Hi, new to the forum and Audis, though I had a 97 passat a fet years ago.

Just acquired an 1998 A4 2.8 Quattro with 99,xxx miles. The clutch doesn't engage until the pedal is almost all the way up and then doesn't seem to be making solid engagement. After reading the clutch replacement DIY's I want to rule out that the problem isn't elswhere first. Is there any kind of clutch adjustment cable or something else I should rule out before diving into a full replacement?

 

it's supposed to engage high. get going about 30mph and put it in 5th and floor it. if it doesn't slip you're all good

 

I tried your test and it slips. @ 30mph in 5 i floored it and the tach spiked up to 5500, then it came back down to the lower rpm and drug the engine down. So basically it slipped on the initial flooring and then engaged.

 

Yeah you need a new clutch if it slips at all.

If you need a clutch I offer discounted prices and free ground shipping in the 48 states on both South Bend and Clutch Masters clutch kits for the 2.8. I also ship all over the world at a discount off the shipping.


http://www.ringer-racing.com/category.sc?categoryId=5

 

you already found your problem but just FYI these cars have hydraulic clutches that share the same fluid from the brake fluid reservoir. no cables, and no adjustment necessary or available.

 

Thanks for the help. I am going to work on the timing belt replacement first, unless I can verify its been changed. Clutch will have to wait until July.

 

I'm in the same boat as you, I just bought a 98 a4 1.8t and it needs a clutch badly too, but I need/want to do the timing belt first.

 

You to should hit me up and I can package a clutch/timing belt kit together for you so you can save.

 

Don't keep driving it like that. You'll overheat the pressure plate and break it into pieces, which will prevent you from getting the car into gear. You definitely will be needing a clutch, PP, TOB, and consider a new flywheel. Talk to Mike at Ringer. He's posted above me. Good guy, great service.