Sticky clutch?

[EsSeX dAn]

ive a problem,when i push the clutch it goes to the floor with the correct weight but the clutch doesnt want to let go properly making it impossible to get into gear from a standstill.it is releasing a bit because when i drive along and press it the clutch slips.ive adjusted the thing on top of the gearbox all the way to the end but this made no difference.any other ideas?i find it strange because it was fine on the way to work and it jus seddenly went like this?

[herbster]

Hi, sounds like your push arm! Inside the end of the gearbox , there is a little curved finger arm that is held on with splines through the lever the clutch cable operates, these are common to crack and give you the impression that its ok but not quite  If you got a haynes book, it is shown in there quite clearly, they call it a clutch lever! its not a bad job to do just have some patience, and they cost only a few quid from vw, you can check it out first just by taking the end plate off with a screwy you should be able to see if that is the culprit.
Hope you sort it soon.
 

[Gambit]

replace the clutch cable if old, or at least pour some oil up it to loosen it up!!

[EsSeX dAn]

finger arm sounds good.by the way it isnt a gti its only a 1.6 driver if that makes any difference?also is a gearbox off job,coz if yes ill putt a new clutch in anyway

[herbster]

No, its all access from the end cap, not alot of room but enough, when you remove it you should find if that the problem, the arm is on a spline with a key spline on it so you can't get it wrong, when you got the cap off hold the arm and move the clutch lever if it is cracked alot of play will be felt. If its not that you just pop the cap back on!  Try a new cable, as they do have a tendancy to stretch a bit over the years, if not that - whip off the box and do the lot, should be able to get a clutch and cable for less than 70 quid. 

[EsSeX dAn]

cool thanks guys.i think its the bit you say it is because there is around 7mm play in the arm that the clutch cable attaches to before it gets a grip