Gotta love Bentley!

[rfkellner at snet.net (Rick Kellner)]

Prior to removing the pressure plate I checked the procedure in Bentley.
The plate/crank have to be held from turning while removing the six
bolts, otherwise you turn the crank and not the bolts.  Bentley states,
and I am paraphrasing; 'a holding fixture needs to be installed; tool
numbered VW558, otherwise, you can use a coat hanger'.  Hey, I've got
one of those.
Rick K.