Leon Mk3 TDi FR184 Clutch Issues

[Crabber]

I have recently had issues with the clutch pedal not returning promptly and having to lift it with my foot. Aside from this intermittent fault, the clutch has been fine with no noise or slipping issues. The clutch has now failed on start up in that the pedal will stay on the floor or can be forced to return but no clutch operation as such.
I note that in this model and other VW/Audi variants the fluid reservoir is shared with the brake fluid and this was very low suggesting a leak in the system.
A manual pumping of the clutch pedal produces a 'squishy' sound from the master cylinder suggesting air in the system.
After some research, it appears that master cylinder failure is common in this model and the symptoms may indicate this.
I have had my car recovered to a local garage, which specialises in diagnostics, and the mechanic, after a mere pedal wiggle, has diagnosed it as clutch failure requiring a complete new clutch and is quoting over £1300 for repair. His quote does not however include any replacement of the master cylinder.
When challenged he has agreed to change the master cylinder with a refresh of the hydraulic fluid to see if this alone resolves the problem.

Are my alarm bells ringing unnecessarily or are this mechanic's actions and diagnosis unreasonable?

TIA.

 

[adam davies]

Wiggled the clutch and diagnosed clutch failure. Who is this guy is he david blane or something. Take it to a local independant vag repiar shop is my advise.
I would also say it is unlikely to be total clutch failure as you said it sound like master.

 

[Woody_72]

Where are you based? Someone will probably be able to recommend a good indy in your area.

 

[Crabber]

Where are you based? Someone will probably be able to recommend a good indy in your area.

I am in mid Cornwall between Bodmin and Liskeard.

I have asked the independent diagnostic 'specialists' garage to replace the master cylinder with an aftermarket part (at 3 x the price I can buy one for). It was booked in for the work yesterday (2 1/2 hrs) and my security devices suggest that they worked on it from 1530 to 1705 yesterday. It was moved at 0856 this morning (out of the workshop I presume) and has remained motionless ever since without any contact from the garage.

Are they upset or struggling to perform a relatively simple job with a readily available part?

 

[Crabber]

This is a really interesting YouTube clip with a simple diagnosis to identify whether it is the master or slave cylinder that has have failed on a VAG car.

I wish I had seen this a few days ago and obviously a simple technique that my 'specialist' diagnostic garage is unaware of.

 

[Woody_72]

Interesting technique, very useful. Who on earth would diagnose those symptoms as a clutch and flywheel though?! Makes no sense at all .

 

[Crabber]

I presume, as my car was recovered to them by Green Flag, that the garage assumed I was a tourist without any mechanic knowledge and in desperate need of a repair. Such places need exposing.
I have been using the car for 2 weeks after master cylinder replaced and all is good with no fluid loss.

 

[Fordonian]

This came up when searching and I didn’t really want to start another thread as I’ve been reading lots on here about the master cylinder problem.

I think mine is currently going the same way as it’s slow to rise and then springs up when about an inch from the end of the travel to it’s normal position. It started just over a week ago and it’s every time I change gear.

I’m guessing we’re describing the same thing just in slightly different terms but also wondered if others have had the springing back too or if it’s possibly symptomatic of something else?