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Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:24 pm

It was working fine. Then i went to drive off from a stop sign and it felt as if it was about to give out? the pedal suddenly feels shaky when its (the clutch pedal) is being raised? the clutch still works when its depressed fully. What could be going on? Its supposed to be almost new (maybe 8000 miles on it?).
please help!!!!

Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:37 pm

Maybe a pin on your throw out bearing broke and its barely hanging on for dear life.

Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:57 pm

:roll: I've been going over it now heres what I have: When the engine is of the clutch pedal feels normal (if anything it feels a little heavy.). The cable appears to be intact, and theres no oil coming from anywhere (always a good sign). most everything mentioned in my manual looks like I'm going to have to pull the engine. Anyone have any other ideas? I guess I'll find out whats wrong when the engine's out hugh? (first time for my new '72, although i had the engine out in my '70 every other weekend.) If it is the through out bearing is that a preatty straight fix? never done that one before. Thanks guys.

Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:53 pm

If it is the TO bearing, it's really easy to replace once the engine's out. It just clips onto the clutch release arm. Just make sure you match the bearing to the pressure plate. See
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148307

Wed Oct 22, 2008 6:14 pm

Could it be something on the disk is getting caught.

Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:30 am

Just a thought, Steven - but it's happened to me once after I had changed the clutch cable and brazed the almost worn through hook. The new cable may not be rotating on the hook as you engage the clutch pedal - may be hanging up a bit. Did you seem to have a nice fit on the hook? Did you lube it with a bit of grease? Might want to remove pedal assy and check before pulling engine.

Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:58 am

I'm not entirely sure how something like that would pop up after the clutch assembly (pedal, cable and all ) have been working fine for the last 4 weeks? but i will check it out... Schools keeping me from getting the engine out of the car until tonight anyway. I plan on taking picture's and posting my procedures. I'll also be using this opportunity to do some of the other things that people have suggested like checking the pedal assembly, changing the tranny oil etc...
Here's a silly question, do i need to drain the oil from the engine before i drop it? I was figuring that i want to check the flywheel o-ring while the engine was out and i guess it would be wise if the oil was out of the engine??? Anything else i should be looking for?
thanks for the ideas and help, its all very welcome.

Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:26 am

StephenZ, You do not have to drain the tranny or engine oil if your just droppen the motor, and just checking tranny clutch issue's.

I had a 1970 Convertible, about a year ago and for some strange reason I would have to keep pushing my clutch pedal closer and closer each day twords the floor board to engage the clutch. No matter what I would do, adjust cable replace throw out bearing and fork as well. untill finally one day I physically got on my Knee's and took a closer look at my Pedals! I had a 3/16 of an inch CRACK in my clutch pedal foot shaft at the bottom of my pedal. Every time I would engage the clutch the crack would widen a little more and the tension on the cable was messing with my shifting. I replced the bad cracked pedal and all was fine. Not with out dropping some Coinage first on the other un-neccessary fixes Though!
Check your pedaql assymbly. Eric (VMR) 8)

Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:04 pm

Yep; I've had two clutch pedals crack, and also had clutch tube nounts break inside the tunnel. Just happens after a zillion pedal presses and age.

Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:00 am

I pulled the engine last night. The TO bearing looks okay, but the pressure plate looks warped?? The centre ring on the fingers is noticeably canted around 1/4" from left to right. I can post pictures later if it would help with a diagnostic. Should I replace the whole clutch assembly? any suggestions what type is best? Thanks.

Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:59 am

StephenZ If The Pressure Plate is warped chances are your clutch disk is tweeked--- as well replace Throw-out bearing, pressure plate and disk. Better to be safe than sorry. 8)

Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:43 pm

I had this same problem a month ago. The c clip that hold the throw out bearing arm in the tranny gave out and the arm shifted towards the passenger side and inch or so. This warped the pressure plate fingers and it wouldn't disengage the clutch any more. I would get a HD throw out bearing arm as well as a new pressure plate. My clutch disc was fine though. Post some pictures of everything and we'll tell you what we think!

Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:28 pm

hello
-if its a 3 finger pressure plate, with a support ring
-then maybe its the wrong one for your late -non support, gude tube supprt trans

-?

-one of the springs in the plate has snapped btw

Fri Oct 24, 2008 7:46 pm

Only after ordering a new clutch set up from So cal imports did i really get to thinking about thaqt whole TO / pressue plate thread. my confusion arrises from having a '72 std bug (although i guess its had plenty of time to have its tranmission swaped out. i ordered the kit specificic for a '72. If my bug does have an older transmision in it can i change out the TO bearing, pressure plate etc. to '72 specs or to i have to use the early model clutch assembly? Also how do i load pic on here ???
thanks

Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:33 pm

StephenZ if your tranny infact does have the three screw enlets around the tranny shaft for the guide tube and you infact have that type of pressure plate and such! just purchase the shaft tube guide, and install the three screws and you should be good to go. also see the Help/FAQs in the upper right of this page to answere how to post picture's 8)