Clutch replacement

[chrisg]

Geoff I've little or no knowledge about the clutch system for the lux - I believe in layout and function it's identical to the Turbo version but less beafy. If I was you, I wouldn't fit the turbo clutch - yes it's sprung but with two lots of springs to take up the extra torque. In addition to this, the coverplate has much higher pressure, so to cope with this the release bearing and fork are uprated and the clutch bellhousing is a different part. My understanding is that the torque tube is basically the same, the gearbox is not a Porsche box but an uprated version of the Audi one that was fitted to the Coupe - hence the bellhousing shape at the back where the box meets the TT (clutch position in the Audi). The Turbo box is uprated and modified strengthed etc with an LSD and oil cooler fitted, still basically an Audi box, even the drain plug has the Audi rings on it ! yours Chris

 

[JamesO]

The updated standard clutch uses springs not the rubber bit and will probably outlast the car. You can fit the turbo box but the ratio's are a bit on the long side for the lux. I found the S2 box much nicer than the turbo box ratio wise in a lux.

 

[bertelli_1]

What exactly are you checking when you say 20-30 degrees of movement??

 

[Mike_Pollock]

There is an inspection cover on the clutch housing - look for small pieces of rubber.

 

[geoffbateman]

I've had the inspection cover off the gearbox and I seem to have about 20 to 30 degrees of movement in the torque tube shaft with the clutch engaged. I'm guessing that the rubber centre part of the friction plate is on the way out. I've also checked the driveshaft joints and the inners both have a little bit of backlash in them so the plan is to shortly get the car up, drop the transmission out and start from the clutch back.
The torque tube bearings are a bit noisy so I was planning on the following:
Replacement clutch kit
Refurbished torque tube assembly
Either new inner drive shaft cv joints or a s/h or refurbed pair of driveshafts.
I think the gearbox is ok, but I'm prepared to source a used replacement if it has too much play in it.
The question I have is this. From what I can see the clutch for the turbo has a "normal" sprung centre instead of the rubber centre of the non-turbo. I would prefer to fit the turbo clutch, would it still accept the same torque tube or do I need a turbo torque tube as well?
Next, I've read that the non-turbo box is an Audi box whereas the turbo box is an uprated Porsche box so would it make sense to maybe source a good used turbo box and if so would the driveshafts I have at the moment still be usable?
I'm sure there are people out there who've already ben through this process so any helpful suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[FistsOfHam]

Just fitted a new clutch to my 83 944. It was indeed a spring centred clutch.

 

[robwright]

Just fit an updated clutch without the rubber centre. If you fit a turbo clutch it is not suited to your lux. Likewise with the gearbox. The ratios are all wrong as has already been said. The turbo also has uprated CV joints. Not sure whether you would need them as you would not be developing the power but still all seems a bit crazy to me mate. It is pretty much standard practice to replace your rubber centered clutch with a standard sprung one.

 

[robwright]

Just read your post again mate and I am with bertelli_1 on this one. What do you mean by 20-30 degrees of movement? When you say clutch engaged do you mean pedal depressed or pedal released? With pedal released there should be no movement at all.

 

[geoffbateman]

Thanks to you all. Yes I mean with the pedal up (clutch engaged) and gearbox in neutral. I know there should be no movement, but I can turn the shaft about 30 degrees (guess) by putting my hand through the inspection hole in the gearbox housing. I know, it's not good. My guess is that the rubber centre part (I'm pretty sure it's the original clutch) is starting to shear. It was ok until about 3/4 way through Porkers in the Trough the other week. Since driven it home (270 miles) and then to Silverstone and back and a bit of local. If you drop your foot off the throttle though it is unpleasant. If you feather the throttle it's not too bad but it definitely needs some attention. Thanks for the comments ref the turbo bits. Since checked the parts book and confirmed that there are indeed several different parts so I don't think I'll be going that route. What is encouraging is that a replacement friction plate with out the rubber centre is obviously available so that looks the way to go. Any details for a replacement clutch with the new upgraded friction plate? Thanks.