Warranty success because of research!

[sciroccorich]

My 2.0TSI has been suffering from clutch squeal/hoot which used to happen occasionally on biting point of the clutch (usually on hill starts). It was loud and quite annoying but I was confidant it was not my clutch slipping but in fact clutch release bearing related.

I took out an AA Gold Warranty (yes I know but read on) when buying the car used from a VW dealer. I took the car back to the dealer and they confirmed it sounded release bearing related but said the warranty wouldn't cover it because it's a wear and tear part.

Not happy that a car with 39k on the clock and an okay clutch would have clutch release bearing issues, I decided to check out Youtube and various threads only to find this was a common issue and was in fact due to defect (bad design) release bearing which was since revised to an all metal 1 piece design (previously 2 and part plastic) which didn't leak and dry out. I found that there was a Technical safety bulletin (TSB 2028783) which VW released.

VW took my gearbox off and said it would cost approx £650 including labour to change the RB, claiming it wouldn't be covered (didn't need this before xmas). I told them that I was aware this was a common problem and gave them the TSB number (which they claimed didn't exist), 2 hours later I got a phone call saying it was all covered (RB & labour) and it was being done now.

While my gearbox was off I told them to replace my part worn clutch (might as well) which cost £189. Now my car has a whole new clutch kit for £189 fitted and it now drives sweeter than ever.

It pays to do your research and thanks to guys on forums like this, prevent massive cost for issues that are not wear and tear or faults of our own and being made to pay.

[skippy]

Great result! Yes - I would have been completely unaware of the Wastegate rattle if it wasn't for this forum, so glad you were able to get everything sorted!

[Sebbristol]

I have exactly the same issue with my car! I have 40K on my clock and took out a warranty with Evans Halshaw, the biggest mistake of my life!! I might need to have a look into other warranties out there and see what they offer and get my clutch sorted finally! It only happens on a hill start or when I reverse up the hill! Thanks for all the info I will defo give it a go and see what I can do!


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[BunnyJen]

Hi

I'm having the same issue. Here's a video I made demonstrating the noise. " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It does it only when cold, in first or second gear and only when I'm either reversing or accelerating gently from a stand still.

I have a couple of questions I was wondering if anyone could answer?

A) Is the car unsafe to drive with this fault?

B) Will the problem damage my car if left un-repaired and I continue to drive it?

C) Is this the sort of fault that would be fixed without any warranty? Or will they only repair it under a warranty? It seems to be an extremely common fault and if VW have since replaced the part with an updated part they must be aware it's an issue. SHOULD they repair it free of charge?

Thanks in advance, any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[sciroccorich]

Bunnyjen,

I would say its worth trying even without a warranty, what's the worst that can happen other than they say that its not covered. Make sure you go to the dealer confident that you know what the problem is, highlight the fact you know that this is a common problem and give them the TSB number (TSB2028783). This will hopefully cut out the initial Bull s**t that they will give you and stop them fobbing you off, knowing that they have to take you seriously as you've done your research. Tell them that the current Clutch release bearing is likely to be a two piece part which leaks (can't take the pressure when cold) and your aware that there is a revised part which is a one piece, all one material and part number ends in an "F".

In answer to your questions in my opinion,

A) Is the car unsafe to drive with this fault? Initially not really, its just a annoying noise but I wouldn't leave it for too long and stay off motorways if you can.

B) Will the problem damage my car if left un-repaired and I continue to drive it? It could fail and you wouldn't be able to select a gear (not ideal on a motorway). Doubt it would damage your car but others on here may disagree.

C) Is this the sort of fault that would be fixed without any warranty? Or will they only repair it under a warranty? It seems to be an extremely common fault and if VW have since replaced the part with an updated part they must be aware it's an issue. SHOULD they repair it free of charge? I think they should but you'll obviously have to check with them. Just dont let them fob you off and mention a VW good will gesture (You never know).

Hope you get it sorted and get the success I did (although I had AA warranty).

[dimexi]

Thank goodness I watched BunnyJen's Video!!!
I have had that problem for a while on my 'roc! However it is EXTREMELY intermittent, this is why I have ignored it. It happens at slow speeds, especially when it's pretty cold or I havent used the car for a few days - usually when I pull out at junctions or move off at lights. I used to think it was the brakes, because it sounds like it comes from the back of the car. Pretty worried now!

My car is going in for a service next week; given that they usually need to test drive it and prove the noise - what can I do?!?! Given the intermittent nature, it happens about once or twice a month.

Any advice?

[BunnyJen]

Thank goodness I watched BunnyJen's Video!!!
I have had that problem for a while on my 'roc! However it is EXTREMELY intermittent, this is why I have ignored it. It happens at slow speeds, especially when it's pretty cold or I havent used the car for a few days - usually when I pull out at junctions or move off at lights. I used to think it was the brakes, because it sounds like it comes from the back of the car. Pretty worried now!

My car is going in for a service next week; given that they usually need to test drive it and prove the noise - what can I do?!?! Given the intermittent nature, it happens about once or twice a month.

Any advice?

Mine started that way too, but it is pretty intermittent still. It's definitely becoming more noticeable though. I spoke to a mechanic yesterday and he's told me I should probably start looking at getting it fixed within 6 months/5k miles of noticing the noise to avoid further damage to the gear box.

[sciroccorich]

If you want to simulate the noise to a mechanic, the best way is to take the car to a quiet area where there is a slight incline or hill. If you then put the car into first gear and pull off really slowly, this should create the noise. In these conditions it will normally cause the issue because the cars under more load. You know what it's like when your trying to show a mechanic the problem, it doesn't do it.

Fairly certain he/she will agree it's clutch release bearing related and on a car with 39k (like mine also) this shouldn't wear before the clutch plate.

Good luck with it.

[BunnyJen]

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

[dimexi]

Thank goodness I watched BunnyJen's Video!!!
I have had that problem for a while on my 'roc! However it is EXTREMELY intermittent, this is why I have ignored it. It happens at slow speeds, especially when it's pretty cold or I havent used the car for a few days - usually when I pull out at junctions or move off at lights. I used to think it was the brakes, because it sounds like it comes from the back of the car. Pretty worried now!

My car is going in for a service next week; given that they usually need to test drive it and prove the noise - what can I do?!?! Given the intermittent nature, it happens about once or twice a month.

Any advice?

Mine started that way too, but it is pretty intermittent still. It's definitely becoming more noticeable though. I spoke to a mechanic yesterday and he's told me I should probably start looking at getting it fixed within 6 months/5k miles of noticing the noise to avoid further damage to the gear box.

It seems the OP on the thread got it done by VW outside warranty. I just wanna get what I say to them straight, and the correct Bulletin numbers.

I am pretty ready to fight them! I cant believe I thought it was the brakes - I would have taken it STRAIGHT back if I knew what it was. SO ANGRY with myself about this , dont usually ignore noises

[dimexi]

I remember this thread also dealt with the issue, if only I watched the damn video!!!

It's misleading when people describe it as a "squeal", it's more like a howl! http://www.sciroccocentral.co.uk/forum/ ... tch+squeal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BunnyJen]

I remember this thread also dealt with the issue, if only I watched the damn video!!!

It's misleading when people describe it as a "squeal", it's more like a howl! http://www.sciroccocentral.co.uk/forum/ ... tch+squeal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gosh there are a ridiculous amount of people with this problem! I agree not a squeal, I think the word 'hoot' is the best way I've seen it described so far.

[dimexi]

Hoot is definitely better. I might actually get on the phone to VW tomorrow to start giving them info of the problem... Think the correct fault description is "faulty Clutch assembly" - I found this on the one of RW1's old threads.


So I am gonna call them saying I have discovered a fault on my car that is a KNOWN fault, and take it from there. Cant say I am not worried, it'd be a lie! Only wish I sorted it out when I first discovered it about 6 months ago

[skippy]

I think you do stand a reasonable chance of goodwill payments with VW (even outside warranty) if there is a known problem. There would be specific criteria though, such as being fully serviced at VW (or approved specialist) and not modified as to cause extra wear/stress on the component in question.

[dimexi]

Been trawling the internet, but I havent found anyone who has got it done outside warranty - which makes me even more worried!

However, ALL my servicing has been done by VW, so that should be fine. I have sent them a tweet stating that I seem to have discovered a mechanical fault with their motor, and they should let me know what to do.
No doubt I will keep you guys updated

[sciroccorich]

Quick update........I mentioned in my original post that the TSB number for this issue was 2058783, I pretty sure it is actually 2028783, sorry my mistake. VW are bound to say that they don't recognise it but really they do know.

Don't approach the dealer all guns blazing......go in confident with your knowledge, explain the issue, build a good relationship with them and finish with "can you help me out". This will be your best chance of some support. Mentioning good will gesture is also a very good idea.

Warranty companies won't pay out because they class it as a wear and tear item. If VW admit it's a defect part then the chances are the warranty companies will.

[dimexi]

Thanks Rich!
I have taken notes of all I found on the internet, most of the helpful information was already on this forum anyway!
There was also a TPI number in the thread I posted, which apparently has a sound file attached and the techs can give it a listen. Also in the thread, the part number for the new clutch assembly has been stated! Hopefully good will gesture will suffice, as I think the problem will just get worse - especially if it's a bearing not being oiled

[BunnyJen]

£480 just to take the gearbox out to investigate.....Wow it went even worse than I could have imagined. I've come away even more angry that everyone else seems to have been quoted 300 for that! Why is it not standard across all workshops!? :/

[skippy]

£480 just to take the gearbox out to investigate.....Wow it went even worse than I could have imagined. I've come away even more angry that everyone else seems to have been quoted 300 for that! Why is it not standard across all VW workshops!? Time to take things further.

Outrageous, I guess you got the 'raised eyebrows' reaction when you mentioned, as if to say, that's a new one on us, don't know of that problem.

[BunnyJen]

They put the TSB code provided into their system and it popped straight up so they're well aware of it. They just said without any warranty they can't do anything to help me. Well other than charge me for the full cost of the repair of course. >_<