clutch release arm/actuation finger on mk3 8v 1998

[tomcat]

Hi
After finally getting back on the road after welding for mot and putting the interior back in today the car drove about a mile and then changing gear the clutch pedal went straight to the floor and stayed down. will go in gear with engine off and even lifting the release arm the car won't go in gear with the engine running.

Few posts saying it's the release arm and actuation finger that are knackered but is there anything else it could be before I start to pull stuff apart?

Also it sounds like an easy job to do but are there any problems that I should look out for?
Are the parts available fairly easily or only main stealer. I just want to get back on the road asap but without getting mugged by VW in the process.

Thanks

[Wayne]

Easy enough to change, pop the end cover of the gearbox off, not that expensive to be honest.

[tomcat]

Easy enough to change, pop the end cover of the gearbox off, not that expensive to be honest.

cheers bud, a morning pulling it apart tomorrow then.
Thanks mate

[boneybradley]

its easy but space is very limited...i actually undid the front engine mount and jacked the engine to tilt the gearbox downwards to give me enough space
and its the release arm ratchet that splits and if you need the parts i have very limited use arm,ratchet and spring going spare with the new green end cap
pm if interested 

[tomcat]

its easy but space is very limited...i actually undid the front engine mount and jacked the engine to tilt the gearbox downwards to give me enough space
and its the release arm ratchet that splits and if you need the parts i have very limited use arm,ratchet and spring going spare with the new green end cap
pm if interested 

pm'd

[tomcat]

just in process of getting my head round changing this but do I need to drain the gearbox of any oil or anything?
Sorry if it's a dumb question but I'm not much of  a mechanic 

[bored_Welsh_lad]

no mate you dont need too.. just pop off the end cap.. i think you need to remove the clutch cable and on the clutch arm is a plastic clip you remove which allows you to rotate the release arm....

I am trying to remember from memory so not 100% though

[boneybradley]

there's a metal clip that holds the ratchet and spring onto the arm which needs removing otherwise your pretty spot on there (although getting to the clip is tight!)

[tomcat]

there's a metal clip that holds the ratchet and spring onto the arm which needs removing otherwise your pretty spot on there (although getting to the clip is tight!)

Thanks guys, I think I will take the parts off ready then, if you let me know when you've got the postage costs and I'll have the parts off you and get the thing back on the road.
I never had these problems with my mk2's or my mk4. I will insist on wanting a colour concept

[carerra91]

Im dredging this up from the depths but can anyone tell me just what to look for to determine whether the actuator is knackered? Ive had the full end of the gearbox off and it operated nice and smoothly but with less resistance than id have thought it required. I will probably have to go buy it from VW but then again if I dont need to id rather not haha.