After almost twenty years I am back into owning a VW its a 99.5 Golf GL with 149k. The clutch doesn't slip but is a bit notchy, except today I started getting a squeal when the pedal is about halfway on the engagement stroke in first gear. I also perceive a short hesitation or slip of the clutch at about the same time. I can see the hydraulic actuator or whatever it is called was replaced shortly before I purchased the car.

VW and one independent shop have quoted figures in the $800+ range to R&R the clutch. That being said I have done a clutch on an air cooled VW and a Chevy Monza. Just how hard is it to do a Golf clutch and what is the best resource for how to directions? Thanks!

 

Are you doing OEM clutch, or thinking of doing aftermarket? You can get a really, really nice clutch/flywheel package for great price. They aren't to hard to anyways...just splitting the tranny and motor sux.

 

I was thinking OEM. I do want to make sure this is the one and only time I have to do this, so I definitely want to avoid garbage parts, but don't see a need for performance parts. I would be willing to devote a weekend to wrenching but don't want to get in over my head. Do I need all kinds of specialty tools? When you split the engine and trans do you have to remove one or both from the car?

 

well if your just replacing the clutch than it's just a standard job, nothing really special. I don't think I needed any specialty tools, but it is n ice to have certain common tools to get into tight places.