Hi all,

I was unfortunately wrong in thinking I'd got to the bottom of my slipping clutch issue on my 2006 MK1 Fabia vRS.

Ok so this is a new clutch kit and single mass flywheel supplied and fitted by Awesome GTi in Manchester. It is an uprated item that I was told would handle the power my car is producing. The first trip there the clutch was fitted and I sat in the waiting room for 9hrs and left the same day. This slipped terribly in 5th and 6th gear so I had to drive the car steadily all the way home. This was tested before I took it away but they must not have got into 5th or 6th gear.

I then returned to Manchester a few weeks later after being in contact with staff at Awesome. The clutch was removed and I was told it was not operating correctly and they would install a complete new unit. I was advised this was down to a faulty pressure plate (it was contaminated with oil). The 'new' clutch and flywheel was installed and tested. So I left last thing at the end of the day. Again I had the same problem although the pressure on the pedal felt a lot better but it was still slipping in 5th and 6th.

Ok so I am now looking at my third trip there and was of course getting a little cheesed off. This time I didn't want any excuses and decided to leave the car with them for as long as I could. This meant a week off work, delivered the car on Monday morning and didn't pick it up till Saturday afternoon, a full 4 days to sort a clutch shouldn't be a problem I thought.

After receiving numerous phone calls Awesome had decided this kit was delivered to them with an incorrect pitch (was also told the bolts were the wrong length to begin with) on the bolts thread that hold the flywheel/unit in place. This apparently was letting oil through which was contaminating the pressure plate and causing the slip. I was firstly offered an upgrade to a Helix Clutch but I'd have to pay the difference as they couldn't seem to sort this. Possibly stupidly I agreed. I was then called to say it's ok we've managed to get to the bottom of the problem and we're replacing (I think) the nuts and using different ones so you wont be having a Helix clutch fitted after all. I was then phoned to say the car would be done and I could collect it saturday.

I picked the car up and was told it was fine and it had been tested a few times by the technicians.

Unfortunately it's not and it's still slipping, admittedely it's far better but still slipping. Do you guys have any suggestions on what might be causing the problem and also what would you do? Awesome is 237 miles each way so currently I've clocked up over 1400 miles going backwards and forwards. So there's the cost of fuel. I also had to refuel the courtesy car I had for the week. Add to that 7 days of holiday from work and even more annoyingly I have a limit of 5000 miles on my insurance. I've used getting close to 1/3 of that just driving to Awesome so will have to pay for more mileage! Hopefully this wont be too expensive!

I've not had any offer of compensation for my troubles. I am reluctant to drive all the way there again so I dont know what to do for the best. I was thinking along the lines of getting them to pay for the car to taken there on a trailer as why should I put another 450 miles on the clock. This will be the 4th attempt to sort the problem so i have lost all faith!

The only positive thing is I have fully resolved the power issue. She's up to 330ft/lbs of torque at 2900rpm, however I cant bloomin' use it because of the clutch... Very unhappy!

All serious suggestions welcomed

Many thanks

Jack

OMG. I really feel for ya, this is a terrible story.

They should be bending over backwards for you now. Would you be happy going for a uprated Helix if it was done at their expense? If you asked for that option they should do that

I'm sure it will get sorted out. Very best of luck

I'm sorry but I'd be telling them I want the Helix fitted now and no extra cost.

You have been very patient with them so far and allowing them to carry on fixing the car to try and resolve the problem but it's starting to cost you even more money now. I'd ask to speak to the manager and explain the situation regarding this being your third time with this issue, and say you've come from far afield and basically explain the reason being you came so far as they are experts in this particular area with VAG car's and was recommended them by several people and don't wanna leave on bad terms with them and you just wish to have a fully working car once again. I'm sure you will be able to come some form of agreement with them regarding a solution