Help needed - RTronic clutch wear reading

[the_buch]

I've read somewhere here that the clutch wear reading operates in the 3000 - 8000 range with 3000 indicating new condition and 8000 indicating completely worn. My own clutch was 'measured' in April at 4600 or about 30% along this range (70% of clutch remaining given this understanding).

I'm told by the local dealer (though not with complete certainty as they seem to be getting only "we believe" comments from Audi technical support) that they think this range works in the opposite direction, and furthermore that the operating range for this indicator is 2000 - 12000 with a higher number in this range indicating lots of clutch life to go and a lower number indicating less life remaining.

Does anyone out there know the truth of this with high certainty? Has anyone had their clutch measured at several intervals indicating a consistent direction in this measurement indicative of typical wear?

My current measurement is 2100, so depending on what this means I either have a faulty sensor indicating a clutch which is better than new (according to the top theory above) and thereby fouling up my engagement point (consistent with the symptoms) ... or, my clutch is toast (according to the dealer's theory above (and possibly also consistent with the symptoms of poor initial hookup off the line)).

Many thanks!!

[TonyT]

I ran into this last week too.

Checked a '10 V10 Coupe with 7200 miles and it indicated 4200.. However on our tech's chart the range was between 3K and 12K.

I'm working on getting some knowledge on this and I'll be sure to post what I learn up here.

[the_buch]

Thanks Tony ... the data from the V10 you were looking at would support the hypothesis that this parameter is a wear indicator (higher number = more worn) rather than a clutch life indicator. And, it may be that the V10 has a wider range??

I'm really struck that Audi Tech (at least in Canada) can't give a definitive answer to my local dealer!

[desperado]

I think your questions have already been answered here: www.r8talk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7408

[postdady]

The higher the value the more wear. I am certain on that. The range on the V10 clutch is slightly higher...I think it goes to 10,000

[the_buch]

The higher the value the more wear. I am certain on that. The range on the V10 clutch is slightly higher...I think it goes to 10,000

So my theory that at a reading of 2100 (it was 4600 in April) I may have a faulty sensor or actuator 'holds water'? That is, if the RTronic computer is expecting a new clutch it will only release it to a point where it thinks the surface is for initial engagement thus leading to weak initial hookup and a delay (and excessive wear!) getting off the line?

All the updates have been done on the transmission, and some sort of recall, including some new bits, was performed on this system about six months ago. I also wonder about some sort of interaction with the STaSIS S/C system which went in a month ago (but I am advised they are independent)?

Thank you!

[desperado]

Buch, you haven't said whether you are having problems with the car? If so, what are the symptoms? Also it would be useful to know the mileage on the car.

Here's another earlier thread on the same subject. Just as much confusion back then: Clutch Replacement R-Tronic HELP!!!

[the_buch]

Yes ... tons of conflicting information, and even the technical resources from Audi are not able to be certain?? They've been sitting on my car at the local dealer for a week waiting to get some direction which isn't forthcoming.

I've got about 38,000km (24,000mi) on the car now. If the clutch gets a wear reading reset (to 6000) then it performs well for a couple of weeks during which time it is quickly degrading to a state where it revs way too high getting off the line (RTronic computer allowing too much slippage), and the reading is nearer 2000. On an uphill it can take several seconds just to start inching forward while reving over 2000rpm (I look like an amateur :-() so I find myself avoiding hill stops in case it gets into an overheat state and opens the clutch leaving me stranded!

I just can't believe that Audi would put a clutch into this car that would be toasted at this low mileage so my theory is something else is amiss. I've never used launch control and I've had clutches last in my Porshces and BMWs for over 200,000km in every case indicating that I'm not beating on the thing. If this was an automatic (which in some ways it is since the thing is run by Audi's computer not my left foot) transmission it would be a warranty matter.

[postdady]

Butch-
My advice...your R8 Advocate contact can be a huge help in this situation

[thebishman]

I personally don't think that 24K miles in an R-Tronic equipped car for clutch life is that bad. It seems that your car has more power than OEM and if you live in an area with hills, etc. then the clutch will wear quicker. Are you using 'regular' or 'Sport' mode with the transmission? In an area with lots of hills with stop/go traffic, or if you are forced to reverse up hills often, then placing the car in 'Sport' mode will stop 'dragging' the clutch so much.
Bish