I have a 2001 A4 2.8 Quatro manual with 150K and need a clutch replacement. I have also been experiencing alot of play somewhere in the drivetrain. While driving in gear, if I push on the gas, there is a 1-2 second delay before the drivetrain engages with a thud. I can exagerate the situation by quickly pushing on the gas, then releasing, then pushing on the gas and releasing; there will be a lag before it engages and disengages with a thud. When I first drive the car in the morning (and especially if it is a cold day) it is much less noticable. But as I drive it gets looser and I have to compesate by slowly pressing/depressing the gas, to avoid that annoying thud.

My mechanic says that the dual mass flywheel loosens up after 50k and introduces play into the system. He is suggesting - while he replaces the clutch to convert the dual mass flywheel to a single mass. Has this worked for anyone else? If so can someone recommend a conversion kit? It is a daily driver, not a racer - so please recommend accordingly.

While replacing the clutch/flywheel, he is going to replace any leaking seals on the back of the engine/transmission, the motor mounts and transmission mounts.

Are there any other mount/bushing replacements that could help alleviate the problem?

Thanks for your help.

 

I would replace the transmission and motor mounts, also make sure he changes the pilot bearing when changing the clutch.
You shouldn't have a problem after changing these items.

 

Thanks for your help.
Should I also replace the dual mass flywheel as mechanic is suggesting or even go as far as converting to a single mass? I am not sure if they make a conversion kit for my year model. 2001 A4 2.8 Quartro

 

Go with a dual mass, a single mass flywheel is more for performance applications and it can cause clutch chatter which sucks driving from stop light to stop light.
Some people here re-surface the stock dual mass flywheel, i say replace it.