VW has a rather unique way of doing their clutch. It's odd, but it works great and it makes the clutch last a really long time. The clutch can be replaced without pulling the engine, but it's really tough do to limited space. Make sure you replace the bolts that hold on the flywheel and the pressure plate. Buy new bolts from the dealer before you start the job. They are meant to stretch when torqued and you'll run into trouble if you don't replace them. You can buy an alignment tool (plastic disk) on line for a few bucks. It's worth it.