Hi all, the clutch on my 1.4 A4 seems really high. It doesn’t seem to be slipping, but if I do a spirited launch from standstill then there’s a squealing metallic sound from the engine bay just while the clutch is slipping until fully engaged. Doesn’t do it at low power takeoffs. 
Considering the mental cost of doing the clutch on these cars I’m considering whether I should gamble that it could go on like this for a long time or move it on before it fails. 
Could any fellow owners let me know if a high clutch biting point is normal on the 1.4?

On 5/15/2025 at 7:47 AM, Redred said:

Could any fellow owners let me know if a high clutch biting point is normal on the 1.4?

It's not normal on any car. Your clutch is defective.

Any comment on this Dm?

Hi Cliffcoggin, I was hoping for other replies from A4 owners to say where their clutch biting point is in comparison. I’ve done some research regarding the squealing sound, and it seems like that could be the release bearing, or (worse) something to do with the flywheel surface. I’ve also tried to ascertain whether it is actually slipping yet and it isn’t, as far as I can tell from the normal tests. If it was cheaper then I’d give serious thought to changing it out anyway, but apparently this clutch pack isn’t available from 3rd parties yet so the Audi price is something like £2K5 just for the part. I need to verify that’s still the case. 

Yes the squeal is most likely to be the release bearing. Adding that to the high bite point confirms that the clutch is defective and needs to be renewed.

Others here may be able to recommend a source for a new clutch.

The longer you drive with a defective clutch you run the risk of damaging your DMF which would cost you alot to replace, I would change it sooner rather then later. My biting point with old clutch and new clutch is smack in the middle. Sacs clutch’s like what will be fitted to b9’s shouldn’t experience bite point travel, they usually just start slipping once all travel is used 

i bought an audi a 4 b8 with bills and with one bill it said clutch high.it showed no signs of slipping then 3.5 years later it suddenly started to go then went completely while on a busy by pass.all changed including fly wheel £1500 garage in north yorkshire

Edited May 28, 20251 yr by alpha omega

Any comment on the last three replies Dm? I know you have seen them.

Hi Redred,

I have just bought a 2018 A4 1.4tfsi off an older relative who was struggling to get in and out of it and was buying something taller.

I've noticed the clutch bite is high and it too does a quick squeal on spirited take offs.

It's exactly how you've described yours.

Accepting and now used to the clutch bite, the gear change is smooth and I'm fine with it but I don't know whether to be worried or not that a big repair is round the corner.

I bought it because it's otherwise immaculate and very low mileage.

Have you resolved your concerns with your clutch?

Thanks.

Edited September 1, 2025Sep 1 by BigGer

Hi BigGer,

I haven’t changed it out yet. It’s still high, and the squeal is defo slowly getting worse but every so often I check if it’s actually slipping and it doesn’t seem to be. So I’ll carry on until it slips. I think the squealing might be a dry clutch release bearing, based on some YouTube videos of same noise. 
I did hear that they are crazy expensive to replace  on the 1.4 tfsi, so hoping the price will come down before it needs doing. 

Thanks Redred,

My A4 has got ridiculously low mileage, just turned 10k but I'm wondering if my relative has a terrible driving style, riding the clutch a lot.

It's just had an annual service at the Audi dealership before I bought it and nothing was mentioned about the clutch.

It's not slipping and I'll monitor it, I'm assuming there's no way to adjust the bite point.

If I find out more I'll post back.

Good luck.

Cheers, you too.