VW T5 clutch issue
 

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VW T5 clutch issue

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So having an issue with my T5's clutch

Its booked in on Thurs for someone to take a look but want to get an idea of what it could be by asking on here

So first off the clutch itself seems fine, no judder or slip, the issue is the clutch pedal

The bite point keeps moving, sometimes its right on the floor and the pedal feels light, the pedal can sometimes stick down and i have to pull it up with my foot

Within the same journey the pedal can return to normal height and not stick at all and all feels normal

Brake/clutch fluid level is at max, no visible leaks, brakes were recently part bled due to a new rear caliper being fitted for the MOT

Could it be an air in the system, clutch slave cylinder issue, master cylinder issue?


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 3:02 pm
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Yes. Sounds like an air bubble in the clutch line and a quick pressure bleed would solve it. Easily done if they weren't keeping an eye on the levels in the reservoir when bleeding the brakes.


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 3:10 pm
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I had exactly the same issue and it was the slave cylinder that had failed and was leaking within the bell housing.  Ended up with a new clutch, cylinder and DMF.  Fingers crossed its just a bleed issue but Id be open to the fact the slave cylinder might have packed up or be on its way out.  I didnt notice and discernible drop in oil levels either...


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 3:37 pm
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Cane here to say that's pretty much classic slave seals symptoms. Dunno if these have an external slave or a hydraulic release bearing though, the former will likely be a chunk cheaper labour wise with less collateral damage.


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 4:48 pm
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Most likely the concentric slave cylinder inside the bellhousing. It may not leak at all. I've done my own T5 and it's a big old job, so get the DMF replaced at the same time. I doubt you'll see change out of £1200 ?


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 7:11 pm
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Deteriorated quickly on a mates requiring frequent bleeding of clutch to keep the van moving till he could get it replaced.


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 9:56 pm
mick_r and mick_r reacted
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Slave Cylinder common VW fault on their diesels, sometimes they are a complete t**t to change.


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 10:02 pm
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Sounds like a cylinder fault to me, had same symptoms on our Focus a year or so ago.  Cannot recall if it was master or slave cylinder but I think it was fluid bypassing the seal inside.


 
Posted : 28/01/2025 10:05 pm
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So the van was fixed on Thurs, new master cylinder fitted at a cost of £220 inc labour

Pedal now feels normal, no moving bite point, not sticking down etc... so looks to be sorted


 
Posted : 31/01/2025 5:11 am
ready, garage-dweller, cp and 5 people reacted
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@escrs

My first thought when it happened to my Van was 'gotta be the master cylinder'. Classic symptoms, like yours. I fitted a new master cylinder and problem fixed . . . For a couple of weeks.

I think the bleed with the new master cylinder bleeds the slave, but air creeps into the slave cylinder over time. Note I never lost any fluid at any point.

?


 
Posted : 31/01/2025 12:09 pm

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