After a bit of information on where I stand with an issue

[snapey]

Evening chaps,

Basically I'm after a bit of help and opinions on where I would stand with regards to an issue with my car.

Basically about 3500 miles ago the clutch and flywheel went on my car, these were all replaced under warranty. However ever since its been fitted there seem to be quite a few issues which have arisen. Basically the first issue as this whining:



This then subsided after about 800 miles after numerous visits do the dealer to get it to show up and it being intermittent.

The car since then develops a quite knocking when idling in neutral, the dealer heard this and the mechanic was quick to dismiss it and say its down to backlash from the gears. When questioned how this was possible when no gears are selected, he couldn't come up with an answer. This is still doing it at the minute.

Today on the way to work, without driving hard etc, the faint smell of clutch started to brew with the windows down.

Now how would I stand with all these issues, because even though there only small I'm almost confident its down to the way they have fitted the clutch or flywheel because they have only ever started when its been fitted.

If you could shed some light on it for me it'd be very much appreciated because I don't want to go in all guns blazing.

Luke

[bobotheclown]

I would take it to a different dealer and ask for their opinion. Do not name name's but just say that the clutch and flywheel have been replaced and ever since has made these noises and see what they say.

I would also offer to leave them the car for a day or two if the problem is intermittent so that they have time to investigate.

If the second dealer comes to the conclusion that it was due to the new clutch and flywheel then get them to fix it as the first dealer seems to be a bit pants.

Hope you get this sorted out because that sounds well dodgy from the video.

[Cass]

Not normal.

Take it to another dealer and don't tell them the flywheel and clutch has been replaced unless they identify a fault, then take it back to the original repairer to sort.

If not resolved to your satisfaction, contact VW Customer services and get them involved. If still not sorted, threaten to go to a premier motor mag like What Car/Auto Express who have a good consumer champion.

Hopefully you'll get it sorted.

I take it the car is a manual 6 speed. The noise sounds like it could be a misaligned clutch release bearing, clutch plate fault or maybe a starter problem. Either way, it ain't normal.

Cass

[dustybones]

Personally I think that i would be best to go back to original people who did the work, then compare it on startup to a same type of car, cos that whinning seems strange, mine certainly doesnt do that. Although I notice that it disappears at the end of yer vid - have you shown this vid to dealer? Especially if intermittant.
The other issues, well basically yer gotta sit down and explain that you are not happy with the work, be totally clear and factual, explain the before and after symptoms. I recon they gotta drop the clutch and flywheel back out and redo it (correctly this time) you could also request that an experienced mech do the work.
One thing I do wonder about - why were they replaced in the first place and is it possible that prior to them being replaced that other damage has been done - masked by clutch and flywheel issue - now showing up since clutch and flywheel sorted??? Just a thought..
good luck.

[sambo]

If it's warranty and the original garage won't take a look then book it in somewhere else and let them make a decision.

If they find an issue which relates to poor workmanship or similar, drop a complaint into VW uk, speak to your local paper, rip them apart and see if you have a case for compo.

That's the only way these big main dealer franchise's will change. By losing enough business to have too. They think they are untouchable at times.

 My local VW is the same, to worried about the lease companies with multiple veichles, rather than the private customers who they think they can afford to lose. Thankfully I have a good friend who works there (who agrees with my view's). The misses's mum bought a brand new fox last year. Developed a leak. Turned out be a fault with the welding on the chassis  cut a long story short, they cut the carpets inside, made a right mess, then when she complained they litterally laughed in her face and told her that they wern't bothered if she never came back as they have enough customer's anyway!! 

Needless to say, she's never buying a VW ever again!!

Hope you get it sorted, Sam

[snapey]

basically I rang VW this morning to raise the concern with them that the clutch had not been fitted right, after I have been to the dealer about 3/4 times before to try to get the issue sorted customer care said something should have been done about it right from the start.

The car is going back in on Friday to have an aircon issue sorted, so customer care are ringing the dealer to inform them that they need to sort it out. They agree it didn't sound right and will make sure full technical reports from the first fitting and an inspection that WILL take place on the car are sent to their technical guys at MK. So hopefully should get it sorted.

I showed that video to the mechanics and the service guys there and they said well unless we hear it in person there's nothing we can do..... load of BS, so this video will be going down again for them to tell me that it wasn't a direct result of them bodging the clutch.

There's also no indication from the first warranty sheet that and investigation work had been carried out either side of the friction plates. I.e. crank and gearbox for heat damage, FOD etc etc. and since the clutch went pop 2nd and 3rd have been terribly notchy on occasions, possibly one in two changes.

Overall hopefully it'll get sorted and I can really start to enjoy driving the car right without getting angry with a sh!t gear change.

Many thanks, Luke

[2007GTI]

I would go back to the original dealer, as any new dealer will find out from the dealer network computer that it had work done elsewhere and tell you to take it back to them.