Changing down from 3rd into 2nd gear there was a clonk noise and there was no drive engaged. Does anyone know what the cause would be. I now can't actually drive the car and it won't engage into gear. There is a whirring noise which I assume is the clutch spinning. Can you help? It's a 2001 model Mk3 diesel manual.

Dave, March 2010

have a look under the car & see if the driveshafts turn when you engage gear & release the clutch, if one of the shafts turn, a cv joint may have broken up. if you do this though, chock the wheels & get some one to sit in the car with their foot on the brake so you don't get run over, just in case it does move.

jim, March 2010

Many thanks Maurice.

I tried starting the car in gear without the clutch depressed, it doesn't leap forward, but there is a juddering noise.

Is there a linkage to the clutch that could have snapped? When it broke it felt like a cable snapped or something had broken.

Thanks again for your answer - I'm hoping I woun't need a new gearbox!

Dave, March 2010

From the details you have posted it appears that the clutch friction plate has broken up hence no drive.

Can you get any drive if you put the car in first gear then try (with great care and be ready to turn off engine if it starts)to start the car, if it leaps forward then the clutch may be okay and you may have a problem with your gearbox.

If clutch is at fault replace clutch plate , cover and release bearing.

Maurice, March 2010