OK to reuse clutch disc after 10k miles or replace?

[mthomas58]

Swapped engine and replaced clutch 10K miles ago but I resurfaced the flywheel rather than replace it - big mistake. Result was clutch chatter that I will address shortly by dropping the engine again to install a new flywheel. Should I replace the clutch disc again too?

As a result of the chatter problem, I've noticed significantly more clutch disc burning smell when slipping the clutch than ever before. I would hate to put everything back together and have continued chatter from a worn, unevenly worn or burned clutch disc.

What are the recommendations from the clutch experts here?

[Oh Haha]

Replace it while you have it apart. You will be good to go for many miles.

Save the old one for a spare.

[Grady Clay]

Mark,

In general I consider the clutch disc/aggravation factor where I replace the disc at almost every opportunity. There are situations where I intend to have the engine & transmission out regularly (for re-gearing for example). In those situations, I regularly re-use slightly worn parts.

There is some ‘break-in’ with a new disc. If you want it to be prefect (like starting a race) a very slightly used disc is best.

There is nothing disadvantageous about using a used disc so long that it is good. There is the rub. It is usually difficult to tell good from bad unless at the extremes.

Bent, broken and other physical damage is easy to eliminate.

An oiled disc is unacceptable. How much oil? How do you measure? Very subjective.

A burned disc is unacceptable. How much overheating? How do you measure? Very subjective.

And the big one:

A worn disc is unacceptable. How much wear? How do you measure? If it slips, that is easy. The problem is that it is difficult to measure wear on a street-type disc with springs between the two friction pieces. You have to clamp the spring to collapse to measure anything. Even then, how much force do you use? How do you tell the difference between 1% and 20%? It isn’t easy or obvious. Usually very subjective.

Solution:

If in doubt, replace the part with new.

This is expensive and wasteful but yields successful results. Your decision.

Best,
Grady

[mthomas58]

Great information and good advice Grady. Thanks!

I think I will go ahead and replace.