http://www.benplace.com/vw_clutch2.htm

df

________________________________
From: email99 <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 11:05:32 AM
Subject: I need a little help with a clutch problem

I'm having some problems with my clutch "friction point" dropping lower
over time.� I've bled the hydraulics and replaced both the master and
leaking slave clutch cylinders but the problem still remains.� I am now
wondering if I have worn or broken pressure plate diaphragm fingers.
When I replaced the pressure plate 40,000 miles ago there was some wear
on the tips (i.e. center) of the diaphragm fingers where it rubs the
throwout bearing.� I didn't replace the throwout bearing at this time
because it seemed to be in excellent shape and was only about 4 years old.

The clutch is still very smooth and solid in its holding power.� The
flywheel, guide sleeve, cross shaft and cross shaft bushings were
replaced with a quality parts 40K ago.� The cross shaft does not bind
and the spring that holds the throwout bearing to the cross shaft and
the spring that preloads the cross shaft are in good shape.� I doubt
that the clutch disc is worn very much.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Has anyone had a clutch diaphragm with excessive wear, and if so, what
were the symptoms?� Did it fail completely or did you just get fed up
with the low clutch and took things apart to see what was wrong?� How
many miles did you have on the pressure plate when this happened.� What
caused this wear to be excessive?

Thanks for your help,
Ed