Volkswagen Repair: 2001 VW 1.8T clutch slipping, brake fluid reservoir, volkswagen line

Question
Is it possible to adjust the clutch on 2001 VW 1.8t? Are the new clutchs hydraulic? It has 55,000 miles on it and driven by my wife (drives like grandma). I had air-cooled VW Beetles with more miles on them and now clutch problems. We had a 1981 Rabbit with 150k with no problems. What's up with this?  Thanks, Tom

Answer
Hi Tom;
There is NO clutch ADJUSTMENT per se.  How ever, if there has been a brake fluid service done on this car it is conceivable that the brake fluid reservoir is cracked, and allowing a small bit of air into the passage for the clutch hydraulic fluid.  The braking, and clutch hydraulic systems use the same reservoir for the passage of fluid.  If the master cylinder reservoir is compromised, it will make funny things happen in the clutch.  This one had me chasing my tail for half a day on one car.  Look right at the little passage, on the front of the reservoir, on the bottom.  Cars with automatic transmissions still have this piece, but it is "heat crimped" shut.  I'm thinking of Passats.  Especially, "non-facelift" Passats, ie. early production Passats without the chrome strip at the "beltline."  However, the same basic idea is used throughout the entire Volkswagen line.  Just look for a crack, that allows air(a compressible fluid) into the line for the clutch.  Hope this helps, Tom.