BestPracticeGuide_Clutch_2018

Two of the most common clutch issues experienced today Issue 1

■ ■ PROBLEM Numerous CSC failures? Including burst CSC’s, broken CSC’s, CSC fluid leaking, Clutch fails to operate due to CSC. ■ ■ CAUSE The most common cause of this type of problem can be the CSC rubber washer (top hat) trapped inside the t piece of the bleed nipple.

■ ■ RESULT A burst/broken CSC, fluid leaks, non working clutch burst/broken CSC, fluid leaks, non working clutch ■ ■ CAUSE Not removing the old rubber top hat when changing the CSC

■ ■ REMEDY When completing a clutch/CSC change vehicles fitted with this type of CSC it is good practice to adopt the procedure listed below. When you remove the U clip to detach the bleed nipple union from the CSC pipe, (this is the pipe that protrudes from the gearbox), you must check to ensure that the old seal is not still inside the bleed nipple t piece – if the old seal is still inside it must be removed – check the end of the old pipe, if the seal is not on the end of the pipe then it’s trapped inside the union. Get a torch, get a pick and get it out. Many instances of this have been observed where the CSC has burst, cracked or completely exploded, when this happens the “hard pedal” will obviously become soft/non existent with the resulting leakage. Installers have in some cases fitted three or more concentric slaves and burst all of these before identifying the cause – which is simply the old top hat washer still trapped inside the union...

Issue 2

■ ■ PROBLEM Slow engine turnover and noises on start-up, slow cranking speed, starting problems, starting process takes longer than usual, the engine does not run smoothly directly following start up and assumed knocks from DMF.

■ ■ CAUSE Dirty or defective earth strap or ground points. ■ ■ RESULT Engine fails to start, engine is very slow turning over.

■ ■ REMEDY Clean or replace all connecting earthing points, replace the defective earth straps. A high voltage drop when starting the engine causing the failure of electronic components and generates entries in the error memory. Check all the electrical connections between the battery, starter, alternator and the vehicle body. Where necessary clean or replace the connections. Note: This applies to many different vehicle types, however the highest ratio of issues would appear to be with Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen 1.9 and 2.0 TD.

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