T5.1 DMF woes

[max-VW]

Oh well, guess it had to happen sometime. Owned quite a few T5's now but this is the first to go. Really frustrating as the clutch works perfectly, is super light and gear changes are very slick.

But...a few weeks ago I noticed that typical hollow, clanging/banging noise on cold start that is exactly the same as YT videos. Disappears with clutch pedal down. It's also started making some other noises at certain roads speeds that again vanish with clutch in.

I'm pretty sure (2012 T5.1) van is on the OEM clutch at 95k.

Can anyone please confirm what exactly I should expect a competent garage to replace ie: DMF + clutch but any other parts at same time as best practise? Bearings, seals, clutch hydraulics etc??

 

[DXX]

Oh well, guess it had to happen sometime. Owned quite a few T5's now but this is the first to go. Really frustrating as the clutch works perfectly, is super light and gear changes are very slick.

But...a few weeks ago I noticed that typical hollow, clanging/banging noise on cold start that is exactly the same as YT videos. Disappears with clutch pedal down. It's also started making some other noises at certain roads speeds that again vanish with clutch in.

I'm pretty sure (2012 T5.1) van is on the OEM clutch at 95k.

Can anyone please confirm what exactly I should expect a competent garage to replace ie: DMF + clutch but any other parts at same time as best practise? Bearings, seals, clutch hydraulics etc??

DMF, clutch, slave cylinder, inspect the drive shaft, potentially renew the drive end crankshaft seal at 95K miles.

 

[max-VW]

Thanks very much. As above it was just noticeable on cold start up.

Seems to be deteriorating rapidly - now noisy coasting in gear but if at any speed clutching in only stops it partially or for a second or two.

 

[DXX]

Are you sure it isn’t the gearbox, DMFs don’t fail rapidly. 5 speed gearboxes do.
I would check the oil level and take a sample to check for metallic debris.

 

[max-VW]

No, I can’t say that for sure. I can say the knocking clanging noise at cold start is 100% consistent with YT videos of DMF failures. Only potential gearbox issue I have experienced is a high pitched whine very specifically only in 5th at exactly 50 that fades away at 60. Otherwise gearbox and clutch are a joy to use and work perfectly in all situations.

Just to clarify about coasting in gear I mentioned above, it’s mainly when slowing in traffic, not braking. With power on there is no noise.

 

[DXX]

Aside from the ‘clanking’ issue if the gear oil has never been renewed it’s worth doing and checking what drained.
Easy job.

 

[max-VW]

Hi DXX, thanks very much for your continued help with this.

I heard back from the previous owner today who I’m still in contact with and learnt that before I bought, so about two years (7k miles) ago: "new clutch, gearbox refurbishment and rebuild (as occasionally popping out of reverse). …he said the original clutch was working fine (the problem was the linkage in the gearbox) but the guy recommended i still get the clutch done when the gearbox was out, due to the high mileage and having easy access to the clutch, so i did it at the same time.”