vw jetta

I know this is a mk 1 golf site but i could not find a jetta site and anyway a jetta is a golf with a boot.I want to know if there is a design fault on the jetta that anyone is aware of.I bought a 1984 jetta with a full service history and 28.000 miles on the clock.I had it RAC inspected and it was without fault.It still had it's original 1984 clutch in so i decided to replace it,incidently the reason i bought it was because i read on vw site that a woman in the states was still driving round in her gold jetta with the original clutch and she had done 500.000 miles..Anyway new clutch fitted and then new clutch cable.This started the problem.After a few miles it would not go into gear.Called RAC out and he adjusted the clutch cable.But after a day or so same thing again.Again called RAC out and again he adjusted the clutch cable.A day later same thing.So i looked myself and what was happening was the new cable was ripping apart the body shell of the clutch housing.I noticed the metal in that area is a thinner piece sweated on.And that their is a lip on the engine bay side that this piece is sweated onto on the inside of the car,making the pressure of the clutch pedal  push it into the car.It would have been better design to have it outside the lip so pressure went onto the lip not behind it.Suffice to say i have had to have welding done and this has compromised the integrity of what was a perfect classic car.Any info greatly appreciated.
                                          Jamo

Hi Jamo and welcome.

first off, we've had lots of debate in past over the Jetta as we all thought a Golf with a boot but technically not! (I can't recall the exact reasons) Which is why we're MK1 Golf only!

Not saying you're not welcome but there is a Jetta web site/register from memory - hopefully someone here will know the link.

Anyway, from your description, do you mean the clutch cable is pulling through the bulkhead? If so you can get a stick on and weld on repair panel for this area. I've seen them on ebay but guess cheaper from places like www.perfectpanels.com

Hope you sort it!
Cheers
Andy

Welcome to the Club! I am a big fan of the Jetta so please post up some pics! As said we don't have a register for the Jetta as its not a Golf and there is already a site catering especially for Jettas here

http://www.jettaownersclub.com/

You are more than welcome here though as of course the Golf and Jetta share many parts and were built in the same factory. Also that means they have common design faults and the clutch cable pulling through the bulkhead is a well know one on RHDs.

Happy posting
Rajan

JESUS CHRIST!!! I was abouts to read this thred and then thought HELL NO!!! lol no paragraphs and it messes wit ur eyes sort it out or u will get stuben people like me that wont read it hee hee can somebody sumerise it for me lol and tell me what it is about  :wink:  

Luv Chrissie xxx

500,000 miles on a clutch?? dont think so,maybe its like triggers broom in only fools and horses,same broom for 20 years,only had 5 new heads and 10 handles  
same clutch,its only had 2 new pressure plates and 10 friction discs  8O
Bert

I don't think it's reasonable that a clutch on any car would last 500,000 miles. However the clutch cable hacksawing down the bulkhead on mk1s is a known problem, due to the way VW engineered the LHD to RHD conversion.

On the original LHD cars this area was properly reinforced, however it is not as strong on RHD cars. You can get special panels to repair this area though.

As mentioned, we don't cater for Jetta's specifically, as there is an alternative club, however please feel free to browse and ask questions, as most of the mechanicals are identical.

Cheers,

Drew.