a slight slip and a slight clunk

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

This started last week. When I let out the clutch in 1st gear from a standstill, I can feel a very slight slip and then I can hear a clunk. Once I'm in 2nd gear and above, I don't feel or hear the slip/clunk anymore. If I let the clutch out slowly (1st gear from standstill), I can (most of the time) prevent the slip/clunk from happening.

Is this something in the clutch or could it be something else? THe car has about 210k with probably the original clutch.

Anyway to gauge how much time I have before a failure that will leave me stranded (unable to shift)? I am hoping it holds up till spring when it's warmer so I can deal with it.

[CrazyAndy]

Sounds like either your clutches' sprung hub getting loose or the pressure plate not applying evenly.  That is just if you have a single mass flywheel; dual-mass is a whole other can of worms.  

Happening in my bus right now but WAY WORSE; thing sounds like the engine falls out every time I let the clutch out.  My advice:  sink that $250-300 on a good clutch kit and set aside a nice weekend in a warm garage in the next 3 weeks.

EDIT: I assume you have checked your clutch cable freeplay as well as the integrity of your motor mounts.

[CRSMP5]

motor mount

[8v-of-fury]

motor mount

Definitely the rear trans mount.

[fatmobile]

They took my answer so:
  I'm betting loose axle bolts or loose lug bolts.
 
 With loose lug bolts you hear it when you stop too,.. or so I've heard
 
 ... and with axle bolts you don't usually notice until the car stops and you try to move but don't go anywhere.
but I'm still guessing they could somehow make that noise.

 Whaduyawant, they took my answer...

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check them all out, except the clutch. How does a motor mount or rear tranny mount make that clunk and especially the "slip". Please describe the mechanics of it. I am hoping it's not the clutch!

[8v-of-fury]

The slipping may be the engine rocking back, and the clunk is metal on metal mount on sub-frame.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

The slipping may be the engine rocking back, and the clunk is metal on metal mount on sub-frame.

Have you had this happen to you? I'll check it out.

[8v-of-fury]

Yes I have lol.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Sounds like either your clutches' sprung hub getting loose or the pressure plate not applying evenly.  That is just if you have a single mass flywheel; dual-mass is a whole other can of worms.  

Happening in my bus right now but WAY WORSE; thing sounds like the engine falls out every time I let the clutch out.  My advice:  sink that $250-300 on a good clutch kit and set aside a nice weekend in a warm garage in the next 3 weeks.

EDIT: I assume you have checked your clutch cable freeplay as well as the integrity of your motor mounts.

the last clutch i changed, the center was about gone.. had ALOT of play. it sounded like a bag of hammers any time the clutch was out..

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Yes I have lol.

All the 8 mm XZN bolts on the axle shafts are tight, as well as all lug nuts. How do you check the rear tranny mount (the one under the coolant globe)? It's kind hidden in the metal cup. Have to check my records but I think I replaced that mount when I did the ACN tranny install this past summer. I'd be pissed if it was replaced only lasted less than 8k miles. Probably Meyle crap.

[8v-of-fury]

If its toastered ypu should be able to grab the intake and rock the engine easily forward or backward. Because of its far back location it takes most of the rocking force.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

If its toastered ypu should be able to grab the intake and rock the engine easily forward or backward. Because of its far back location it takes most of the rocking force.

I did that and the engine didn't move much. Maybe I didn't rock it hard enough. Will try again tomorrow.  I did replace the tranny mount with a Optimal brand hydraulic made in Germany supposedly (from German auto parts) last summer. I'll check the other mounts too. I have a USB borescope. If I can rig it up to the laptop (I can aim it at the mounts look for movement. The borescope cable is only 6 ft long and not long enough unless I go through the firewall. Not sure if it will still work if I add a USB extension cable.

[CRSMP5]

how to check mounts.........

open hood...

sit arss in seat start up...

foot on brake.. let out on clutch in 1st gear... engine move lots.. feel the float you been feeling at light?

rear mounts only clunk in reverse... same test just in reverse

[8v-of-fury]

rear mounts only clunk in reverse... same test just in reverse

Good test, but I have had a bad mount clunk going forward as well.