06 1.9 PD 105 estate.

Only had it a few weeks and it always had a juddering bite.

So much so that it sometimes stalls if you ease out the clutch on tick over for example while in slow stop start queues.

The dmf (if fitted) seems fine, no clattering at engine start/stop or at any rpm through the gears.

The clutch seems fine otherwise, bite point and travel, although at 105 nags it's hardly likely to slip unless really sh*gged!

I tried a few hill starts to give the clutch a good workout and was rewarded with a rancid stewed cabbage smell.

My thinking is the clutch plate is being contaminated with gearbox oil via a bad oil seal.

Any mechanics agree with this conclusion?

If so is checking gearbox oil and replenishing easy on an Octavia?

Mine has a little judder when cold. I find that letting the clutch out at tick over makes it worse, so don't do that - give it a tad more revs. Drive with mechanical sympathy (does that exist?). When its warm/dry is doesn't do it.

I have a Superb 2 with (I believe) the same engine and box.  I checked/changed the oil last year.

 

The engine/box is tilted on both these, so the filler/level plug for the gearbox is below the correct level for the oil. The recommended procedure for checking is still straight forward but much longer than normal as the oil 'level' is measured by draining it into a calibrated container, adding some more if necessary, then putting it back through the filler hole, (as much as you can), and the rest through the reversing light switch hole (higher up).

 

As if that wasn't enough, there are two places to drain from, one of which requires locking the gear change mechanism before you remove a bolt and pin.

 

I think this is the case for 2006 models (mine's a 2009 pd). Worth checking before you unscrew the filler/level plug!

 

Your gear box is  an 02J, if you care to google it.

 

HTH.

I have a 55 1.9 estate and I have a bit of judder - I've only had the car a few weeks and at first I was concerned about the dmf but I'm fairly sure it isn't that. I find that if I give it a few more revs then it isn't a problem and I've just ignored it so far. I'd be interested to know what you conclude.

Mine has a little judder when cold. I find that letting the clutch out at tick over makes it worse, so don't do that - give it a tad more revs. Drive with mechanical sympathy (does that exist?). When its warm/dry is doesn't do it.

My '54 PD 105 (126k miles) is just the same - "They all do that sir"!

 

Dave

My vrs does the same. Just use more revs

Actually the engine is a BKC and the gearbox is a GQQ.

It's a weird setup...

I've never felt pulsing through the hydraulic clutch on another vehicle and if there's no mechanical fault causing the juddering on clutch bite it must be a weakness in design/materials.

The only other time I've felt the same juddering on moving off was in my old pug after I'd pressure washed the engine and soapy water had entered the clutch housing, it dried out naturally and all was fine again.

I'm wondering if it could be an after effect from the previous owner riding the clutch and warping something due to excessive heat... certainly feels like warped brakes but in reverse if you follow my meaning.

My '54 PD 105 (126k miles) is just the same - "They all do that sir"!

 

Dave

Well I have to say that this is very comforting - it don't bother me at all and eases the worry about dmfs and stuff - so thank you. 

 

Yes, drive with more mechanical sympathy - I think there is a lot in that. I have had several cars with clutches on the way out and they have lasted me years. 

My PD 105 does that too- it's never got worse or become a problem. 

I'm in the club too, same thing on mine. How do I determine which engine and gearbox codes I have?

Will be on a sticker inside the boot or in the handbook. 3 or 4 letter code. 

Gearbox code is first 3 digits in lower line of larger characters between upper barcodes and lower smaller option codes.

Engine code is last 3 digits on same line.

Hope this helps.

Doesn't sound like a gearbox problem that you're having, but, if you do ever check the gearbox oil level, I believe GQQ is an 02J box.

 

I think 02J is the series of box, GQQ is the ratios put in it.

 

Happy to be corrected if someone else knows differently :-)

 

The attached pdf shows the oil change procedure on an 02J in a VW Golf/Jetta etc. (from VW USA).

 

HTH.

Edited 9 December, 201312 yr by CombatWombat

Octavia mk2 PD gearbox codes.

(different from code used on vehicle options sticker)

Manual:

1.9 5 speed 0A4

2.0 6 speed 02Q

DSG:

6 speed 02E

My PD 105 does that too- it's never got worse or become a problem.

Ditto. Same symptom in the other half's Leon with this motor in.

Having the same problem with mine. Took it back to the dealers I got it from, he reckons theres definately something wrong so is taking it apart on warranty, will let you know what he finds!
My juddering is bad enough for any passenger to ask whats happening. Having had a 1.9PD fabia with a factory fitted SMF (Checked and triple checked with 3 different part suppliers!) The feeling I get from the PD105 with a DMF is not a good one.

Does anyone concur that normally moving off from a standstill with 2K revs or thereabouts results in a loud thunderous sound from the engine?

Not a bang or similar sound just a heavy sound from the engine, agricultural like you were working it hard pulling tree stumps.

Anyone would think I was moving off with the handbrake engaged, no I'm not and the brakes aren't binding.

It just feels like a wee engine having to shift a very heavy car.

Yeah setting off in first gear always seems like the engine is labouring at first but pulls fine after that

@steve95

Exactly, it's not a nice sound or sensation.

So much so I resorted to turning off ASR to see if that was what was causing it but it didn't help if at all.

Sometimes it feels like trying to launch with a high power low torque engine with little flywheel effect but as you say once the wheels are rolling it's OK.

Just a thought.

 

Have you checked for any leaks of diesel from the tandem pump on the side of the engine (to the top right as you look at the engine)?

 

They are very prone to leak and can dribble diesel down onto the gearbox/clutch bell housing.

 

Had it on the Cordoba and was warned by my garage that some fuel was getting into the clutch housing.

 

Phil

@Phil-E

Good call, diesel fouling the clutch would certainly cause the symptoms on this post.

Only had the car 2 months so still getting to know her.

I'll have a look see when the weather is more settled... could be a while then!

Our Altea Ref Sport also is like this at certain times, has been back to Seat when on warranty and although they saw the car doing it, they have had it in overnight and inspected it on 2 occasions theres nothing wrong with it they say. To be fair its been like it for 3 to 4 years and touch wood not any worse and as people have said rev it up a little when pulling away and its not too bad, pulling off purely off the tick over is a bit more messy though.

 

Lewwy

Sorted the juddering clutch.

There was a 4" rubber fuel pipe on the tandem pump that had got hard with age, diesel and heat causing diesel to weep past the clip and run down fouling the clutch.

New piece of pipe, 2 hose clips and a good wash with detergent and the connection is bone dry and the clutch is transformed, happy days :-)

Good news!

 

I was partly-right then.

 

Phil