Clutch Problem

[vwthunder]

I had a problem with the clutch in my VR6.
The problem was there was no pedal, it sunk to the floor, and I could only just get it into gear.

Put it in a a well known Place that works on VW's to fix. They told me it would be a thrust bearing, or the fork.

When I arrive 2 days later to pick the car up they told me seeing as the gearbox was out they put a new clutch in as the other one was on its way out, even tho I had only had it in for 3 years.
Charged me over 600 for the clutch kit, when there was nothing wrong with it in the first place, and replaced the fork which was the problem.
Stupid me handed over the money thinking at least it would be good for a while now with a new clutch etc.

Now I have finished venting , the problem is there is a shudder coming from the clutch when letting it out.
It is really noticable in traffic and is a pain in the bum.

I took it back and told them, and they said there is nothing wrong with it.

Anyone have any idea how to fix the problem, I know
VR6's use hydrolic system, can anything be adjusted

Thanks

[MattyT]

NO mechanic should do work on your car that wasnt asked for!!

Where are you? Update your location to suit. If you're in Sydney speak to Golf Loon.

[bboyskidz]

that is bloody ridiculous mate! they are supposed to give you a quote before doing ANY work on your car... I'd be going to fair trading or something.

you should tell them that the problem has not been resolved and that you paid for them to fix it. it's pretty stingey to take your money and then refuse to beleive that there is a problem... take one of the mechanics out and show them...

as matty said, if you are in sydney, go and see Golf Loon

[The_Hawk]

A good mechanic would have said when your droped it off:
"hey while we are there do you want to do the clutch"
to which you would say "it's pretty new, let me know how it looks"
they would then call, let you know what condition it's in, the let YOU make the decision.

A reasonable assumption I would have thought, any mechanic who does ANY work without your approval is wrong. Sure they can ask you to pay for it and if you agree, well, it's pretty much over. If you disagree, I think you are well entitled to tell them to "take it off" at their own expense. There is a whole grey area in the middle, for example they could conceed they should have asked and offer you say cost price on the part with no labour just so they don't have to pull it out again. But still, lots of negotiation is possible.

You could try and fight them, the only issue is if the mechanic refuses to give your car it may be a huge issue for you meaning it's [sadly] cheaper to just pay the money and walk away, never to return of course.

Depending on the work I having done at the time I would consider it reasonable for my mechanic to replace something that is say $20 without calling me, if they considered it an important part. But it really depends on your relationship with your mechanic. I have a good mechanic who I know doesn't **** me round. I also know if they do find anything important they will call me.

I have been to one mechanic who I put the car in for an assessment to find out what (if anything) needed fixing. They did a good write up, but they also did an oil and filter change while they were there... something I had had done 6 weeks earlier.
Maybe they wanted to get some money out of me for looking over the car and they felt it was better to do it this way rather than just charge $50 for their time, which I would have been happy to pay.
It's not always possible to help everyone out and look at things for free, especially when running a business, but then underhanded tactics to make a $ don't help you out either. Of all the things that needed to be done, none of them ended up getting done there... n:

Just goes to show good customer service is becoming a lost art. At least we still have the likes of Golf Loon.

[vwthunder]

Just for a little update, I am in Melbourne

I thought I would just pay, knowing I had a new clutch and shouldnt have any problems for a while, dont know why I thought that

Any ideas on the clutch shudder ?

[ScienceVR6]

I doubt the flywheel was machined. What type of clutch was it to only be $600? Most are around the $1000 mark, fitted.

If they gave you a crappy clutch, then you may have an issue right there. If the flywheel wasn't machined. Then that Will be the problem.

[bboyskidz]

when they replace the clutch, what is involved?
does the flywheel get replaced too? why would it need to be machined?
gotta get mine done soon and I don't want to get jipped...

[vwthunder]

The clutch they put in was a Sachs

It was over 600 for the kit, that is NOT fitted

[sukebe]

Where do you get your prices from???? An OEM Sachs clutch on eBay USA costs US$150 puls delivery (around AUS $280 delivered). If you are paying $600 you are seriously being ripped off. NEVER pay local prices for parts like this - its just stupid.

[BlackVr6ix]

can I ask what workshop this was, pm me if you want.