Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice regarding a clutch replacement on my Octavia Mk3 (2018, 2.0 TDI, Manual gearbox).

I recently had the entire clutch and Dual Mass Flywheel replaced at a VAG specialist garage. The mechanic recommended and installed a complete Sachs kit (Flywheel + Clutch).

Since picking up the car, the clutch pedal feel has become incredibly stiff. It is not just "sporty" or firm – it creates actual physical discomfort/pain in my left foot after a short drive in traffic. It feels significantly harder than the previous LUK clutch, even when it was worn out.

When I complained to the mechanic, he claimed that "Sachs clutches are just harder than LUK" and that this is normal behavior.

My questions:

1. Is such extreme stiffness considered normal for a Sachs kit on this car?

2. Could there be an installation error or a technical issue causing this heavy pedal feel?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks!

1 hour ago, Hat said:

Since picking up the car, the clutch pedal feel has become incredibly stiff.

Do you mean it was very stiff since you picked it up, or has become increasingly stiff? If the latter, suggests a binding or other problem.

You need to be clear on that.

1 hour ago, Hat said:

Sachs clutches are just harder than LUK

Quite possibly true.

clutch clamping force is often increased on preformance clutches, at the expense of the pressure required to press the pedal.

This is a downside of putting non genuine or different parts in.

Bit of a shame he didn't say this before the install though.

1 hour ago, Hat said:

Could there be an installation error or a technical issue causing this heavy pedal feel?

Maybe, maybe it's binding on the shaft or fork, but again, is it getting worse or was it always this stiff since collecting it.

1 hour ago, Hat said:

It feels significantly harder than the previous LUK clutch, even when it was worn out.

Even a new LUK clutch would feel stiffer, a spring pressure would reduce as the clutch wears and he spring degrades.

A worn out clutch is probably the easiest of all to press

Could be as said its new and compared to old one is heavier/stiff due to spring plate being stronger. It may just need time to bed in properly. It might be an idea to give the garage who did it a quick call and get them to check it out. Maybe a problem with master/slave cylinder if they werent changed or old clutch fluid. If they replaced the DMF was it a solid conversion as they can be stiffer. Last LUK clutch kit I bought had sachs clutch in box.

Alasdair

The stiffness was there immediately from the moment I picked up the car. It hasn't changed or gotten worse over the last few days.

Edited 21 December, 202521 Dec by Hat

I would as said get in touch with the garage and get them to check it out. It may be that its a heavier duty clutch and its stiffer but they may be able to advise/help

Alasdair