Volkswagen: Clutch and accelerator Problems, gear shift linkage, clutch pedal

Question
Hi, I own a 1997 VW Polo 1.9 (diesel engine). Since about two weeks ago the car started to make an almost groaning sound whenever I gradually released my foot off the accelerator pedal, and at the same time the clutch pedal felt very strange when I went to change gear, almost as if I was pressing my foot on bubble wrap! However,what seems strange is that this only happened occasionally until I took it to my local garage, of which the mechanic there stated that the clutch pedal was too tight and also adjusted the gears to make it smoother when changing them. The mechanic did state that when he drove the car it didn't sound any different (typical), but that whatever the problem is it may not be easy to tell until it gets worse! Also the problem that had happened before taking it to the garage seems to be occuring more often now, although didn't play up again until many hours after having been at the garage, by which time it was too late to contact them. I have yet to phone the local garage again to get them to look at it, as I was wondering if you might at all be able to give me some idea as to the potential probelms I may be facing! Many thanks, and apologies for writing so much!

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

No apologies, glad to help.  First, the obvious. Make sure there is nothing under the clutch pedal (paper, styrofoam,, etc).

Next, if it is still 'crunching' it is way too loose, bring back to the repair shop. (or there is air in the hydraulic line)

There really is no way to adjust the gears, so I'm not sure what he is talking about.  The only thing that can be adjusted is the gear-shift linkage, and that is usually just lubrication.


So, let me know how you make out, and when you are running nice and smooth!



Ron