How To: CDV Delete / Install Stainless Clutch Line (07-09 5MT)

[Schultzey]

The SX4 has a damper or clutch delay valve (CDV) which is meant to slow down the clutch engagement to prevent drivetrain shock if the clutch were to be quickly engaged at higher rpms. It is common across other platforms to delete the CDV to improve the clutch responsiveness. The CDV can be bypassed without replacing the complete line as automat has pointed out in an old thread. The first step is to disconnect the retaining clip on the bleeder valve located on top of the transmission below the air intake and upper radiator hose. A second retaining clip on the CDV can be pulled out to allow the CDV to be removed. The factory clutch line can then be connected to the bleeder valve. At this point, the clutch would be bled using an 11mm wrench on the bleeder plug with a vinyl tub over the plug into a container to catch the fluid. Follow the clutch bleeding process as outlined in the RW420 manual on page 5C-4 to remove all air from the line.




Aftermarket parts for the SX4 are limited but the stainless steel clutch lines from Audi/VW models in the table below will fit the 5 speed manual transmission of the 07-09 North American SX4 variants.

Make	Model	Year	Engine
Audi	TTS	MK2 (2009-2015)	2.0T FSI
Audi	TTRS	MK2 (2012-2013)	2.5T
Audi	TT	MK1 (00-2007)	1.8T 180hp
Audi	TT	MK1 (00-2007)	1.8T 225hp
Audi	TT	MK1 (00-2007)	VR6 3.2L
Audi	TT	MK2 (2008-2015)	2.0 TSI
Audi	TT	MK2 (2008-2015)	2.0T FSI
Audi	TT	MK2 (2008-2015)	3.2L VR6
Audi	A3	8P (05-2013)	2.0 TSI (FWD)
Audi	A3	8P (05-2013)	2.0T FSI
Audi	A3	8P (05-2013)	3.2L V6
Audi	A3	8P (05-2013)	TDI
Audi	A3	8V (2014+)	1.8 TSI
Audi	A3	8V (2014+)	2.0 TSI (FWD)
Volkswagen	Passat	B6 (06-2011)	2.0T FSI
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK4 (99-2005)	1.8T
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK4 (99-2005)	VR6 24V (02-05)
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK5 (05.5-2010)	2.0 TSI
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK5 (05.5-2010)	2.0T FSI
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK6 Sedan (2011-2014)	2.0T Gen3 GLI (2013.5-2014)
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK6 Sedan (2011-2014)	2.0T GLI (2012-2013)
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK6 Sedan (2011-2014)	TDI
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK6 Sedan Facelift (2015+)	2.0T Gen3 GLI
Volkswagen	Jetta	MK6 Sedan Facelift (2015+)	TDI
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK4 (99-2005)	1.8T
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK4 (99-2005)	VR6 24V (02-05)
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK5 (06-2009)	2.0 TSI
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK5 (06-2009)	2.0T FSI
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK6 (10-2014)	2.0T
Volkswagen	Golf/GTI/Rabbit	MK7 (2015+)	2.0T
Volkswagen	Eos	ALL	2.0 TSI
Volkswagen	Eos	ALL	2.0T FSI
Volkswagen	CC	(2009-2017)	2.0 TSI
Volkswagen	Beetle	Beetle (2012+)	2.0 TSI
Volkswagen	Beetle	New Beetle (98-2011)	1.8T
Volkswagen	.:R Models	MK4 R32 (2004)	VR6 3.2L
Volkswagen	.:R Models	MK6 R (2012-2013)	2.0T FSI
Volkswagen	.:R Models	MK7 R (2015+)	2.0T

I picked up a Stainless Steel Clutch Line from USP Motorsports. The line is of good quality and coated so the stainless line won't wear through other parts if it rubs. Below are pics of the new line vs the factory line.


If you opt to replace the entire line, you will end up puling the retaining clips from the bleeder valve and clutch master cylinder and inserting the new line in place of the old one. Careful not to get fluid on your paint. Replace the retaining clips and bleed the clutch and enjoy the new line.

Here is the new line going into the bleeder valve.


Below is the new line going into the clutch master cylinder



Here is a comparison of the new line vs the stock connectors. There are 2 seals on the new line vs only 1 on the stock line.

[ryguy]

I thought about doing this a while ago but never got around to it. What's the driving like after the removal?

[Schultzey]

I am still in process of breaking in the engine and clutch. My initial impression is it feels like there is better control of the clutch engagement. The CDV seemed to slip the clutch slightly before engagement. With the removal of the CDV and new clutch line it now engages immediately.

[Dipstiksx4]

Do you know if this can be done to the 6spd models? And is it seriously as simple as removing the cdv and plugging the stock line back into the slave?

[Schultzey]

I'm not familiar with the 6 speed so someone else will need to confirm the CDV connection and connectors for an aftermarket clutch line.

It is as simple as removing the CDV on the 5 speed 07-09 models but you will need to bleed the clutch as well.

[Dipstiksx4]

So you do need an aftermarket line if u wanna remove it?

[Schultzey]

So you do need an aftermarket line if u wanna remove it?

No. You have 2 options on the 07-09 5 speed models:

1. Remove CDV and reinsert factory clutch line into the bleeder valve.
2. Remove CDV AND factory clutch line and replace with aftermarket line.

The clutch will need to be bled after performing either option.