Clutch wear

[wemtd]

We’ve had discussions on how to read the condition of spark plugs & tires but I don’t recall any discussions regarding clutch selections & wear.

I can surmise that a shattered metal disk and tangled knot of Kevlar needs to be replaced.  However I’m not too familiar with what a happy clutch/friction surface should look like versus the sample below (dust has been wiped off with solvent).

 

Curiosity has gotten me wondering what collective wisdom the group has on this topic?

 

Edited February 26, 2023 by wemtd
Photo resolution

[MV8]

Replace. It is very blue, as in unhappy. Looks like it has been unhappy for a long time. Generally attributed to operator technique (previous owner or car borrower?) of feathering release from high rpm or resting the foot on the pedal and/or continuing to drive with slippage going on. You can replace the ring or possibly have a machine shop mill and shim as needed to bring the surface to the right depth or they can just make a new ring from steel plate if the flywheel is going to be over $500 to replace.

[11Budlite]

What brand of flywheel is that? It looks like the friction plate is in really sad shape but should be replaceable by itself.

[wemtd]

Thing I didn’t mention is hydraulic fluid contamination occurred last year…

I imagine a happy plate should look like a brake rotor?

[11Budlite]

6 hours ago, wemtd said:

Thing I didn’t mention is hydraulic fluid contamination occurred last year…

I imagine a happy plate should look like a brake rotor?

Paul - It shouldn't look like the friction plate on your flywheel. If it does, I'd replace the pressure plate, disc, and the friction plate on the flywheel. Especially if you had fluid contamination previously.

[IamScotticus]

I have a 2.0 Zetec FW if interested

 

 

Edited February 27, 2023 by IamScotticus

[jbcollier]

Some marks will come off with light sanding.  Surface grinding can sort worse defects such as micro cracking.  But, that is totally thrashed/smoked/etc.  Did you compete in a tractor pull?  Only half joking.  The clutch would seem to be under-spec’d for your engine’s power output and/or your driving style.

[CarlB]

I believe you are supposed to replace the steel clutch disk surface every time you replace the clutch. The flywheel manufacturer will sell you one. They aren't that much money. Your flywheel may have been made by Fidanza. They are very good people and can probably help. The flywheel may have been sold under a different name but they build a lot of flywheels for other people.

[MV8]

I'm sure the flywheel mfgs would prefer that. Replacing rotors anytime brake pads are replaced follows the same logic.

[wemtd]

All better now:  replaced insert & flywheel balanced.