My clutch recently went out on my 2006 A4 after only 25,000 miles. Audi gave me the standard line that the clutch went out due to cusotmer abuse and wanted to charge me $2100 for the replacement. The clutch failure was absolutely not due to abuse and after Audi would not change their mind I had it towed to the local foreign/import mechanic. First thing he notcied was the anti-freeze was leaking onto the clutch bell housing and most likely caused the pressure plate to become moist. He cliams the damaged clutch may have been caused by this. Does this sound plausible? Audi will not even look at it unless I have it towed back to the dealership at my expense.... Does anyone think I have a valid small claims case against Audi?

Thanks

 

Contamination on the clutch disc could cause premature failure, but usually not much fluid gets into the bellhousing when there is a leak from above. What engine do you have? On the 1.8's there is a common leak on the back of the cylinder head that leaks coolant onto the top of the bellhousing, but ive never seen it cause a bad clutch. Was the clutch material worn out, or did the clutch break apart, or was it just slipping?

 

25k ONLY? Man I would complain to Audi NA, not only about your problem but with your dealership. My ORIGINAL stock Audi clutch has almost 97k on it and its fine...