My clutch problem

[TSM]

Blueing of the steel plates, i read that if they show signs of being blue that you need to change them. What is the normal colour of used ones? Why do they need to be changed if blue?

Interesting,

I have just been faffing, (I should have listened to my Uncle when he told me to stop faffing with things I dont understand)

While checking things for my upcoming track school, I tried to adjust my clutch as I was not able to select 1st gear without a grumble. The lever freeplay is ok, so I got into the gubbins and slackened the adjuster and turned the screw.

The manual suggests turning the screw to resistance and then backing it off one quarter turn. It still grumbles and when the bike is on a paddock stand in gear, (I know) the wheel still turns although I can stop it with my foot or gloved hand.

The clutch doesnt appear to slip either, it actually feels better now than before, should I stop faffing?

[TSM]

you could inspect the clutch plates to see if they are ok, simple job.

[embee]

Originally Posted by TSM

Blueing of the steel plates, i read that if they show signs of being blue that you need to change them. What is the normal colour of used ones? Why do they need to be changed if blue?

it's indicative of how hot they've been, for example
http://www.westyorkssteel.com/Heat_T...op%20of%20page

"cornflower blue" or darker suggests 300C plus, which basically starts to change the physical grain structure of the steel, leading to probable distortion and maybe softening etc., depending on how they were heat treated in the first place.

I would suggest that a road bike clutch plate shouldn't really have any colouring, just shiny steel.

If your clutch begins to show signs of slipping under full load, you really need to sort it out and "nurse" it until you do.

For example if your SV produces 70BHP at max power, and you hold the throttle open at 9000 in top but the bikes only doing 110mph (which probably requires less than 50BHP to achieve), it means that over 20BHP (15kW) is going into heating up your clutch. It also cooks the oil which comes in contact with it, engine oil degrades typically above 150-160C.

Originally Posted by Spanner Man

Afternoon all.
Genuine plates are expensive but believe me they're a damn sight better that pattern ones! I too dislike using EBC plates & wont unless the customer insists on it. Don't forget to check the plain plates thoroughly (it's not a bad idea to replace these too). Check them for thickness and distortion, if they're ok LIGHTLY rub the surfaces down with some 600 grit wet & dry paper used wet, & then clean them thoroughly before reinstalling them.
EBC make terrific brakes, but a few years ago I was told by Andy Freeman who owns EBC that their clutch plates are made to a price, rather than to O/E standards. Says it all really!

Cheers.

Would you apply the same logic to using aftermarket pads? I suppose things are always built to a price in all parts supply.

I always thought EBC were a good brand and probably beat the Ferodo pattern parts that Halfords sell.

By the way how busy are you next weekend and Monday / Tuesday?

[Spanner Man]

Evening Wheelnut.
As EBC started off doing replacement brake pads back in the 70's they're just as good when it comes to R&D than anyone. I've been using EBC since the 70's (gawd I'm old) and I wouldn't supply anything else.
But when it comes to clutches, I was told that they fill a gap in the market, hence the lesser price but lesser quality. Which I have found to be true in most cases.
I'm busy until next Saturday, but reasonably free the week after, what do you need doing? 01623 757887.

Cheers

My dad's clutch is worryingly light. If it turns out to be bost i'll have to rub it in as i've always said it was.

[TSM]

Just to let everyone know, a full Barnett clutch kit (friction plates, steel plates, springs) from PDQ for £115. They are official distributers of them in the UK.

Not bad considering that it is ment to be better than suzuki OEM, the cost is very similer or more. I calculated it to be around £120 for the lot OEM.

[TSM]

These are pics of the new plates and also a pic of the old sping vs. the new one.

Friction Pads


Old spring vs. New Spring

I rang Pidcocks yesterday to enquire about price and if they have all the bits in stock, Im still waiting for an answer