With a conventional car, a standard clutch is generally more than enough. Your daily driver likely will not benefit from an upgraded clutch, unless you’ve done a few things to ramp up the performance. However, with more power comes the need for more control – dual friction clutches were developed for just this situation.
How Are Dual Friction Clutches Designed?
In most cases, dual friction clutches will be able to distribute clutch pressure over 360-degree friction facing on one side of the clutch disc. The other side is designed with separate segments that help the disc increase the amount of clamping pressure.
Who Needs Dual Friction Clutches?
Again, standard clutch discs will be more than sufficient for most cars. However, as engine horsepower and transmission torque increase, so too do your needs regarding control and even damage prevention. Not sure if you need a dual friction clutch in your car? Here are a few common symptoms that indicate your standard plate just isn’t doing the job.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while driving, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade your clutch plate for something with a bit more performance:
- Slipping
- Chattering
- No adjustment
- Limited adjustment
- The heavy pedal pressure needed to operate the clutch
What to Know If You’re Replacing Your Clutch
Thinking about replacing your old standard clutch with something newer? It can be a great option that allows you to get better performance, work the clutch less, and alleviate some of the stress on that left leg in stop-and-go driving. However, if you’re thinking about upgrading, you’ll need to follow a few tips.
First, make sure you have your flywheel resurfaced. If it’s particularly old, you might want to consider just replacing it outright. Resurfacing or replacing ensures that your new clutch disc has the flat surface necessary for good engagement and helps prevent premature wear and tear.
Also, make sure that you install a new throw out bearing with your clutch. Using the old bearing will make your clutch extra noisy and will increase the chance of premature failure. Not to mention the fact that it won’t provide the right release for your clutch, causing drivability issues.
Interested in learning more about dual friction clutches and how they can improve your ride quality and drivability? Get in touch with us at Raybestos Powertrain. From clutch packs to training videos, we have you covered.
