Clutch wear

[Tony Martyr]

In normal use with 5000 miles and 4 track days and 2 sprints a year how long does a well driven clutch plate last on a 1600SS?

In 4 years I have got through 3 clutch thrust bearings and as a consequence, because it is sensible to replace them while the engine is out, 2 new clutch plates. Part of my original problem was a dimensional problem with the bell-housing, which was changed, since that time all has been well.

Is there any means of measuring plate wear through the yoke hole?

I have a concern that, when the pedal is fully depressed, the yoke arm just about touches the forward edge of the hole in the bell housing and I have not a clue as to how long it has been like that.

The last thing I want to do is to have a slipping clutch on the way to Le Havre this summer but a nonessential engine removal after I’ve got the new loom all tidied up is too awful to think about.

How long does yours last?

If I do opt for a new one are there non-standard plates that give better life?

 

[Moderate Clam]

That sounds like an awful lot of clutches.

 

I would have expected a clutch on a Caterham to last 60,000 to 80,000 miles. I mean there is no weight to them, so what is to wear them out. I don't know as I don't have K series and have only done 15K in mine over the last 1.5 years. But that has also included 11 track days.

[Andrew Dent]

Tony

 

I am in the situation of having the engine out and in little pieces waiting rebuild. I am replacing the clutch and cover, and have seen in Demon Ts a cerametallic plate which is a lot more than the original organic plate. Am about to look into the life expectancy of said clutch. Will report back with findings.

 

Andrew

[Stijn LUYCK 1]

Tony,

 

While doing some upgrades on the car I replaced the standard clutch at 30K miles. Even with about 3.5K of those being track miles there was still about 1mm left on it.

Since the upgrades however I can feel the clutch "work" more ... the extra grip due to a LSD is tough on it as is the change from a 5 to a 6 speed. If you are able to wait a year I can tell you how it behaves after 10K miles smile.gif

[Tony Martyr]

Hi Stijn! didn't I see your name on the Le Sept list? In which case I will be able to check on how your clutch performs well before 10k miles. I think sticky tyres and the 6 speed box makes life a bit more difficult for the clutch but I think I'm going to leave things as they are.