the bush kit.

I have a similar issue and it's more noticeable if I pull away gently up a slight slope, not fitted mine yet but it's pretty easy to put the insert in. The factory bushes are a bit more of a challenge. Need the right tool to wind them into place.

If it turns out to be the clutch after all then you've not lost much money trying the bush insert. If it is the bush, you've saved a load of cost and would still have the same issue after doing the clutch.

[Peterm9672]

Thanks for the info. I've certainly not heard of that so I'll have a look into it.

It doesn't seem to make any clunking noises, when taking up but I'll check it over.

Cheers,

Pete