New clutch time. Second Helix. First one was OK but was the older kit based on the steel Sachs Sporting pressure plate. It was only replaced due to DMF failure but whilst in there it's better to replace everything imo.
The newer Helix is their own billet pressure plate, and no, it's not lighter than the steel one, for those looking to reduce a bit of rotational mass
I can't feel any difference in pedal weight and bite feel comparing old to new.
I would also shim the gearbox input shaft whilst you're there. Darkside Developments sell the necessary parts. You may not feel any end float at the plastic cap end of the gearbox, but there certainly was a fair bit of play on mine at the opposite end pulling the shaft.
Will also be switching to Redline ShockProof Lightweight 75W-90 gear oil to help reduce some chattering noise (box is 145K old) as it's well known to help with noises and sluggish shifts with old VW gearboxes. Yes the OEM oil is the best when the gearbox is very low mileage, but with a lot of miles on it, it needs a better oil.
Updated metal crank seal housing was also fitted 'whilst in there', which features a much improved seal. It's also an improved design in as much as it doesn't need the expensive £33 VW sealant to fit it. The factory fitted seal is in a plastic housing which is known to leak, which indeed mine was when the gearbox was taken off. The seal itself had also become 'plastic' over time and wasn't sealing properly.
Anyone doing a clutch, I recommend you fit the latest seal. It's not cheap at £100 but it's cheaper than replacing an expensive clutch because of oil contamination.
Also fitted SuperPro camber ball joints and did a full alignment. Just like their console bushes, the claimed alignment adjustment is nowhere near realised in practice, but we managed to extract -1.2 degrees, which is 0.7 degrees more than stock, and it does make a decent difference.
