You’ve probably heard of diesel clatter. It’s that chug-a-chug sound that emanates from underneath the hood of every diesel-powered car, some being more clattery than others. But what about clutch clatter? Yeah, me either – that is, until I drove our Jetta home for the first time. Resting your foot on the Jetta’s clutch is like stepping on a violently purring cat, as the pedal vibrates in perfect time to the muted clatter from the engine bay. In Pulp Fiction terms, if Antwan Rockamora, a.k.a. Tony Rocky Horror, had been able to track down a Jetta TDI, he could have provided Mia Wallace with an entirely non-intimate foot massage simply by firing up the TDI and placing her foot on the clutch, in which case Marsellus Wallace might have elected not to have him thrown off that fourth-floor balcony, thus sparing Tony his unfortunate speech impediment. Clearly, clutch clatter has its benefits.
For the average driver, however, it’s kind of annoying, especially in stop-and-go traffic, where one’s foot often rests ever-so-slightly on the clutch in anticipation. As our Jetta is the first diesel-powered car I’ve driven, I’m hopeful that this quirk is endemic only to previous-generation Volkswagen TDIs (and maybe just Jettas), not current models or diesel cars in general.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com
orangutan says:
11:46 AM, 02/19/08
Sure it's not just another defect with your particular Jetta? From everything written about it, it doesn't seem that the dealership actually cared about its condition when they sold it to you.
opfreak says:
11:50 AM, 02/19/08
I just wonder what the title/response would be if it was a domestic product with clutch clatter.
SubyTrojan says:
12:13 PM, 02/19/08
I thought the proper term is "clutch judder." :shrug: Whoops. Maybe Josh is trying to make it relate to the sound of the engine. :thumbsup: I'm sorry. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
skisupreme says:
12:29 PM, 02/19/08
Since you guys are into buying used vehicles now for your long term tests (which is awesome), let's start a list for your next victims...
How about an Acura NSX? Or maybe a used 911? What do you think?
estreka says:
12:31 PM, 02/19/08
Love the Pulp Fiction reference.
louiswei says:
01:21 PM, 02/19/08
I'll continue with the used car idea, how about...
A used Audi (anyone will do)
A used MB (anyone)
A used Corvette Z06
Ditto a used NSX.
daxtripper says:
02:31 PM, 02/19/08
"I just wonder what the title/response would be if it was a domestic product with clutch clatter."
This response is getting SO old. It seems I've read it at least 5 times. Can we sing another tune, please?
crowb says:
02:51 PM, 02/19/08
I second the kudos on the pulp fiction reference. Though it must be noted that the truth is that only Antwan and Marsellus know the real reason that he threw him out that window...
Jeez, Josh. When you girls get together you're worse than a sewing circle.
redliner says:
03:34 PM, 02/19/08
daxtripper
AMEN!
sadbuttrue says:
04:26 PM, 02/19/08
crowb - excellent point about Marsellus' true motivations, although I think it's scamps that are worse than a sewing circle, not girls. Unless you knowingly substituted the latter for insult-related purposes.
benson2175 says:
05:20 PM, 02/19/08
"I just wonder what the title/response would be if it was a domestic product with clutch clatter."
It probably would be something about typical poor engineering and build quality in domestic products. And it would be right.
stephen987 says:
07:04 PM, 02/19/08
Actually, it would probably be a nostalgia piece hearkening back to the days when you could get a domestic car with a Hurst shifter and a Muncie M-22 "rock crusher."
joefrompa says:
08:34 AM, 02/20/08
Hi Josh,
This is not clutch Clatter, or Chatter, as it's commonly known.
What you described is simply engine vibration (prominent in diesels) being transmitted through the controls during normal operation.
1. You shouldn't rest your foot, even lightly, on the clutch. Not good for clutch life.
2. Clutch Chatter, as it's commonly known, is a symptom of either a crappy clutch or poor installation and is specifically a chattering sound/vibration during clutch engagement (and sometimes disengagement) whereby the clutch skips around a little bit prior to fully grabbing. It also tends to happen when the clutch is getting really low on friction material.
Joe
altimadude00 says:
10:55 AM, 02/20/08
Seconds astreka.
sadbuttrue says:
10:54 PM, 02/20/08
Hi Joe,
On the aptness of the phrase "clutch clatter," see SubyTrojan's earlier post. As for your numbered points:
1. I doubt that lightly resting one's foot on a clutch - as opposed to depressing or "riding" the clutch (which requires more than just a resting foot, unless your foot weighs fifteen pounds) - will shorten its lifespan, although if anyone has technical knowledge to the contrary, I'd be interested to hear it.
2. Agreed. In our Jetta's case, the culprit seems to be a crappy clutch.
Again, I hope VW has dialed out the pedal vibration in their new TDI models. It doesn't exactly impart a sense of quality.
Josh
eldaino says:
10:08 AM, 02/27/08
the pulp fiction bit was priceless. it seems like everyone driving it is well versed in pop culture. keep em coming! :)