1998 VW Polo - Clutch

vodkasoda

My son has just bought a car, but the clutch doesn't “bite” until it’s really high up & he’s finding it difficult to get used to it (he’s still a Learner) … I've just given it a drive & it is tough !!!

Does anybody know if this is adjustable and if so is it a difficult / expensive job ?

vodkasoda

Anybody ?

crosstownk

Polos of that year were factory fitted with a self adjusting clutch cable. This is easily identified by the self adjuster which is located halfway along the cable - it looks like a plastic cylinder that surrounds the cable. These cables were known to give trouble with symptoms similar to what you describe.

You could consider replacing the cable. VW made a manually adjusted cable available in the late 90s that could be fitted instead of the self adjusting type so you should have a choice and I'd imagine that the manual cable would be somewhat less expensive. If you're any way good at fiddling under the bonnet then I'd recommend getting the manual cable. However, vagcat.com only list one cable for a RHD 1998 Polo - part number 6N2 721 335 B but it may be worth asking your local dealer or motor factor if they can source a manual cable.

Bear in mind that a worn clutch disc can also cause a high 'bite'.

vodkasoda

crosstownk, that is a great reply, thank you, I will show this to him tomorrow when he is home & see where he wants to go with it ... hopefully it won't be a worn clutch disc !!!

I won't be "fiddling under the bonnet", I'm way too old and it's way too cold for that kind of malarkey !!!

Thanks again ...