Mk 3 Golf clutch has gone

[Philbee]

Forgive my ignorance - don't know too much about cars. Put our Golf in for a regualr service today reporting that the clutch seemed to have a high biting point of late. (we'd been getting a bit of wheel spin too). The car drove fine on the way to the garage and during the day we were told the clutch would last some more time.

When we came to coolect we were told that the car was undriveable as the car would bsrely creep up the slight ramp our of the service bay at 5 mph. The clutch had gone. It was ok when the technicican went on a test drive at 9am but completely u/s by 5pm.

Is this pure coincidence? Car has done 120,000 miles on one clutch. Should I just be grateful if happened while at the garage thereby saving towing costs and shell out the £300 for a new one, or should I be more worried about what has happened at the garage.

Again, forgive ignorance. Any advice, help or support appreciated. Thx

[stevethefolkie]

It's possible that the clutch went - it's also possible that a devious mechanic, looking to make a fast $600 (if my exchange is current and accurate) just tightened the clutch cable so the clutch would slip.

You can check this by checking the tension on the clutch cable - there should be some free play - have someone sit in the car and press on the clutch pedal while you watch the cable in the engine bay - if the lever the cable is attached to moves at once - try to loosen it (it's self adjusting BUT can be manually adjusted) - then see if your car moves with the clutch out -

You might want to ask the shop if THEY have tried monkeying around with the cable - while 120,000 miles out of a clutch isn't bad (especially if you do a lot of town (stop and go) driving - it is possible that it's just a matter of adjustment -

Best of luck

Steve

[Philbee]

Thanks Steve. Kind of you to reply. Good advice thanks.

[stevethefolkie]

Curious - what did you find out?